PART 3

Exempt activities and conditions

Scientific instruments etc. – removal activity
16
1
This article applies to a removal activity carried on for the purpose of removing any scientific instrument or associated equipment referred to in article 15(1)(a).
2
This article does not apply to such an activity—
a
that falls within sub-paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of paragraph (3); and
b
that is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site or area referred to in that sub-paragraph.
3
Such an activity falls within this paragraph if—
a
it is a plan or project likely (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects) to have a significant effect on a European site; or
b
it is capable of affecting (other than insignificantly)—
i
the protected features of an MPA;
ii
any ecological or geomorphological process on which the conservation of any protected feature of an MPA is (wholly or in part) dependent.
4
In paragraph (4)(a), “likely” has the same meaning as in Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.