The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published investigation reports into three fatal accidents where four fishermen might have survived had they been wearing personal flotation devices when they entered the water. The MAIB states that 2016 has been a particularly bad year having had investigate the deaths of nine commercial fishermen.
Despite a three year safety campaign, which has included the donation of a free life jacket to almost every commercial fisherman in the UK, the message about the necessity for wearing life jackets does not appear to be getting through. In order to prevent further unnecessary loss of commercial fishermen’s lives the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been asked to introduce legislation making it compulsory for fishermen to wear personal flotation devices on the working decks of commercial fishing vessels while they are at sea.
The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has recommended that eleven substances of very high concern (SVHCs) be added to the REACH Authorisation List. They have been prioritised from the Candidate List because of their high volume and widespread uses, which may pose a threat to human health, or may be used to replace other substances already on the Authorisation List. The substances are:
• 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dihexyl ester, branched and linear (271-093-5) • Dihexyl phthalate (201-559-5) • Cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride [1], cis-cyclohexane-1,2- dicarboxylic anhydride [2], trans-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride [3] [The individual cis- [2] and trans- [3] isomer substances and all possible combinations of the cis- and transisomers [1] are covered by this entry] (HHPA) (201-604-9) (236-086-3) (238-009-9) • Hexahydromethylphthalic anhydride [1], Hexahydro-4- methylphthalic anhydride [2], Hexahydro-1-methylphthalic anhydride [3], Hexahydro-3-methylphthalic anhydride [4] [The individual isomers [2], [3] and [4] (including their cis- and transstereo isomeric forms) and all possible combinations of the isomers [1] are covered by this entry] (MHHPA) (247-094-1) (243-072-0) (256-356-4) (260-566-1) • Trixylyl phosphate (246-677-8) • Sodium perborate; perboric acid, sodium salt (239-172-9) (234-390-0) • Sodium peroxometaborate (231-556-4) • Orange lead (lead tetroxide) (215-235-6) • Lead monoxide (lead oxide) (215-267-0) • Pentalead tetraoxide sulphate (235-067-7) • Tetralead trioxide sulphate (235-380-9)
An assessment of underwater noise in the marine environment around the UK has been published by Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science), Marine Scotland Science and University of Exeter. Underwater noise data was obtained from subsea sound recorders located around the UK coast.
Sources of noise in the ocean include shipping, seismic exploration, and construction activity, such as port extensions or offshore wind farms. There is concern that rising levels of underwater noise pollution worldwide may have an impact on marine life by interfering with communication, causing changes in behaviour, and raising stress levels. The study will inform UK policy on underwater noise pollution, and forms the basis of the UK assessment of underwater noise under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), which assesses the status of European seas.