ASERA

ASERA was formed in 1998 in recognition of the practical and resourcing difficulties authorities would face if they were to individually attempt to discharge their statutory duties, in respect of the Habitats Directive. It is intended that through ASERA, the Relevant Authorities will be able to discharge their statutory duties in the most efficient and cost effective way possible. Given the statutory duties that all Relevant Authorities share, and the benefits of sharing costs for discharging them, ASERA represents the large majority of Relevant Authorities on the Severn Estuary.

The key focus of the Association is to establish and maintain a single management scheme for the Severn Estuary European Marine Site (EMS). Under the management scheme, the functions of the Relevant Authorities are exercised to achieve the requirements of the European Habitats and Birds Directives.

What is the role of ASERA?

Competent and Relevant authorities have a statutory duty to ensure that they carry out their functions in compliance with the EC Habitats Regulations.  The Regulations make provision for Relevant Authorities to establish a management scheme for a European Marine Site. ASERA is responsible for establishing and maintaining the Management Scheme for the Severn Estuary European Marine Site (EMS), which is comprised of the following:

The SPA, SAC and Ramsar designations cover the intertidal and subtidal areas eastwards of a line between Lavernock Point on the Welsh coast and Brean Down on the English coast. This designation requires that the site be managed so that natural habitats and wild species listed on the Annexes to the Directive are maintained or recovered to a favourable conservation status.

The Management Scheme is intended to provide a mechanism for Relevant Authorities to set the framework within which their activities will be managed. It aims to construct a clear picture of the effects of current use and will establish whether additional measures are required to meet the conservation objectives of the site. The Management Scheme allows the Relevant Authorities to discharge their statutory duties in compliance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive.