Publications scheme
Introduction
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) has integrity among its core values and public accountability among its corporate objectives. As a result, we aim to work openly, honestly and with integrity, sharing information with our stakeholders and increasing public understanding of science.
This publication scheme is a guide to the information routinely published by Cefas. Information has been set out in classes, or topics, to provide easy access. It has been designed to assist in meeting our objectives and core values. It also aims to meet the requirements set out in the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 1992.
In all cases, Cefas supports and encourages the wide distribution of the findings of its research, except where disclosure would adversely affect the confidentiality of commercial information where, such confidentiality is protected by law in order to protect a legitimate commercial interest.
Unless otherwise indicated, the information described in this publication scheme is available from our website. Hard copy versions are also available from the address below. The information is available free of charge unless otherwise stated.
As the purpose of the scheme is to promote greater openness, it is important that it fully meets your needs. General feedback and suggestions for additional classes of information that could be included are welcomed.
For further information contact:
Publication Scheme Co-ordinator
Records and Information Unit
Cefas
Lowestoft Laboratory
Pakefield Road
Lowestoft
Suffolk NR33 0HT
Tel: 01502 524210
Fax: 01502 524525
Email: lowlibrary@cefas.co.uk
Charges which may be made for information published under this scheme
The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public. Charges made by the authority for routinely published material will be justified and transparent and kept to a minimum.
Material which is published and accessed on a website will be provided free of charge.
Charges may be made for information subject to a charging regime specified by Parliament.
Charges may be made for actual disbursements incurred such as:
- photocopying
- postage and packaging
- the costs directly incurred as a result of viewing information
Charges may also be made for information provided under this scheme where they are legally authorised, they are in all the circumstances, including the general principles of the right of access to information held by public authorities, justified and are in accordance with a published schedule or schedules of fees which is readily available to the public.
If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided. Payment may be requested prior to provision of the information.
Classes of Information
- Organisational Information and Structure
- Financial Information and Performance
- Operational Polices and Procedures
- Lists and Registers
- The services we offer
1. Organisational Information and Structure
Cefas is an Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Our primary purpose is the application of science to support the objectives of government departments. This is underpinned by world-class research and commercial development of our skills and knowledge.
We seek to be the primary source of high quality science used in:
- Conserving and enhancing the aquatic environment.
- Promoting rational management of natural resources.
- Protecting the public from aquatic contaminants.
Cefas is thus at the heart of the sustainable development agenda, through our work on:
- Protection and management of the marine environment.
- Fisheries science and management.
- Aquaculture and fish health.
- Safety of seafood.
This includes provision of advice on marine fisheries and environmental impact to the UK Government and other public bodies. We are involved in a wide range of collaborative research in partnership with governments, industry and academic bodies world-wide. Cefas scientists represent Defra and the United Kingdom, nationally and internationally, and we also carry out statutory tasks of inspection, licensing and enforcement to ensure compliance on many issues.
2. Financial Information and performance
Accounts submitted to Parliament on an annual basis, starting with accounts for 1997.
Copies of the accounts are available in electronic form only on our website. Hard copies may be purchased from The Stationery Office and are subject to copyright restrictions.
3. Operational Polices and Procedures
4. Lists and Registers
IAR contains descriptions of unpublished information held. The IAR can be accessed via HMSO's Inforoute website at http://www.inforoute.hmso.gov.uk/ and is also available on the Cefas web site.
Information released in relation to Access to Information Requests
Disclosure log 2007-08 (PDF, 47 KB)
Disclosure log 2008-09 (PDF, 16 KB)
5. The Services We Offer
A series designed for the speedy production of computer-derived data, generally with minimal text or interpretation.
A long-standing series, mostly of a more technical nature, detailing scientific procedures, results and interpretation.
A series specifically for commentary on data collected under long-term programmes. Normally issued on an annual basis for the major programmes, but reports covering one-off projects are covered.
A series of reviews of disposal operations at disposal sites that lie within or adjacent to designated marine candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs), to comply with certain Regulations of the UK's conservation regulations.
A yearly report that includes data on concentrations of radionuclides in food, sediments, soils, air, water and plants, and radiation dose rates over various substrates.
Cefas issues scientific reports on specific projects for it's clients. Where these are not controlled by commercial or other restrictions we have a policy of making them accessible.
Published as a service to the British trout farming industry.
Published as a service to the shellfish farming and harvesting industry.
Copyright
Cefas is a Crown body and the material listed in this Publication scheme is subject to Crown copyright administered by Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO). Crown copyright material (other than the Royal Arms and Departmental or Agency logos) may be reproduced free of charge in any format providing it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading manner. Where Crown copyright material published within this scheme is being re-used or reproduced, you must identify the source and acknowledge the copyright status. If you are unsure of copyright status or want to publish outside this scheme please contact the Publications Unit at Cefas, Lowestoft Laboratory.
Written requests
Information held by a public authority that is not published under this scheme can be requested in writing, when its provision will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.
