The UK’s offshore environment consists of waters beyond the 12 nautical mile boundary from the coast out to the British Fishery Limits.
Responsibility for implementing the CBD in the UK’s offshore environment varies across the UK.
- In England, implementation is the responsibility of the UK Government.
- In Scotland and Wales, implementation is the responsibility of the Scottish and Welsh Governments respectively.
- In Northern Ireland’s offshore waters, responsibility for biodiversity conservation is reserved to the UK Government, including the designation and management of marine protected areas.
