These Regulations amend the Surface Waters (Fishlife) (Classification) (Scotland) Regulations 1997 (“the 1997 Regulations”), which prescribe a system for classifying and monitoring the quality of inland waters which need protection or improvement in order to support fishlife.

Regulation 2(2) substitutes regulation 4(5) of the 1997 Regulations and adds new regulation 4(5A), to clarify the original provisions.

Regulation 2(3) adds a new regulation 5A to the 1997 Regulations. This places a duty on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to establish programmes to reduce pollution in waters classified under the 1997 Regulations.

The 1997 Regulations, as amended by these Regulations, together with the Surface Waters (Fishlife) (Classification) (Scotland) Directions 1999 and the Surface Waters (Fishlife) (Scotland) Directions 2003 transpose Directive 78/659/EEC (on the quality of fresh waters needing protection or improvement in order to support fishlife).

Copies of the Surface Waters (Fishlife) (Classification) (Scotland) Directions 1999 and the Surface Waters (Fishlife) (Scotland) Directions 2003 may be obtained from the Water Environment Unit, Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ.