As an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Cefas is accountable to Ministers and Parliament. The document was formally laid before Parliament.
Cefas' achievement, measured against key performance indicators, is reported in the document. The agency achieved, and in many places exceeded, its performance targets.
In addition, the financial accounts are fully audited by the National Audit Office and approved by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
The report also contains highlights from the past financial year including:
Marine conservation:
A 3.9 million marine survey programme was delivered, integrating resources and capabilities across the public and private sectors. In the final quarter alone, Cefas scientists collected baseline acoustic data and approximately 1,000 biological and sediment samples, 600 video tows and 2,000 still images of the seabed to enable robust designation of Marine Conservation Zones.
Seafood safety:
Cefas scientists successfully embedded innovative chemical techniques to test for naturally occurring toxins in shellfish. The UK is the first major shellfish-producing country to implement these methods within government programmes, completely replacing the use of live animals for routine testing while sustaining the reliability of the tests to defend human health.
Sustainable fisheries:
Cefas developed ideas - in collaboration with the UK fishing and supported by Defra - that have been incorporated into the EU Commission's draft proposals for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. These aim to achieve a thriving and sustainable fishing industry and improved predictability of reform impacts.
Energy:
Cefas scientists supported the development of both nuclear and offshore renewable energy with expert advice and marine data. In 2011, EDF Energy applied to the Infrastructure Planning Commission for a Development Consent Order for Hinkley Point C - a major milestone. The accompanying Environmental Statement relied upon Cefas' extensive marine assessments.
Diversifying income:
The agency grew its non-Defra funding by a further 1.9 million (10% annual growth) and was thus able to support substantial self-investment in its people, science and facilities.
Employee engagement:
Cefas was rated a Civil Service High Performer, being in the upper quartile of all organisations that took part in the civil service-wide staff survey.
Strong health and safety performance:
Recently accredited systems have been embedded in the agency, continuing the focus on safe and sound practices.
Cefas' Chief Executive, Richard Judge, said: "It has been an excellent year for Cefas. Again, we showed ourselves able to rise to a variety of challenges, delivering high-quality work that attracted outstanding customer feedback.
Our ongoing success reflects fantastic commitment, customer focus and teamwork across the breadth of Cefas. I am particularly proud of the way in which we have embraced partnerships and innovation to such good effect in 'making a difference'."
Copies of the Cefas' Annual Report and Accounts 2011-12 were placed in the library of the House of Commons on the 12 July 2012.
