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There are a number of significant environmental problems caused by a number of pressures, including diffuse and point source pollution, alterations to beds, banks and shores, alterations to water levels and flows and the presence of invasive non-native species. In order to measure these pressures and their potential effects, we use an aquatic classification system which covers rivers, lochs, estuaries, coastal and groundwater bodies. These are split into management units called water bodies, with a classification produced for each body (the number of water bodies between years varies slightly, as some water body boundaries are reviewed to ensure that they can be managed appropriately). We produce an annual Water Framework Directive (WFD) Classification for all the water bodies in Scotland. Classification results for 2007 to the current year can be found on the Water Classification Hub. Read the State of Scotland's Water Environment 2024 summary report (MS Word, 1.17 MB). Most of our water environment is already in a good condition and subject to fewer pressures than most other E

Site NameLocation Info  Ardtoe and Loch Ceann Traigh An area bounded by lines drawn between NM5896071973 (Rubha na h-Acairseid) and NM6280072702 and between NM6300070299 and NM6300069862, and extending to MHWS. View Site Report Ayrshire Coast An area bounded by the coast and a line from a point at NS1783948444 (Farland Head) to point NS2104143938 and thence to the coast at NS2197744291 (Montf

Site NameLocation Info  Bay of Ireland An area inshore of a line drawn between HY 2745309093 (Bu Point) and HY2800008000, between HY2800008000 and HY2800007000 and between HY2800007000 and HY2907807108, with the northern boundary being a line drawn between HY2814411222 and HY2821311255, and extending to MHWS. View Site Report Black Islands, Kyle An area bounded by lines drawn between NG75853

Site Name Location Info   Arbroath An area bounded by the coast and a line from NO6699841777 (Deil’s Heid) generally south to a point NO6690040800 then south-west to a point NO6270038700 and then north-west to meet the coast at NO 6219839305 (mouth of the Elliot Water) and extending to MHW View Site Report Asknish Bay Area bounded by lines drawn from NM7680709867 to NM7925310111 and from NM

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

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

The majority of dams will require an authorisation from SEPA under "The Water Environment (Controlled Activities)(Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR). This authorisation number will start CAR/.../... If you don't have a CAR authorisation for your dam, then you should contact your local SEPA team to discuss this. You can find more advice on impoundments and water resources authorisations on our Enviro