Dr. Eamonn Kelly:

In answer to the first question, we have marine ecologists on staff who provide specific advice and expertise on marine habitats and species. As my colleague said, we have in excess of 100 Natura 2000 sites in the marine environment. They are either special areas of conservation, for one reason or another, or special protection areas for birds. They operate within exactly the same framework and guiding principles from either the habitats directive or the birds directive. Therefore, the same principles apply at sea as on land and the same mechanisms and advisory capacity would be brought to bear regardless of whether one works on land or at sea. I hope I have answered the Senator's question.