Since the EU Habitats and Birds Directives came into force there has been an emerging trend for the assessment of sites within SACs and SPAs where aquaculture installations exist or where an application for such an installation has been made. Such site assessments are necessary to enable informed management decisions be made in relation to the granting or otherwise of licences for aquaculture installations.

MERC consultants have considerable experience in the mapping and conservation assessment of habitats of conservation important within SACs and SPAs and the policy and legislative issues pertaining to such installations.