The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) has the government’s marine and freshwater science experts. It works to achieve healthy and productive oceans, seas and rivers, as well as safe, sustainable seafood. It also helps prepare the UK for extreme weather, aquatic animal disease outbreaks, oil spills and radioactive contamination of water. It was created in 1997 as an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to provide scientific advice and fulfil the functions of the Secretary of State for Defra.
