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We have three categories of monitoring which have different but complementary purposes: surveillance, operational and investigative. This strategy ensures we are collecting the right information in the right place and allows us to concentrate our effort on the greatest risks to the environment. We have many years of experience in monitoring and protecting the aquatic environment. In 2007, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) introduced the need for a broader, more holistic approach to monitoring and classifying Scotland’s aquatic environment. Its aim is to use data collected to protect and improve water bodies in order that they meet good ecological status, or similar objective. This moni

Further technical guidance This page brings together a number of ancillary guidance documents and previous email bulletin information relating to modelling of marine fish-farms for CAR licence applications. Auxiliary biomass sampling transect In areas where the tidal residual current is weak, the auxiliary transect (site-specific sampling 2) may be aligned along a bearing reciprocal to the primary

List of data published by SEPA. Links to access data itself or applications that show the data We publish a range of datasets related to the environment, and we are continually reviewing and adding to this list. Please use our online form to contact us if you cannot find the dataset you require. We have a Corrections policy for handling revisions and corrections to the statistical summaries we produce. Our User engagement policy specifies how we engage with users to ensure our statistics ar

A list of publications relating to river basin planning in Scotland and the Solway Tweed. River basin management planning publications This page provides a full list of RBMP publications listed in order from the most recent to the earliest work. Date Publication 2024 Statement of consultation opportunities during development of the next River Basin Management Plan for Scotland. 2024 River Basin Management Planning in the Solway Tweed, Statement of Consultation Steps.

Marine aquaculture modelling Computer modelling is used as a guide to determining licensed discharge quantities of anti-parasitic chemicals and organic waste arising from marine fish-farm operations. The modelling tools promoted by SEPA provide robust predictions in most cases, requiring relatively little site-specific information. Nevertheless, the quality of the model outputs is dependent upon g

Frequently asked questions Why is a sea lice framework needed? Populations of wild Atlantic salmon have been in serious decline in recent decades and are now at crisis point. The pattern of decline is repeated across the salmon’s North Atlantic range and is likely caused, at least in part, by the effect of climate change on the survival of salmon during their time at sea. To build resilience of Sc

What is an elevated building? A building where structures such as pillars or stilts are used to raise it above the expected flood water level. The ground below the building remains at risk of flooding and allows for the free flow of water. Context for this position statement This position statement constitutes part of ‘relevant SEPA advice’ as referred to in criterion a) iv of the National Plannin