The merging of two departments is expected to bring some cost savings to the Ministry of the Environment, the House of Assembly heard yesterday morning.

Minister for the environment Jeanne Atherden said the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources brings together Environmental Protection and Conservation Services under a single heading as of April 1.

The merged department has been budgeted just over $8 million — a reduction of $387,000 or 4.6 per cent.

Mrs Atherden noted a number of initiatives being carried out by the department, including marine conservation and efforts to protect native plants and animals. The department has also supported several research and conservation projects, including the Bermuda Life Boat programme, which seeks to export specimens of some of the island’s indigenous species to ensure their long-term survival, and efforts to support the cahow population.

She also noted efforts to control pest and invasive species, noting the department’s efforts to deal with the lionfish population by encouraging the fishing of the species and helping to test potential lionfish traps.

Mrs Atherden noted that last year the department received more than 250 requests to deal with feral chickens and pigeons, removing large numbers of both species.

Opposition MP Dennis Lister questioned the breakdown of staffing at the merged department, noting that while the number of employees appears to have fallen by five the budget for salaries had increased.

He also noted a sharp drop in communication costs, questioning if it was correct.

The MP also asked about dog licensing, noting that according to government estimates only around half of the dogs on the island are licensed.

Mrs Atherden responded that the department is looking to introduce online dog registration to help increase the number of dogs that are properly licensed, but said she would need to answer other questions at a later time.