Having identified the key interest features of the European marine site, it is essential to have a clear view of how these features might be conserved, whilst taking into account local cultural, economic, social and recreational requirements. This is best achieved by deciding a set of conservation objectives for the site interest features. These objectives should define what is favourable condition for each of the features and therefore provide a target against which the results of monitoring programmes may be measured.

The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, commonly known as the "Habitat Regulations" transpose the EC Habitats Directive into UK law. Regulation 33 of the Habitats Regulations requires that as soon as a site becomes a European marine site, the statutory nature conservation agencies should set conservation objectives for the interest features, and provide advice upon any operations or activities which may cause deterioration of these features. Because the European marine site spans the English-Scottish border, the statutory nature conservation agencies for the site are English Nature and Scottish Natural Heritage.

English Nature and Scottish Natural Heritage have produced a "Regulation 33 Advice Package" for the site. A full copy of this document may be downloaded at the bottom of this page. This document describes the conservation importance of each of the site interest features and sets a measurable conservation objective for each of these features.

Conservation Objectives

Subject to natural change, to maintain in favourable condition:

• Reefs - In particular the extent, distribution and diversity of reef communities
• Sea Caves - In particular the diversity and characteristic zonation of sea cave communities.
• Intertidal Sand & Mud Flats - In particular the extent of eelgrass bed and mussel (Mytilus edulis) bed communities, and the diversity of infaunal* communities.
• Large Shallow Inlets & Bays - This interest feature has only recently been added to the designation for the European marine site. The conservation objective for this feature is currently under consideration.
• Grey seals - In particular the extent and suitability of grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) breeding habitat on the Farne Islands
• SPA Bird Interests - To maintain in favourable condition the habitats for the Annex 1 bird species, migratory bird species and assemblage of waterfowl. In particular, eelgrass beds, saltmarsh, intertidal sand and mud flats and rocky shores.

(*Infaunal communities are communities of animals that live below the surface of sand or mudflats)

Both English Nature and Scottish Natural Heritage will monitor the condition of the site interest features to ensure that the conservation objectives are being met. The condition of the interest features will reflect the nature of the issues affecting the site. Some of the key issues affecting the European marine site are highlighted within the Management Scheme page.

Download Regulation 33 Advice Package here (205k zip)