Jane just to make clear about my comments in other threads was concerning data captured by local/government authorities but not shared and then those same authorities changing or making decisions. The fact they have not shared the data is a political and cultural issue and is not defensible in my opinion. A lot of mass media, public broadcasters and political parties are quite happy to go on feeding us low fact diet of opinions. I will always support and vote for those that seek more openness and transparency in our government bodies including the WPCC :-) Anyway - here is a section from the publication mentioned in the title. My concern was in the amount of dredging in protected areas.It looks like boat capacity was increased in 2013/16 - it is unclear much was to do with keeping shipyards going. I shall have a dig to see if this has translated to more patrols."How many patrol boats does the squadron have now?For years the Squadron operated four River-class OPVs. Three were based in the UK and the fourth, HMS Clyde, was permanently based in the South Atlantic as the Falkland Islands patrol vessel.In 2013 the Government unexpectedly announced it was buying three new batch-2 River-class OPVs. This was to sustain work in BAE Systems’ shipyards until work began on the new Type 26 frigates. A further two were ordered in 2016.At the time of writing, the squadron numbers four OPVs. The three batch-1s HMS Clyde, Tyne and Mersey, and the first of the new batch-2s, HMS Forth. The four remaining Batch 2’s should be in service by the end of 2020."https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/the-royal-navy-brexit-and-uk-fisheries/
Ed Robinson ● 1936d