Environmental & Energy

Oil & Gas Offshore Decommissioning Guidance, UKCS

OPRED published guidance on decommissioning offshore oil and gas installations and pipelines on the UK Continental Shelf under the Petroleum Act 1998. Operators must submit decommissioning programmes identifying all equipment, infrastructure, and materials, along with proposed decommissioning solutions for each item. OPRED invites public comments on programmes and has published financial assurance guidance outlining how it assesses operators' financial capability to carry out decommissioning.

Deep Drilling Screening Directions 2026 - Multiple Offshore Well Decisions

OPRED issued multiple deep drilling screening direction decisions for UK offshore petroleum operations. Decisions were published for SHEARWATER (Adura Operations Limited), MUNGO (BP Exploration Operating Company Limited), MAGNUS (Enquest Heather Limited), PENGUIN WEST (Adura Operations Limited), CYGNUS (Ithaca (NE) E&P Limited), and CLAIR-RIDGE (BP Exploration Operating Company Limited). These environmental screening decisions authorise drilling producer wells at various North Sea locations. Decision references include DR/2626/0, DR/2647/0, DR/2643/0, DR/2641/0, DR/2634/0, and DR/2642/0.

OPRED Requests EMS Annual Public Statement from Offshore Operators

OPRED issued a request on 15 April 2026 for Environmental Management System (EMS) Annual Public Statements from offshore oil and gas operators. The communication is part of OPRED's ongoing stakeholder communications for 2026. Operators in the UK offshore sector should monitor for the specific submission requirements outlined in the request.

Charging Regime for Offshore Oil and Gas Activities - Consultation Concluded

OPRED and DESNZ have concluded their consultation on revised hourly rates for specialist and non-specialist staff fees under the new offshore decommissioning charging regime. The consultation ran from 17 February to 13 March 2026 and sought feedback on rates used to calculate costs recovered for the Secretary of State's environmental and decommissioning functions under Part IV of the Petroleum Act 1998. Changes were enabled by amendments to the Petroleum Act 1998 made by the Energy Act 2023.

Kyla Field Development Decision

OPRED issued a decision on the Kyla Field Development project proposed by Serica Energy Ltd. The decision is accompanied by a full Environmental Statement (Part 1 and Part 2, totalling over 500 pages) and a public consultation notice published on 10 April 2026. The project falls under the Offshore Petroleum Licensing regime and requires compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment regulations.

KHV Outbreaks Found in England and Wales, 2025

The Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) has reported Koi herpesvirus (KHV) disease outbreaks at multiple sites in England and Wales during 2025. KHV is a serious viral disease affecting carp species that can cause large-scale mortalities. Confirmed designation controls have been placed on affected sites, including movement restrictions and disposal requirements for mortalities. Fish keepers are advised to monitor for signs of KHV and report suspected outbreaks to the FHI immediately.

Apply to List Aquaculture Disinfectants, View Products

CEFAS and Defra updated guidance on the voluntary aquaculture disinfectant listing scheme, which validates disinfectants against aquatic viral and bacterial diseases. Seven products are currently listed with their effective dilutions. Disinfectant manufacturers may apply by submitting test results from qualified laboratories and completing the required application forms.

Exporting Live Fish, Molluscs and Crustaceans for Farming

CEFAS, DEFRA, and APHA updated guidance on exporting live fish, molluscs, and crustaceans from England and Wales. Exporters must obtain authorisation under The Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009, including site visits within 7 working days and compliance visits within 4 weeks. EU-bound exports must also comply with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2236.

Apply to Use Fishing Instruments Other Than Rod and Line in England

The Environment Agency, CEFAS, and Defra have published guidance for England on applying for authorisation to use nets, traps, or electric fishing instruments in inland waters (canals, rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds). Applications require details including planned fishing dates, instrument types, site locations with national grid references, water types and sizes, conservation designations, and target fish species. There is a fee for catching eel/elver or lamprey/smelt by net or trap; authorisation is free for other species.

UK Butterfly Trends, 2026 Release, Data to 2025

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee released official statistics on UK butterfly population trends based on data from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme through 2025. The statistics are presented at UK level and country level where sufficient data exist. The UKBMS is organized and funded by Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, British Trust for Ornithology, and JNCC, and relies on volunteer data contributors.