Cefas' 2011-12 Annual Report and Accounts published
Reference: 03-12
12 July 2012
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science
(Cefas) published its Annual Report and Accounts
2011-12 today, 12 July 2012. The report describes Cefas'
main achievements for the year.
As an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs (Defra), Cefas is accountable to Ministers
and Parliament. The document was formally laid before Parliament
earlier today.
Cefas' achievement, measured against key performance indicators,
is reported in the document. The agency achieved, and in many
places exceeded, its performance targets.
In addition, the financial accounts are fully audited by the
National Audit Office and approved by the Comptroller and Auditor
General.
The report also contains highlights from the past financial year
including:
- Marine conservation: A £3.9 million marine
survey programme was delivered, integrating resources and
capabilities across the public and private sectors. In the final
quarter alone, Cefas scientists collected baseline acoustic data
and approximately 1,000 biological and sediment samples, 600 video
tows and 2,000 still images of the seabed to enable robust
designation of Marine Conservation Zones.
- Seafood safety: Cefas scientists successfully
embedded innovative chemical techniques to test for naturally
occurring toxins in shellfish. The UK is the first major
shellfish-producing country to implement these methods within
government programmes, completely replacing the use of live animals
for routine testing while sustaining the reliability of the tests
to defend human health.
- Sustainable fisheries: Cefas developed ideas -
in collaboration with the UK fishing and supported by Defra - that
have been incorporated into the EU Commission's draft proposals for
reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. These aim to achieve a
thriving and sustainable fishing industry and improved
predictability of reform impacts.
- Energy: Cefas scientists supported the
development of both nuclear and offshore renewable energy with
expert advice and marine data. In 2011, EDF Energy applied to
the Infrastructure Planning Commission for a Development Consent
Order for Hinkley Point C - a major milestone. The accompanying
Environmental Statement relied upon Cefas' extensive marine
assessments.
- Diversifying income: The agency grew its
non-Defra funding by a further £1.9 million (10% annual growth) and
was thus able to support substantial self-investment in its people,
science and facilities.
- Employee engagement: Cefas was rated a Civil
Service High Performer, being in the upper quartile of all
organisations that took part in the civil service-wide staff
survey.
- Strong health and safety performance: Recently
accredited systems have been embedded in the agency, continuing the
focus on safe and sound practices.
Cefas' Chief Executive, Richard Judge, said: "It has been an
excellent year for Cefas. Again, we showed ourselves able to rise
to a variety of challenges, delivering high-quality work that
attracted outstanding customer feedback.
Our ongoing success reflects fantastic commitment, customer
focus and teamwork across the breadth of Cefas. I am particularly
proud of the way in which we have embraced partnerships and
innovation to such good effect in 'making a difference'."
Copies of the Cefas' Annual Report and Accounts 2011-12
were placed in the library of the House of Commons today, 12 July
2012.
Notes for editors
- Cefas is the UK government's foremost source of evidence,
applied science and impartial expert advice for marine and closely
related environments. Its work supports government decision-making,
provides long-term assurance and responds to EU/UK legislation and
obligations. It tackles and makes a real difference on issues of
great importance to society such as food safety, secure energy
supply and biodiversity - with projects that support and enable
economic growth and the protection of the natural environment. For
more detail about Cefas' work, visit other sections of this
website: www.cefas.defra.gov.uk.
- Marine and freshwater environment sectors contribute over £35
billion to the UK economy and bring wider socio-economic
benefits.
- Printed copies of the Cefas' Annual Report and Accounts
2011-12 (ISBN 978-0-10-297578-9) are available in black and
white only, price £10.75, from TSO, PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN
(General enquiries: 0870 600 5522).
- This publication is available for download at http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/
and is also available from this website at www.cefas.defra.gov.uk/about-us/annual-report-and-accounts.aspx.
Press contact:
Anne McClarnon
Telephone: 01502 524370 / Email: anne.mcclarnon@cefas.co.uk
ENDS