Background
The ALSF was started in 2002, following the Finance Act 2001( 2006 Marine ASLF Science and Information Strategy (.pdf 110kb).) The ALSF has three main objectives:
- Minimising the demand for primary aggregates.
- Promoting environmentally friendly extraction and transport.
- Reducing the effect of local aggregate extraction.
Defra and Cefas, together, contribute to the delivery of the ALSF objectives in the following ways:
Marine ALSF Steering Group
Defra and Cefas are represented on a Defra chaired Marine ALSF Steering Group that agrees the strategic direction of marine projects funded by the ALSF and ensures that they meet with the ALSF objectives. The Marine Stewardship Report ‘Safeguarding our Seas’ published in 2002 describes how the integrated management of human activities underpins the safeguarding of the marine environment.
Government Initiatives and Priorities
New Government initiatives include a greater use of spatial planning in the marine environment together with the strategic management of human activities. The ALSF offers the opportunity to fund research that will help to reduce the environmental costs of aggregate extraction, including that from the sea.
Scientific research areas correspond with priorities of Government including Defra, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minster (ODPM) and Crown Estates (CEC), based on those identified at a stakeholder workshop held on 30th June 2003 and the Marine Aggregate R&D Review on 10th November 2003.
Marine Environment Protection Fund Evaluation Panel
Defra and Cefas are represented on a Defra Marine and Waterways Division chaired Marine Environment Protection Evaluation Panel. The Panel has responsibility for reviewing priority areas considered by Government Departments as being suitable for marine ALSF funding. The Panel also has responsibility for setting specific science deliverables ensuring that ALSF objectives are met and that by a review and award process contracts are let by Cefas that provide value for money.
The aim is to ensure that the ALSF is used to procure research which delivers projects that:
- Reduce the local effects of marine aggregate extraction.
- Promote environmentally friendly practices for the extraction of marine aggregates.
- Undertake strategic research into the environmental consequences of marine aggregate extraction.
- Reduce the environmental impacts of using marine aggregate in coastal protection schemes.
Roles and Responsibilities
Defra is responsible for the Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF).
The Marine Environment Protection Fund (MEPF) element of the ALSF is governed by a Marine ALSF Steering Group, chaired by Defra and supported by an Evaluation Panel. The Marine ALSF Steering Group has appointed Cefas to distribute the MEPF.
The Marine ALSF Steering Group meets approximately 4 times per year and includes representatives from the following organisations: Defra, The Crown Estate, BMAPA, Cefas, Natural England, JNCC, English Heritage, MIRO, HR Wallingford and CLG.
The purpose of the Evaluation Panel is to oversee the process of distribution of the Marine Environment Protection Fund.
MEPF Evaluation Panel members will maintain strict confidentiality of any commercially sensitive information produced or received, including pre- and post-tender documentation. No member of the Panel shall be involved in the final approval process for a tender submitted by their own organisation.
The Evaluation Procedure is published on the ALSF-MEPF website along with the Research Requirements Document.