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Solent News Issue 11 - January 2002 |
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Solent Bathing Waters are the Best Ever
Thar she Blows
DTLR Launches National Ports Policy
Solent European Marine Sites Website
MCS Ocean 2001 Conference
A website for sailors
SPA Review
New Insitute at Portsmouth University
Marine Current Turbines
Exercise Stockers Sand
Estuary Surfing
Southampton Environment Centre
UK Scientists get Deep Sea Research Vehicle
Southern Water spends millions
Trams return to south coast
Maritime Safety Tops Debate at EU Transport Ministers (TM)
Meeting
Natioanl Flood and Coastal Defence Database
Flood Guides for homeowners
America's Cup Jubilee
Exercise Stockers Sand
International Festival of the Sea, 24-27 August 2001
Portsmouth Millenium Tower
Marine Week 2001
All ashore who's going ashore
World Records taken round the Isle of Wight
Speical interest group on coastal issues
A Hazardous Trail
DEFRA consultations on managed realignment
ICZ Map
The Euro and Local Authorities
Ukraine coastal scientisits to be introduced to Solent
practices
Southampton Port waste minimisation project
New Forest National Park
Ukraine coastal scientists to be introduced to Solent
practices
Who's new to the Solent coast
Coastal Detective
Whatevers going on at the Solent Forum?
The America's Cup Jubilee, quickly followed by the International Festival of the Sea at Portsmouth, decorated the Solent above the water as never before. The world's most beautiful ships, the creation of master shipbuilders and craftsmen, gathered in our waters in large numbers. The spectacle was enjoyed by huge crowds on the Island and in the Royal Naval Base. Under the water, substantial improvements were also made this year, with the completion of the first stage of Southern Water’s ‘Sea Clean Wight’ improvement scheme. As a four year old, I can remember gazing over the bow of a varnished dinghy before she grounded on the beach in Stanswood Bay. The thrill of seeing the shingle through the water was intense and happened quite far out. Those days may well be returning.
Solent Bathing Waters are the Best Ever The Environment Agency has announced that this year’s bathing water quality results are the best ever, both nationally and in the Solent. Analysis indicates that all of the 26 bathing waters tested in the Solent and around the Isle of Wight passed the mandatory standards of the EC Bathing Water Directive. Substantial improvements occurred on the Isle of Wight with ten of the thirteen bathing waters meeting the more stringent EC guideline standards. The Isle of Wight’s success follows the completion of the first stage of Southern Water’s Seaclean Wight improvement scheme, which involved the diversion of sewage discharges to the new works at Sandown. Further information is available on the Agency’s website and from Agency offices.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trusts’s marine mammal sightings scheme was launched in spring 2001, in partnership with the South Coast Seal Project, Dorset Marine Mammal Research Programme and EarthKind. Dolphin Encounter Guides, funded by English Nature, were distributed throughout the two counties by a team of volunteers. The number and diversity of sightings received since that time has been a surprise to all. Since March common seals, bottlenose dolphins and small whales have been sighted on and off our shores; in July a common seal swam amongst people who were paddling at Calshot.
If you would like to receive a copy of the Dolphin Encounter Guide, please call 0238068 8907.
The government has produced a new ports policy entitled ‘Modern Ports - A UK Policy’. Key aims of the policy are to promote: ¨ UK and regional competitiveness ¨ High nationally agreed safety standards ¨ The best environmental practice The policy sets out the government’s devolved responsibilities, matters reserved to the UK parliament and promises a series of specific initiatives on how these policies will be implemented in practice. Copies of the publication are available from the DTLR publication sales centre (01709 891318) priced £12. The text is available on the DTLR’s website.
The Solent European Marine Sites (SEMS) project has recently launched a new website. The SEMS website will help you to find out more about the marine and coastal habitats, plants and animals for which the European marine site has been proposed. This website also outlines the work being done to write a management scheme for the SEMS and includes information on legislation, who’s involved, what’s involved, and progress that’s been made. www.solentems.org.uk As the management scheme evolves, more information such as newsletters and reports will be added. Keep checking the site so that you can be kept up to date with the project’s progress.
The Marine Conservation Society held a conference ‘Oceans 2001’ at the University of Southampton on October 20th. 350 delegates came from all over the country to hear, amongst other things, presentations about turtles (they do occasionally visit the Solent!), fishing, and diving surveys in the region. The day ended with presentations from the BBC team who made the Blue Planet series.
For more information contact: The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) (UK Charity dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its wildlife) on 01989 566017, or visit www.mcsuk.org.
A dedicated website for Solent sailors has been launched providing news, events, results and information from the pages of the Daily Echo in Southampton, the Daily Echo in Bournemouth and the Hampshire Chronicle. Each major local sailing event has its own special section on the site, from the Round the Island Race, Cowes Week, Southampton Boat Show and the Volvo Ocean Race. The site also contains other essential information for the boating fraternity: an up-to-date general weather forecast, shipping forecasts, a section on our famous local sailors and information on events.
The first full account of Britain’s best bird sites has been launched by the JNCC. The UK SPA Network presents a comprehensive review of the UK’s Special Protection Areas: sites classified in accordance with the EC Birds Directive to protect birds and their habitats. Also known as the UK SPA review, the report gives a detailed account of habitat and site information, identifying 243 sites, which cover an area of over 1,454,500 hectares. There are three SPA’s in the Solent covering 7,000 hectares. See The Review online.
Hard copies can be ordered from JNCC’s distributor: NHBS Ltd, 2-3 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN, UK.
Tel. +44 (0)1803 865913, Fax +44 (0) 1803 865280.
The University of Portsmouth, in active collaboration with a number of partner trusts, has established an Institute of Maritime and Heritage Studies, as a centre of excellence for teaching, research and professional development. Boathouse No. 6, the chosen location for the Institute of Maritime and Heritage Studies, is a listed historic building within the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The Institute will enjoy full access to the rich and unmatched heritage of naval architecture, historic ships, museums, archive and library collections in the Historic Dockyard, in support of its expanding programme of postgraduate teaching, research and professional development. Courses offered: · Maritime Conservation Science · Maritime Studies · Heritage and Museum Studies · Heritage Tourism · Ecotourism · Coastal and Marine Resource Management · Historic Buildings Conservation · Coastal and Maritime Archaeology · Continuing Professional Development Should you wish to receive further information or discuss course details, contact the Postgraduate Secretary on 023 9284 2421.
On 22-24 October, West Sussex County Council hosted a training exercise to test the contingency plans for responding to a major oil spill in the eastern Solent. The first day covered presentations on: the problems of oil spills; national and local response plans; booming; and shoreline clean-up techniques. On Day 2 a practical booming exercise was carried out in Chichester Harbour. The third day was devoted to testing the practical response by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, the local and harbour authorities, English Nature and others to a hypothetical incident: an oil spill from a tanker off the east coast of the Isle of Wight that threatened the coastline and harbours between Portsmouth and Selsey. The good news is that the exercise went well, with the various teams (management, technical, procurement, environment, etc.) functioning efficiently and in a well co-ordinated way. Nevertheless, some valuable lessons were learned which will help to improve the plans and the organisational response to a real-life incident.
Marine Current Turbines Ltd is a new company with a technology for large-scale generation of electricity from the seas using submarine turbines. This method of generating electricity from the, as yet untapped, tidal current energy resource is based on the use of submarine rotors (analogous to underwater windmills) to take energy out of the strong currents caused by the rise and fall of the tides. This high energy intensity with strong currents gives this technology real prospects for generating power at lower costs than wind (or any other renewable energy resources). Tidal turbines have the further advantage that the energy they deliver will be as accurately predictable as the movements of the tides.
For more information contact: Peter Fraenkel at Marine Turbines Ltd. tel: 020 8997 2572 fax: 020 8991 5137
Marine Current Turbines Ltd, London Office, 2 Amherst Avenue, Ealing, London, W13 8NQ.
The Isle of Wight Estuaries Project is one of the latest additions to the Isle of Wight Council’s rapidly expanding website. The new site provides background information on the estuarine environment, management and links to key organisations. The Medina and the Western Yar Estuary Management Plans are now accessible on line and the site will be gradually expanded to include current issues, the latest projects and local events.
Find out more by wading through the worldwide web to Estuaries Projects.
If you would like to add a link to the site or have any suggestions for content, please contact the estuaries officer at estuaries@iow.gov.uk.
Southampton Environment Centre (SEC) has become the first charity in the UK to have an ISO 14001 certificated environmental management system (EMS). An EMS is becoming an increasingly popular management tool; it helps to control the impact that a company has on the environment whilst improving its efficiency and bottom line performance. It does this by identifying and addressing their energy use, materials, waste and transport issues. The charity’s EMS was implemented with the help of SIEnA, its in-house ”business environment” division, a member of the Solent Forum. Accredited certification body, SGS Yarsley, performed the certification audit on 11th June, and were pleased to present the certificate to Kathy Morrissey, EMS Manager.
Further information from SIEnA Project Officer, George Padelopoulos on 023 8033 6199.
The Southampton Oceanography Centre (SOC) has commissioned the UK’s first remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dedicated to deep-sea excavation and research down to depths of 6,500 metres. The ROV will give scientists access to 98% of the world’s oceans. Professor Paul Tyler of the SOC is leading the £4.5 million project. He has been helping the BBC with the filming of their series about the world’s oceans, the Blue Planet. The ROV will be built by the Deep Submergence Group at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in the US. A team of UK engineers will assist to gain first-hand experience of its construction. Based at SOC, the ROV will also be available for use by researchers from across the UK, as part of the marine science technology pool.
Further information from Southampton Oceanography Centre tel: 023 8059 6666.
Southern Water treats over 300 million gallons of sewage at 400 works. With the use of 2,000 pumping stations, this huge volume of wastewater flows along some 13,000 miles of sewers from 1.7 million properties and over 4 million people. However, the Environment Agency’s annual pollution report Spotlight noted that Southern Water were the worst environmental offender having been prosecuted for ten offences and appearing in court nine times. It is believed the increasing number of incidents is a direct result of the widespread flooding that hit the South last year during the wettest winter for three centuries. In addition, other incidents were often due to factors beyond the company’s control, such as vandalism, indiscriminate dumping of rubbish into sewers and random unforeseen blockages in the sewerage system. The company treated them all seriously and none resulted in long-term environmental damage. From 2000 to 2005 the company is spending over £800 million to continue an environmental improvement programme which began in 1990 and is ensuring the area’s rivers and the sea are cleaner than before.
For more information contact Southern Water Offices on 01903 264444 or www.southernwater.co.uk.
Earlier this year the Government gave the go-ahead for South Hampshire Rapid Transit Phase 1. Part of a proposal for an integrated public transport network between Southampton and Portsmouth and the surrounding areas, Phase 1 will see the introduction of modern trams linking Fareham and Gosport to Portsmouth via a tunnel under the Harbour. The next steps are for the promoters, Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council, to seek bids from private sector consortia to design, construct, operate and maintain the system. The successful consortium is expected to fund a substantial part of the £190m capital cost, and bear construction and revenue risk. In return they are allowed to keep fare box receipts for a franchise period in excess of 30 years. If programme targets are met, a consortium will be in place by the end of 2003. Construction is anticipated to take three years, so the first services should be running by 2007.
For more information contact SHRT Project Office on 02392 841 764, or visit the LRT web-site
The main outcome of the TM meeting on 28 June was recommendations for safety for maritime transport. Ministers adopted measures for scrapping single hull tankers in the wake of the Erika oil tanker spillage off northern France last year. Other initiatives agreed at the meeting include a draft Directive establishing an EU vessel monitoring and information system for maritime traffic intended to increase safety and prevent pollution. Part of this system will be compulsory installation of black boxes on ships, and a new responsibility for states to prevent ships from leaving port in exceptionally bad weather conditions or to recommend ships do not leave port where there could be risk to human life and/or the environment. A compensation fund for oil pollution damage will also be set up alongside existing International Maritime Organisation funds. Further information.
The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Environment Agency are developing a national flood and coastal defence database. It will provide a single electronic database to store, manipulate and present information on coastal defence risks and assets, supported by and available to all operating authorities.
Further information from Nick Burke at the Environment Agency: Tel: 0121 711 2324 E-mail: nick.burke@environment-agency.gov.uk
Two new guides for homeowners on preventing and dealing with flood damage have been published. Damage Limitation contains everything a homeowner needs to know about flood proofing their property; whilst After A Flood gives comprehensive advice on how to clean up, dry out, restore and repair a home after flooding together with details of organisations that can offer information, support and practical advice. Both are available free from the Environment Agency’s Floodline 0845 9881188.
On August 22nd 1851, at exactly 10.00, a gun fired by the Royal Yacht Squadron signalled the start of a race that would change the history of yachting. The low black schooner America’s overwhelming victory heralded the beginning of the modern age of yacht racing and her legacy, the America’s Cup, has become the world’s oldest and most famous sporting trophy. Once again this year the world ‘s greatest and most glamorous sailing events graced the Solent as crews from all over the globe helped to celebrate 150 years of the America ‘s Cup. The jubilee was officially opened by the Duke of Edinburgh, and with yachts arriving from Italy, Holland, Germany and the US, the regatta was a truly international affair. Thousands of spectators crowded onto the town ‘s waterfront armed with binoculars, telescopes, video cameras and hand-held radios enabling them to follow the racing, while huge numbers of visitors from all over the country travelled to the Island to enjoy the spectacle and the party atmosphere ashore.
Over a quarter of a million people flocked through the gates to Royal Naval Dockayard at Portsmouth over the August Bank Holiday weekend to attend the International Festival of the Sea. Stars of the show were HMS Ilustrious and the new Arleigh Burke destroyer ,USS Winston S Churchill, undertaking her first visit overseas. Both vessels had thousands of people queuing for up to four hours for guided tours.
The Solent Forum hired a marquee and invited Forum members to take advantage of a reduced site price and display inside the Solent Forum Pavilion. Those who took us up on the offer included the Environment Agency, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire and Wight Wildlife Trust, Marine Conservation Society, Solent Protection Society and Southampton Institute. The Forum invited Richard Osmond and his Hi-Tech Wild Trek to be the centre piece of the pavilion. Many children were introduced to the local sea creatures through his magnification of small laboratories onto a large television screen. The location of the tent, right opposite the new American destroyer, meant that there was no shortage of visitors. Adults and children were found in discussion with the Solent Protection Society, looking for worms in a wader fashion with the Wildlife Trust, trying to win a computer with the Environment Agency, learning about turtles and guessing the name of a life-size inflatable turtle with Marine Conservation Society, discovering Hampshire’s coastline, and learning what the Forum does.
The event was hailed a success by IFOS organisers who reported an increase in visitor numbers on the 1998 event, so much so that the gates were opened an hour earlier than advertised during the weekend and the Bank Holiday. Our thanks goes to all those who helped make the Solent Forum Pavilion an exciting and educational experience for all.
Work began on Portsmouth’s £16.5m spinnaker tower at Gunwharf Quays on the 14th November. Builder, John Mowlem, was driving the first of 84 piles 40 yards into the seabed to act as the foundation for the 550ft high visitor attraction. The concrete, glass and steel tower should have been ready in time for the millennium celebrations, but a series of high-profile hitches has held it back. The tower is now scheduled to open in 2003 and up to 500,000 people a year are expected to visit.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s marine week was held between 12th – 19th August and various events took place during that time. The Solent Forum sponsored the week and supported a joint event with the Environment Agency at Portsmouth Sea Life Centre. Tracey Hewett (Assistant Solent Forum Officer) assisted with the 31 children who came from a local summer school, to the Centre for the day. The event was an awareness raising opportunity for local youngsters about the sea life found in the Solent and an introduction to topical issues such as marine pollution. The children had a tour of the aquarium, took part in educational activities and had the opportunity to go on a hi-tech wild-trek with Richard Osmond who magnified small sea-creatures to monster size. In the afternoon the children took part in a run-around quiz on the beach at Eastney, to test their understanding of what they had learnt that morning. The afternoon culminated with each child making “pebble pledges” (a promise made whilst throwing a stone into the water) relating to the marine environment.
For information on the Marine Week 2002 please see: www.southeastmarine.org.uk.
During the weekend of the 22/23 September 2001, four cruise ships were berthed simultaneously at the Port of Southampton. Port Operator, ABP, co-ordinated the cruise calls of QEII, Oriana, Sundream and Galaxy which, altogether, resulted in more than 10,000 passengers passing through the port. All four vessels were turned round in less than 24 hours.
At the beginning of August RYA Powerboat racing boss, Peter Dredge, managed to smash 6 world records racing in the Solent with Ian Sanderson at the throttles of Sunseeker XS. The full list of records accomplished by the Sunseeker XS racing team are as follows: • 5 laps Isle of Wight in 4 hours, 11 minutes and 58 secs at a speed of 59.53 knots • 10 laps Isle of Wight in 9 hours 01 minute and 13 secs at a speed of 54.2 knots • 6 hrs a distance of 358nm at a speed of 59.68 knots • 12 hrs a distance of 650nm at a speed of 54.2 knots • 18 hrs a distance of 857nm at a speed of 47.6 knots • 24 hrs a distance of 1100nm at a speed of 45.83 knots Peter and Ian managed to cover a staggering total distance of 1100 nautical miles (1265 statute miles) in 24 hours. Within 24 hrs of these records being broken, John Puddifoot and his son Richard in their ‘boathow.com’ sponsored rib continued on the tradition with an outright lap record with a time of 43 minutes and 48 seconds in his RYA Formula 1 Class rib at a speed of 68.49 knots.
The Local Government Association’s (LGA) Coastal Strategy identifies the need for a major overhaul of the coastal planning system in England and Wales and highlights the problems associated with the sectoral division between coastal development and shoreline management/coastal defence. To assist the LGA develop its case for integration of planning and management of the coastal zone, the LGA has commissioned a study to review and clarify the relationship between policy guidance for coastal development and shoreline management/coastal defence. In addition to a review of relevant legislation, policy and documentation, the study is being informed by a range of interviews with key stakeholders. Topics for consideration in interviews and project report include the following: ¨ Shoreline management/coastal defence review of relevant legislation and guidance; inclusion of socio-economic aspects; community involvement in SMP process; ¨ Statutory land use planning – review of relevant legislation and guidance; incorporation of risk and natural environmental aspects; ¨ Co-ordination of coastal protection and coastal planning at national, regional and local levels (links with other plans and strategies; potential for rationalisation and streamlining of decision-making; information / guidance from SMP for incorporation into Development Plans); and ¨ Ways forward – investigation of options - modification of policy/guidance, legislation and/or administrative arrangements; information management; consultation and participation processes etc.
LGA Coastal Issues Contact: Alan Inder 01962 846759 or Email Alan Inder at Hampshire County Council.
On Sunday 12th August the Hazardous Dive Trail was officially opened just outside Chichester Harbour. It is the first trail in England promoting awareness of and participation in underwater archaeology and marine biology. The trail runs around the wreck of Hazardous and into the adjacent reef. It has been designed to reach the most interesting parts of the site introducing divers to both archaeological and biological features where large sinkers have been positioned at selected points. Lines, buoyed with reference numbers, have been laid between the sinkers forming a circular trail measuring almost 200 m. Base stations correspond to information sheets in a booklet highlighting examples of wreck and biological/geological features on the seabed. Participation in the underwater trail experience includes two lectures before the dive, covering the marine archaeology and marine biological aspects of the site and is followed by a visit to the Hazardous display at Earnley Gardens where the adventure is completed. The Hazardous dive trail is being run by the Hazardous Project with support from the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology. The operation of the Trail is in collaboration with Wittering Divers, with additional support from West Sussex County Council, South East Wildlife Trust and the Marine Conservation Society.
For more information contact the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology, tel: 02380 593290.
DEFRA Consultations on Managed Realignment In September, the Flood and Coastal Defence with Emergencies Division of DEFRA, issued the two following consultations. The deadline for comments on these consultation is Monday 31st December 2001. Managed realignment: land purchase, compensation and payment for alternative beneficial land use The aim of this paper is to clarify the circumstances in which land purchase and compensation can be funded from different sources, under current legislation, where managed realignment of river or coastal flood defences is proposed. Guidance on the role of flood and coastal defence in nature conservation in England This guidance is issued in the light of continuing uncertainty as to how flood and coastal defence operating authorities should identify their spending requirements for nature conservation: i.e. on what is legitimate expenditure on nature conservation in flood defence. The purpose of this document is therefore to provide operating authorities with further clarification on the role flood and coastal defence plays in delivering nature conservation benefits. Guidance is also provided on prioritising expenditure on conservation under flood and coastal defence programmes.
Further information from DEFRA or telephone the DEFRA helpline on 0645 335577.
A bid to begin the computerised mapping of Britain’s extensive coast has won a £450,000 government grant. The cash will boost a £600,000 pilot project involving Ordnance Survey, the UK Hydrographic Office and British Geological Survey. Called Integrated Coastal Zone Mapping (ICZ Map), the project is aimed at creating the first ever unified digital base map combining both onshore and offshore features. The grant specifically covers work starting now in a pilot area from Shoreham in West Sussex to Lyme Regis in Dorset. Full data for this region is expected to be available by April 2003, while priority areas to follow nationwide would include major estuaries and coast most at risk from erosion and flooding. A key feature of ICZ Map will be electronic supply, reflecting the increasing use of mapping data in computerised geographical information systems (GIS).
For more information contact Ordnance Survey: Press Officer Philip Round or phone 023 80792635 or visit their website
As the bells ring in the New Year it will be the end of many European currencies. EXCHANGE is a Eurocities project supported by the European Commission PRICE programme for information activities on the introduction of the single currency. The project has led to the production of a guide offering practical information on the most important administrative, technical and financial issues local authorities have to tackle in preparing for the Euro. Guide and information available at: www.euro-exchange.org.
A successful bid by Natasha Barker, the Exe Estuary Project Officer, and Jane Taussik, an independent researcher associated with the University of Portsmouth, and their colleagues from the Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas in Odessa for funding from DFID’s Small Environmental Projects Scheme has meant an international project to strengthen the role of NGOs and local government in environmental management and planning in Ukraine will soon be underway. The project proposes to develop capacity in integrated coastal zone management in the Tiligul Liman area of the Black Sea, near to Odessa and will begin with an exchange of experience between Ukrainian and UK project participants primarily in the South Devon and Solent areas because of the quality of local coastal management experience.
Further information from Jane Taussik or tel: 023 9247 2426.
The preliminary findings of the Southampton Port Waste Minimisation Project (run by SIEnA, a division of the Southampton Environment Centre) involving over 190 companies in and around the port, shows that knowledge of current waste legislation is very poor. Nearly half (47%) of respondents were unsure or did not believe they had a legal Duty of Care for the waste they produce. Furthermore, cost is often cited as a major barrier to waste minimisation. Few of the companies had considered the true or hidden costs associated with waste, or the savings to be gained through waste management and minimisation. The project will identify and assess the waste streams associated with the various business sectors surrounding the port and the opportunities for minimising their waste. In addition, the many barriers which often prevent companies from reducing or recycling will be assessed. The project will provide valuable information and recommendations on the conservation of non-renewable resources and benefits of waste minimisation.
For further information contact George Padelopoulos, SIEnA Project Manager on 023 80336199.
The project is funded by RMC Environment Fund through the landfill tax credit scheme, with additional support from Marina Developments Ltd and Southampton City Council.
The Countryside Agency has published public notices of a draft Order to revoke the designation of the South Hampshire Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This AONB lies entirely within the proposed boundary of the New Forest National Park. Therefore, if a New Forest National Park Designation Order is made and confirmed, the Countryside Agency would need to revoke the AONB designation, as it is not appropriate to have the two designations applying to the same area. The draft Order has been available for people to see from 8 November at New Forest District Council offices in Lyndhurst, Hampshire County Council offices in Winchester and the Agency’s office in Cheltenham. Any objections or representations about the Order should be sent to Sarah Lloyd at the Countryside Agency, Dacre House, 19 Dacre Street, London, SW1H 0DH by 10 December 2001.
The nights are drawing in but there is still much to be seen down at the shoreline and along our coast during daylight hours, so don’t be a fair weather ‘Coastal Detective’, get out and about and see what you can find. There are many winter visitors who come to our shores because of our mild winter weather. Many birds leave behind arctic winters to bask in our (relatively) mild climate. Keep a look out for increasing numbers of winter and passage migrants, including familiar coastal species such as golden plover, teal, brent goose and rarities such as the avocet. As well as colder weather, stronger winds and storms become more regular at this time of year. Take a wander along the shoreline after a heavy storm and see what has washed up at the strandline. All sorts of flotsam and jetsam can be found both natural and man-made. The best time to go is when storms coincide with spring tides. In the boatyards and marinas, many vessels are being laid up for the winter, and are having overhauls and maintenance work undertaken. Whilst offshore, fishing boats are well into the oyster fishing season and can be seen dredging the seabed for this delicacy, until around March, when the season ends.
Access and Environment Initiative Tracey Hewett is bringing together the information she has collected for the Foundation Document which will form Part I of this project. Phase II is the development of the Recreation Strategy and its dissemination to Forum members for approval, comment and amendments.
State of the Solent: Edition 1 The Forum Officers have been hard at work during the summer months requesting data and incorporating it into the first edition of the State of the Solent. Inside this 88 page report, you will find information relating to all aspects of the Solent ranging from the physical environment to human settlement and natural resources. Order this publication
Solent Forum GIS Metadatabase (Catalogue) During the summer, all Forum members were sent a questionnaire relating to their use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), whether they own datasets and what Solent-wide maps they would find most useful if available. From the results, Tracey Hewett is now establishing a catalogue of GIS datasets which she hopes will be available to Solent Forum members by the end of the financial year.
Marine Consents Guide In collaboration with the Isle of Wight Council, River Hamble Harbour Authority, British Marine Industries Federation, Environment Agency and the Joint Marine Consents and Environment Unit of DTLR/DEFRA, work is progressing on the Marine Consents Guide. The guide will hopefully help to end the confusion created by the numerous consents and licences required to undertake activities and developments in the coastal and marine environment.
Solent Forum Review The Forum is currently reviewing its progress over the last ten years and is developing a strategy for the next ten years. This strategy will be sent out to Forum members for comment once the draft is completed.
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