Cefas 2005-06 annual report & accounts published

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) publishes its Annual Report and Accounts 2005–2006 today. The Report describes Cefas’ major achievements for the year. In addition, as an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the document covers Cefas’ performance against ministerial targets.

The Report highlights a number of achievements including:

• The successful outcome of its quinquennial science audit, which judges science excellence;
• Delivering easier access to Cefas data for external interest groups, and providing a GIS (geographic information system) approach for display and handling;
• The launch of its latest generation of electronic data storage tag – the G5;
• Increased stakeholder engagement with the fishing industry, through the Fisheries Science Partnership (FSP);

Strengthened media engagement, and targeted involvement during National Science Week.

Cefas’ Chief Executive, Mark Farrar, said that this Report ”demonstrates the continued excellence and breadth of Cefas’ science, which underpins a comprehensive ecosystem approach to the aquatic environment. Our scientists supplied the very best advice and support to our clients worldwide – ensuring continued growth in income.”

Copies of the Cefas Annual Report and Accounts 2005–2006 have been placed in the library of the House of Commons today.

Notes to editors

1. Cefas is an internationally renowned scientific research and advisory establishment, based at Lowestoft since 1902. It also has laboratories at Burnham-on-Crouch and Weymouth, and a number of other facilities around the UK. It became an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in 1997.

2. Cefas undertakes work on fisheries management, environmental protection and aquaculture. It offers a wide range of research, advisory, consultancy, monitoring and training activities to government departments (UK and foreign, central and local), international agencies, commercial companies and aid organisations. For more detail see the Cefas website: www.cefas.co.uk/.

3. Printed copies of the Cefas Annual Report and Accounts 2005-2006 (ISBN 0-10-293737-0) are available from today, 26 June 2006, price £15.00, from The Stationery Office, Publications Centre, 51 Nine Elms Lane, London SW8 5DR. General enquiries: 0870 600 5522.

4. The report is also available from the Cefas library on 01502 52 4210, and via the Cefas website at www.cefas.co.uk.

Press contact: Anne McClarnon: 01502 52 4370 / 0776 829 0938 / anne.mcclarnon@cefas.co.uk.