Question
Can the permission granted for limited scallop dredging taking place in one section of Cardigan Bay (a Special Area of Conservation) be extended to another part of the same SAC and remain compatible with the Habitats Directive?
Answer
The Habitats Directive requires that any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a Natura 2000 site but likely to have a significant effect thereon is subject to an appropriate assessment. It is for the competent authorities in the member state to ascertain whether there is any likely significant effect and to make such assessments where necessary.
