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Nature Conservation

Long-term aim: ‘to ensure that the existing nature conservation value of the Solent is maintained and enhanced where possible; and to promote widespread support for nature conservation’.

Areas of Nature Conservation Interest in the Solent

Sites of Special Scientific Interest

1. Hurst Castle and Lymington River Estuary
2. Lymington River reedbeds
3. North Solent
4. Hythe to Calshot Marshes
5. Eling and Bury Marshes
6. Lower Test Valley
7. Upper Hamble Estuary and Woods
8. Lincegrove and Hackett’s Marshes
9. Titchfield Haven
10. Browndown
11. Lee-on-the-Solent to Itchen Estuary
12. Gillicker Lagoon
13. Portsmouth Harbour
14. Langstone Harbour
15. Chichester Harbour
16. Bracklesham Bay
17. Headon Warren and West High Down
18. Colwell Bay
19. Yar Estuary
20. Bouldner & Hamstead Cliffs
21. Newtown Harbour
22. Thorness Bay
23. Medina Estuary
24. Kings Quay Shore
25. Ryde Sands and Wootton Creek
26. Brading Marshes to St. Helen’s Ledges
27. Whitecliff Bay and Bembridge Ledges

KEY FACTS

• Over 150,000 migrating birds visit the Solent every winter;
• The Solent contains 15% of the UK resource of brackish lagoons;
• The Solent contains 6% of the UK resource of saltmarsh;
• 10% of the total intertidal area of the Solent has been lost to development since 1930.
  

The Position

The Solent is internationally important for nature conservation, because it:

• is a unique sheltered body of water lying between the mainland and the Isle of Wight;

• embraces a complex of estuaries, open inshore waters and coastal and marine habitats;

• is located at a transition between different biogeographic realms, therefore, many species within the Solent are at the limits of the natural ranges.

Physical features of the system which are important include:

• coastal, intertidal and marine habitats, which include grazing marsh, vegetated shingle, sea cliffs, saltmarshes, mudflats, sandflats, rocky shores, lagoons and a variety of types of sea-bed;

• populations of plant and animal species. The Solent has a particularly important role in sustaining bird-life. This includes the presence of nesting colonies of terns, gulls and other shorebirds, and the provision of feeding and roosting sites for migrating and overwintering wading birds and wildfowl, supporting a winter peak population of c.150,000 birds. There are also a number of other rare and important plant and animal species present;

• fisheries, including naturally sustaining population of native oysters and threatened migratory salmon and sea trout populations. The Solent is an important nursery for sea bass, and a range of other seafish.

The system is protected by a large number of existing and proposed nature conservation designations, as detailed below:

• sites of international importance [Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), 'Ramsar' wetlands of international importance];

• sites of national importance [Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)];

• sites of regional/local importance [Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC)];

• three designated and one proposed National Nature Reserves, and ten Local Nature Reserves;

• the Solent is also classified as a Sensitive Marine Area (SMA) - a non-statutory designation.

Human activities have had significant impacts on the ecology of the Solent, which can only be understood by taking a long-term view of the evolution of the system. They include:

• modified physical processes (such as sediment movement and coastal erosion) through measures to protect the coast from erosion and flooding, and through the dredging and maintenance of shipping channels and the disposal of materials at sea;

• loss of coastal habitats through reclamation of intertidal land, development on the coastline, and an interruption of natural habitat transitions by sea defences;

• discharges of waste and pollution into the system from urban populations, industry and through dispersed inputs such as agriculture runoff;

• the potential risk of a pollution incident from shipping or coastal industry;

• disturbance of birds and other species by human, commercial and leisure activities. Disturbance affecting birds at their summer nesting sites, winter intertidal feeding areas and roosting sites is regarded as potentially serious;

• removal of fish by commercial and recreational fishing, the problems of bycatch, and physical impacts of fishing gear being discarded in marine and intertidal habitats;

• an inevitable (though minimised) risk of catastrophic pollution through accidental release of oil or chemicals into the environment from shipping or industrial sites.

In addition to human activities, the Solent will be affected by predicted changes in the world's climate (which are attributed partly to human activity on an international dimension). The impacts of climate change are uncertain, but a sea level rise of 6mm a year is predicted leading to a 32cm increase by 2050. There may also be changes in weather patterns - including an increase in extreme storms and tides, and a gradual shift in the distribution of wildlife. Within the Solent, significant loss of intertidal habitats is to be expected as they are 'squeezed' between rising sea levels and fixed coastal defences unless action is taken. Conversely, a number of important habitats are protected by existing coastal defence and could be damaged or lost if defence structures are altered.

TABLE OF IMPACTS ON NATURE CONSERVATION

What do we need to do?

1. Agree objectives for nature conservation

It is desirable to establish a set of clear objectives for nature conservation for the Solent as a whole. These are intended as a basis for agreement between all of the interests about the long-term direction of policy for the protection and enhancement of the natural systems within the Solent, and the wildlife habitats and species which they support. A series of six objectives are proposed on pages 13-15, based upon the advice of English Nature.

LEAD ROLE: English Nature

2. Protect the natural system from long-term damage due to human activity

There is a fundamental need to protect wildlife from both development and human uses, and maintain the basic natural processes which underpin the system. This implies acceptance that there is a finite limit on development and activities, and that damage to the long-term health of the system through short-term decisions must be avoided. Where further essential development is required, it should be located and constructed to avoid causing significant damage to the remaining natural systems of the Solent. If significant damage is unavoidable, then compensatory measures to replace the lost resource should be put in place. The marine environment, including commercial fish species, should be given protection consistent with that on land.

This need can be met by the following actions:

• considering the nature conservation objectives for the Solent when taking decisions about the planning and management which could affect the environment.

LEAD ROLE: planning, regulatory and management organisations.

• maintaining co-ordinated land-use planning policies for the Solent coast which protect its nature conservation value. There is a need to ensure that local plans are revised to take account of the Habitats Regulations and emerging issues.

LEAD ROLE: Local authorities.

• ensuring sea-use regulation systems protect nature conservation interests from long-term damage, seeking advice from English Nature, MAFF, Sea Fisheries Committees, and others as appropriate.

LEAD ROLE: Crown Estate, DETR (Minerals Division), MAFF, Department of Trade and Industry, Environment Agency, harbour authorities.

• promoting development and activities in ways which reduce or eliminate damage to the nature conservation value of the system.

LEAD ROLE: Local authorities, regulatory bodies and the private sector.

• securing high standards of water quality and protecting the environment from pollution.

LEAD ROLE: Environment Agency, MAFF, Water Companies and other dischargers.

• managing human activities within a framework of useful non-statutory plans which take full account of the long-term needs of nature conservation interests.

LEAD ROLE: Local authorities and harbour authorities.

• developing a management scheme to protect the conservation value of designated European Wildlife Sites in the Solent once boundaries and objectives have been agreed.

LEAD ROLE: Local authorities, harbour authorities.

3. Stability with nature conservation designations

There is a need for a period of stability in the coverage of the Solent by nature conservation designations, in all their various forms, in order to allow the development of appropriate nature conservation policies. The types, purposes and implications of the various designations are not well understood, and further confusion arises due to the overlaps that exist between the different designated areas. The process of bringing forward designations can also divert attention and resources from addressing real-world issues.

This need can be met by:

• providing clear information in the public domain to increase awareness and understanding about the designated areas within the Solent, their nature conservation interest, and their implications for uses and development.

LEAD ROLE: English Nature, local authorities.

• ensuring that a decision is taken on the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) as soon as possible, taking into account the responses of the various interests.

LEAD ROLE: English Nature, DETR.

• ensuring a constructive and open debate about the implementation of the proposed SPAs and SACs within the Solent, including the development of statutory schemes of management. The debate should focus on resolving the practical implications of the designations, and the means by which they will be implemented. The discussion on European Wildlife Sites (pages 10 -11) provides an overview of the current position.

LEAD ROLE: English Nature, Relevant Authorities.

• prioritising the identification and designation of Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, with the aim of establishing the extent of sites on the coast by 2000.

LEAD ROLE: Local authorities.

4. Better information

There is a need to make better use of the body of scientific knowledge about nature conservation within the Solent, in order to ensure the quality of its future management. The information which currently exists could be better co-ordinated and disseminated, and there is a need to identify and address key gaps in information, including the marine environment in particular.

LEAD ROLE: English Nature and the Solent Forum.

SOLENT FORUM ACTION: this issue should be addressed within the implementation of the Solent Information Network (Flagship Project 1 ) and The Solent Science Conference (Flagship Project 5)

There is a particularly important need to draw together and disseminate an improved body of information on the marine environment, including the ecology and exploitation of fisheries and other marine resources.

LEAD ROLE: MAFF, Sea Fisheries Committees.

5. Monitor the achievement of nature conservation objectives and the socio-economic impact of nature conservation policy

There is a need to monitor the achievement of nature conservation objectives through regular survey and reporting on the extent and condition of coastal habitats, and on the populations of wildlife. Some aspects of wildlife in the Solent have been well researched and a range of datasets already exist. These will need to be drawn upon in establishing a clearly understood picture of the current position and trends.

The lead responsibility for monitoring and reporting on the condition of wildlife within the Solent should be taken by English Nature, who will have a statutory duty to monitor European Wildlife Sites. For fisheries, the lead responsibility should be taken by MAFF. It is inevitable that regular monitoring will need to target a number of key indicators of habitat and species condition, and English Nature and MAFF should give consideration to their identification, in consultation with other expert organisations. There may be some benefits in establishing thresholds or targets to be achieved or maintained, although the nature of these and how they could be operated needs detailed consideration.

LEAD ROLE: English Nature and MAFF.

Nature conservation policy can have a socio- economic impact both in constraining development and activities. With regard to development, the policy framework of the structure and local plans is largely understood and accepted although a number of local conflicts remain. There is a need to monitor the implementation of policies, and the extent of nature conservation designations with the Solent.

The prospect of greater emphasis on nature conservation interests within the European Wildlife Sites, means that particular effort will be needed to measure the impact of nature conservation advice. The impact on small businesses and voluntary recreation organisations is of particular concern, as these organisations could be disproportionately disadvantaged by any increased costs of development through, for example, greater statutory requirements for environmental assessment. Monitoring should take account of the cumulative effects of small-scale developments in terms of their total impact on nature conservation interests.

For activities (as opposed to development), the main possible cause of concern relates to any increased regulations, including bye-laws which may be required to protect nature conservation interests, and in particular any legal requirements which may flow from the designation of European Wildlife Sites. It is not clear to what extent this concern may be reflected in reality, but this is a matter which needs to be kept under review as proposals take shape. Should such proposals be considered they should be subject to full consultation, and examination of alternatives to additional regulation. For many activities it is already becoming clear that nature conservation concerns are limited, and that further practical constraints are unlikely.

LEAD ROLE: Local authorities should take a lead role by including monitoring in relation to these concerns within their review of the implementation of planning policies. The regulatory authorities should provide a lead in monitoring the effectiveness and costs of any changes to regulation and bye-laws resulting from nature conservation requirements.

SOLENT FORUM ACTION: It would be desirable for monitoring programmes to be co-ordinated with and reported through the Forum's proposed State of the Solent report (Flagship Project 4). It is proposed that reports be made every three years.

6. Ensure a clear and accountable framework for nature conservation advice

There is a need for a clearly understood framework for nature conservation advice to be achieved, to demonstrate that advice from English Nature on statutory matters is consistent, and ensure that it is seen to be accountable. Terms such as 'significant impact’, ‘site integrity’, and 'favourable conservation status’ which will drive the policy framework within European Sites will need to be clearly defined, consistently interpreted and given greater meaning within the Solent context.

LEAD ROLE: These matters relate to national policy, and need to be considered by English Nature and the DETR as soon as possible, and involve full consultation with the interests affected.

7. Manage nature conservation positively

In addition to the protection of important nature conservation interests, there is a need for a positive programme of management of the Solent’s wildlife sites to maintain and enhance their value. Nature reserves have a particularly important role, protecting some of the most important parts of the system and providing important refuges for wildlife. Resources must be maintained to ensure that their value is assured in the long-term.

There is a need for support to be provided to the site managers of coastal reserves, country parks and other important sites, by maintaining a network to exchange ideas and good practice, to keep them briefed on changes to the system which may affect their work and to ensure that their views and experience can be drawn upon when discussing policy matters.

LEAD ROLE: Nature reserve managers (local authorities, Hampshire & low Wildlife Trust, RSPB, English Nature).

The protection of National and Local Nature Reserves from damaging activity and development should be given a high priority.

LEAD ROLE: Local authorities.

There is also a need to seek positive management outside the nature reserves, by agreeing appropriate management measures with owners of SSSls and SlNCs which will ensure that their nature conservation value is not damaged through either neglect or inappropriate land management practices.

LEAD ROLE: English Nature, Hampshire & IoW Wildlife Trust, local authorities in conjunction with landowners.

SOLENT FORUM ACTION: Nature conservation objectives should be central to the Solent Environment and Access Initiative (Flagship Project 2). They must be considered when agreeing on the types and levels of access to be provided and promoted within the Solent. Equally, positive benefits to nature conservation could result from a number of the themes of the Initiative, including improvements to degraded areas, the provision of better management information and the addressing of any gaps in on-the-ground management.

8. Promote widespread support for nature conservation

If we expect people to protect the wildlife of the Solent, we must do more to convey its importance and ensure that its value is appreciated. There is a need to promote understanding and enjoyment of the Solent's wildlife more widely with the general public, the various user groups and throughout the organisations responsible for planning and management. The priorities should be to provide a wider range of opportunities for people to gain first-hand experience of the Solent's important wildlife sites, to provide better access to environmental information and to secure a higher profile for Solent wildlife within the media. The Solent Forum can take a lead in achieving this within 'Solent Outreach'; however the responsibilities for action extend throughout the organisations responsible for nature conservation within the Solent. This is a major challenge.

LEAD ROLE: English Nature, Hampshire and IoW Wildlife Trust, RSPB.

KEY ORGANISATIONS: NATURE CONSERVATION

Lead organisations

• Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions
• English Nature
• Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
• Environment Agency
• Southern Sea Fisheries Committee

Discussion: European Wildlife Sites in the Solent

SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS (SPA) AND RAMSAR SITES

The EC Habitats and Species Directive (92/43/EEC) is a significant new piece of legislation, which will alter the policy framework for nature conservation within the Solent. The legislation applies to European Wildlife Sites - Special Areas of Conservation (SAC, designated under the Habitats Directive) and Special Protection Areas (SPA, designated under the EC Birds Directive). Europe-wide, the SACs and SPAs make up the 'Natura 2000’ series of sites.

Within the Solent there are two existing, one proposed, one candidate and two possible European Wildlife Sites, as follows:

SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS AND RAMSAR SITES

Existing Designations (classified by the DETR)

• Chichester and Langstone Harbours
• Portsmouth Harbour
  

Proposed Designations (consultation finalised but decision awaited from the DETR on the confirmation of the designation)

• Solent & Southampton Water - based on the SSSI network on the north coast of the Isle of Wight, Western Solent and Southampton Water. Awaiting decision from Secretary of State for the Environment.
  

SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION

Within the Solent there are currently one candidate and two possible SAC sites:

Candidate Designations (consultation finalised, decision awaited from the EU on the confirmation of the designation)

• Solent and Isle of Wight Lagoons SAC - four discrete lagoon sites, forwarded to Brussels for approval in 1996.
  

Possible Designations (site boundaries still open to consultation, site as yet still not sent to Brussels for confirmation)

• Solent Maritime possible SAC (see map) - comprising a cluster of six sites, protectingSpartina swards, Atlantic salt meadows and Estuaries, as follows:

1. North Solent
2. Hythe to Calshot
3. Eling & Bury Marshes and lower Test Valley
4. Hamble Estuary
5. Langstone and Chichester Harbours
6. North Isle of Wight

• South Wight Maritime possible SAC selected for the presence of reef and vegetated seacliffs.

The main aim of the Habitats and Species Directive is to promote the maintenance of biodiversity taking account of economic, social, cultural requirements and local and regional characteristics. Within the SACs and the SPAs, EC member states are required to ensure that there is no deterioration of habitats or significant disturbance of species for which the sites are designated.

The EC Habitats Directive requires a single scheme of management to be prepared for every European marine site, and where SPA and SAC overlap the scheme will cover both designations. The drawing up of the management scheme is the responsibility of the 'relevant authorities': those organisations who have powers or functions which could impact on the marine environment within or adjacent to the SAC. They will work together in a ‘management group’ and will consult with other interested parties such as user groups. This group is expected to set the framework within which activities will be managed, either voluntarily or through regulation, so as to achieve the nature conservation objectives. The relevant authorities must be satisfied that the Scheme is sufficient to enable them to discharge their statutory duties for conservation of the site.

English Nature have a statutory duty to advise the relevant authorities on the nature conservation objectives for the site and on any operations or activities which may cause deterioration to the conservation features. They will also advise the relevant authorities on applications to undertake plans and projects which may have a significant effect on a European marine site. Guidance on the requirements for the sites has been published in draft form by the DETR, and is expected to be finalised shortly. The country agencies (e.g. English Nature) have produced a booklet titled ‘Natura 2000 - European Marine Sites, an introduction to management’, which gives guidance on the implications of the designation for European marine sites.

STRATEGIC GUIDANCE AND THE SAC/SPA MANAGEMENT SCHEME

While the extent of the designations which may affect the Solent are still unknown, and the nature of the advice on their management is unclear, the Strategic Guidance cannot undertake a useful detailed discussion of the implications. In any case the responsibilities laid down by the Habitats Directive fall squarely on the 'relevant authorities,' and they will have to respond to their new statutory duties as appropriate.

In drawing together the Strategic Guidance, the advice of English Nature has been sought to attempt to ensure that the guidance is compatible with any future statutory Management Scheme for European Marine Sites within the Solent. It is, therefore, anticipated that the principles established within the Strategic Guidance towards nature conservation should be able to be translated into principles for a future Management Scheme when appropriate. The possible role of the Strategic Guidance for the Solent, and the Solent Forum in assisting delivery of any future Management Scheme should be fully considered by the relevant authorities.

The following points should also be considered by the relevant authorities:

• the maximum use of existing frameworks, committees and strategies should be achieved in implementing any Management Scheme;

• care will be needed in creating any single Management Scheme for the Solent, due to the large size of the proposed areas, the wide range of relevant authorities within different parts of the site, and the dispersed locations and different characteristics of the various clusters. A scheme of management must be implementable, and there may be good arguments for adopting a federated approach to its delivery, within an agreed set of principles;

• any Management Schemes prepared for the Solent must be subject to extensive public consultation, and will need to attract widespread support if they are to be implemented;

• the socio-economic impacts of any scheme of management will need to be quantified and monitored, and any additional burdens should be the minimum consistent with the achievement of statute.

Draft nature conservation objectives for the Solent

The draft objectives below have been prepared by English Nature as a contribution to the preparation of Strategic Guidance for the Solent. Full account has been taken of the approach being developed by English Nature for the provision of formal advice on European Marine Sites (SACs and SPAs). The advice is not intended to represent the formal advice that English Nature may, in due course, need to provide to relevant authorities concerning designated European Marine Sites in the Solent.

1. Objective for the physical environment

• to maintain a complex of interdependent estuaries, and coastal and marine habitats capable of supporting the range of characteristic plant and animal communities (as described in the Review of nature conservation features and information within the Solent and Isle of Wight Sensitive Marine Area (Fowler, 1995) - see Note 3 below). The range of biotopes (Note 1) and their distribution should reflect the physical and chemical characteristics for which the Solent is particularly noted; the unique double high water stand, strong tidal currents, a wide range of wave exposures, salinities, water temperatures and sediment/rock substrates. This will be achieved by maintaining and not further compromising natural coastal processes and habitat transitions, within the constraints imposed by existing human influences on coastal processes, geomorphology and land-use.

Activities to be considered under the scope of this objective are principally:

• those affecting sediment dynamics, including coast protection/flood defence works, dredging and disposal of dredgings, reclamation and development affecting the intertidal or tidal regime;

• those affecting water quality, including agricultural, industrial and sewage effluent discharges; dredging and disposal of dredgings; oil, chemical and thermal pollution.

2. Objectives for coastal habitat (above Mean High Water)

• to ensure no net loss of resource and no significant change in distribution pattern or quality of coastal habitats as a result of human activities;

• to maintain the extent and quality of the full range of biotopes, as exemplified by the distribution and relative abundance of key habitat types and characteristic species as follows:

• Grazing Marsh: internationally important overwintering populations of dark-bellied Brent Goose;

• Vegetated Shingle: nationally important populations of breeding tern species;

• Vegetated sea Cliffs: Rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum).

Activities to be considered under the scope of this objective are principally:

• those affecting biological diversity including agricultural improvement, drainage, development/loss of habitat, disturbance;

• those affecting natural coastal processes and vegetational succession, including coast protection and flood defence works.

3. Objectives for intertidal habitats

• to ensure no net loss of resource and no significant change in distribution pattern, quality or geomorphological function of intertidal habitats, as a result of human activities.

• to maintain the extent and quality of the full range of intertidal biotopes present, as exemplified by the distribution and relative abundance of key habitat types and characteristic species as follows:

- Saltmarshes: Cord-grasses (Spartina spp. except S. anglica), upper marsh transitions to coastal habitats;

- Mudflats & sandflats: Eel-grasses (Zostera spp.), nationally important populations of wintering waterfowl;

- Rocky shores: Gastropod mollusc (Paludinella littorina).

• to encourage the use of managed coastal retreat/realignment in the face of predicted sea level rises to allow natural progression of coastal and intertidal habitats threatened by 'coastal squeeze'. Activities to be considered under the scope of this objective are principally:

- those affecting coastal processes and vegetational succession, including coast protection/flood defence works, reclamation or other development affecting the intertidal or tidal regime;

- those affecting water quality (as above);

- those affecting biological diversity, including reclamation/habitat loss, bait digging/clam dredging, disturbance.

4. Objectives for subtidal habitats

• to ensure no net loss of resource of subtidal due to human habitats, as a result of human activities;

• to maintain the extent and quality of all subtidal habitats such that they are able to support the full range of subtidal biotopes described, as exemplified by the distribution and relative abundance of key habitat types and characteristic species as follows:

- sediment substrates: native oyster (Ostrea edulis), Eel-grasses (Zostera spp.);

- rocky substrates, reefs.

Activities to be considered under the scope of this objective are principally:

• those affecting sediment dynamics, including coast protection/flood defence works, dredging and disposal of dredgings, reclamation and development affecting the intertidal or tidal regime;

• those affecting water quality, including agricultural, industrial and sewage effluent discharges, dredging and disposal of dredgings oil chemical and thermal pollution;

• those affecting biological diversity, including reclamation/habitat loss, fishing, disturbance, introduction of alien species, disturbance.

5. Objectives for lagoons

• to maintain a range of brackish and saline lagoons and lagoon-like habitats such that they are able to support the full range of characteristic communities and species;

• to ensure no net loss of resource, and no significant change in distribution pattern due to human activities, and to encourage the replacement/creation of new lagoonal/lagoon-like habitats as a result of natural coastal processes and/or managed retreat.

Activities to be considered under the scope of this objective are principally:

• those affecting water quality, including agricultural, industrial and sewage effluent discharges; dredging and disposal of dredgings; oil, chemical and thermal pollution;

• those affecting coastal processes and hydrodynamics, including coast protection/flood defence and other works affecting the tidal/flushing regime; reclamation/habitat loss.

6. Objectives for ornithology

• to prevent reduction, due to human activities, in the size of the nationally and internationally important population and species diversity within: i) The Solent and Southampton Water, ii) Portsmouth Harbour and iii) Chichester and Langstone Harbours, relative to national and international patterns of population fluctuation. This will be monitored by the rolling 5 year peak mean and average counts for these areas carried out under the WeBS scheme (Note 2);

• to ensure no net loss, as a result of human activities, of area, quality or significant change in distribution pattern of habitats upon which nationally and internationally important bird populations rely.

Activities to be considered under the scope of this objective are principally:

• those which may affect the area, quality and distribution of coastal and intertidal habitats (see above);

• those affecting the ability of coastal, intertidal and marine habitats to support existing populations of waterfowl, including pollution and disturbance.

NOTES:

1. The term biotope refers to the interaction between flora and fauna, and with their physical environment; it embraces species, communities and habitat, and the relationship between them;

2. WeBs stands for the national Wetland Birds Survey, co-ordinated by the British Trust for Ornithology;

3. The baseline information on the ecology of the Solent to which the objectives refer is contained within the Review of nature conservation features and information within the Solent and Isle of Wight Sensitive Marine Area (Fowler, 1995), and the following additional sources:

4. Subtidal: Mapping the distribution of benthic biotopes around the Isle of Wight (Southern and Foster-Smith, 1995);

5. Lagoons: A directory of saline lagoons and lagoon-like habitat in England (English Nature, 1992).

Source: Strategic Guidance for the Solent, 1997

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