Publications scheme

Introduction

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 2004.

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

Brief description of Cefas

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 ofApril 28, 2006any issues.

Classes of information

Class 1: Environment and food safety

This class covers information relating to assessment and research to improve food safety, particularly as it relates to seafood and freshwater fisheries and its contamination with radionuclides, micro-organisms and chemicals. Comprises information on the following:

• Microbiology/food safety
• Radiological protection 
• Food contaminants

Class 2: Environmental management

This class of information relates to the assessment of the impacts of human activities on the aquatic environment. Information on the following is included:

• Oil exploitation and exploration
• Marine aggregates
• Coastal development

Class 3: Environmental quality

This class consists of scientific advice for the conservation of ecosystems and surveillance of human and natural disturbance to the aquatic environment. Comprises information on the following:

• Hazardous substances
• Monitoring and assessment
• Environmental and ecosystems processes

Class 4: Fisheries biology

This class of information relates to the science necessary to assess the impact of human activities and natural factors on freshwater and marine fauna and ecosystems. Information on the following is included:

• Ecosystem effects
• Population and behaviour
• Salmon and freshwater

Class 5: Fisheries management

Under this class advice on the regulation and management of fisheries based on monitoring, assessment and modelling of fish and shellfish stocks is provided. Their response to exploitation is studied, and research on the environments in which they live and species with which they interact is conducted. Comprises information on the following:

• Monitoring
• Fisheries modelling
• Assessment

Class 6: Aquaculture and fish health

This class relates to the scientific advice on the development of sustainable aquaculture practices and the protection of wild and cultivated stocks from disease. Comprises information on the following:

• Fish health
• Fish health inspections and advice
• Welfare and disease prevention in aquaculture

Class 7: Corporate

This class comprises corporate information relating to the corporate objectives and performance of Cefas and comprises:

• Digest of the Cefas Management Board Minutes excluding details of discussions relating to specific individuals or cases, information provided in confidence, or information likely to prejudice the commercial interests of Cefas
  Available upon request. Please contact the Publications Scheme Co-ordinator (see details above).
• Reports and accounts laid before Parliament. Annual reports since 2000 are available in electronic form only on our website. Hard copies may be purchased from The Stationery Office and are subject to copyright restrictions
• Digest of the Corporate Plan covering a three year period and prepared on a rolling basis
  Available upon request. Please contact the Publications Scheme Co-ordinator (see details above).

This class consists of:

• Accounts submitted to Parliament on an annual basis, starting with accounts for 1999. 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

Class 9: Human resources

This class of information does not include information on particular members of staff or other individuals. It consists of the following:

• Job descriptions used for recruitment purposes
• Policies and procedures relating to the recruitment and selection of staff
• Recruitment advertisements and information for applicants

Class 10: Policies and procedures

This class of information comprises the following:

• Electronic records management policy (PDF, 65KB)
• Data protection policy (PDF, 14KB)
• Health and safety policy
• Cefas Charter
• Fish Health Inspectorate Charter
• Cefas Animal Policy
• Environmental policy
• Sustainable development action plan

Further information

Unless otherwise indicated, the information described in this publication scheme is available from the Cefas website, usually in the form of publications, fact sheets or databases, or in hard copy from the Publication Scheme Co-ordinator. Information not covered by the scheme may still be available on request.

Publication Scheme Co-ordinator
Records and Information Unit
Cefas
Lowestoft Laboratory
Pakefield Road
Lowestoft
Suffolk NR33 0HT

Tel: 01502 524370
Fax: 01502 524525
Email: lowlibrary@cefas.co.uk

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 Stationery Office Licensing Division:

HMSO Licensing Division
St. Clements House
2-16 Colegate
Norwich
NR3 1BQ

Tel: 01603 621000

Information asset register (IAR)

Cefas also undertakes to maintain an Information Asset Register (IAR) containing 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 website.

Regular publications

Cefas publishes a number of regular publications. These comprise:

Science Series Data Reports

A series designed for the speedy production of computer-derived data, generally with minimal text or interpretation.

Science Series Technical Reports

A long-standing series, mostly of a more technical nature, detailing scientific procedures, results and interpretation.

Science Series Aquatic Environment Monitoring Reports

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.

Science Series Aquatic Environmental Protection: Analytical Methods

This series complements Aquatic Environment Monitoring Reports by providing detailed descriptions of laboratory procedures used in the preparation and analysis of environmental methods.

Trout News

Published as a service to the British trout farming industry.

Shellfish News

Published as a service to the shellfish farming and harvesting industry.

Cefas Insight

A regular business-to-business newsletter informing customers and collaborators of the latest developments at Cefas.

Coast Map News

A newsletter about marine and coastal data and information. By providing an overview of current issues and latest developments in this area, the newsletter aims to promote better integration of activities and avoid duplication of effort.