NMBAQC

The National Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control Scheme
The National Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control Scheme nmbaqcs image

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Participation

The requirement for external QA for data, produced or received by UK Competent Monitoring Authorities (CMAs), derives from UK DEFRA policy requiring QA of all data contributing to national, European, or international programmes, such as UK CSEMP (NMMP), European WFD, or ICES. With the implementation of the WFD by various UK CMAS, it is now regarded as imperative that all data utilised for any Ecological Quality Assessment is validated via a recognised national AQC scheme (where such a scheme exists). Hence any organisation involved in the production of such data should participate in the scheme and completion of auditing modules (such as the Own Sample module) is mandatory. For some CMAs, relevant modules have not yet been developed and they may participate on an information only basis thus contributing funds to the production of scheme reports.

The main participants in the scheme are the UK Competent Monitoring Authorities (CMAs) for whom the scheme was initially designed. The scheme is open to CMAs from UK, Ireland, and Europe although participation of the latter has been limited to date. Contractors undertaking analysis of samples on behalf of CMAs or for licensees may also be required to join the scheme. In addition some contractors or consultancies not directly involved in statutory monitoring programmes may participate on a voluntary basis.

The required level of participation may vary depending on the organisation:

  1. CMAs undertaking statutory monitoring programmes - complete all relevant components and modules. This would be the relevant Own Sample modules as a mandatory minimum, but CMAs are expected to also participate in other training modules.
  2. Contractors undertaking statutory programmes for CMAs complete relevant modules as determined by CMA. This would be the relevant Own Sample modules as a mandatory minimum but other modules may be required.
  3. Contractors undertaking programmes (eg Aquaculture Monitoring) for licensees which may support statutory programmes such as WFD complete relevant Own Sample modules as a mandatory minimum, other relevant modules are recommended.
  4. Contractors or consultancies not involved in statutory monitoring programmes all relevant modules are recommended but participation is voluntary.