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Solent News Issue 12, May 2002 |
“A decade is but a blink of an eye in the history of the Solent. The amount of work though that has been crammed into this short space of time is a good reason to celebrate. Organisations are now working together to understand and solve the problems that confront the Solent. Together we can make an impact. Best wishes on our tenth birthday to all”. Maldwin Drummond, Chair, Solent Forum.
This year the Solent Forum celebrates its 10th Anniversary, having been formed in 1992. It’s probably fair to say that the Forum’s origins lie in ‘A Strategy for Hampshire’s Coast’ – produced by Hampshire County Council in 1991 – which emphasised the need for a “broadly based consultative agency” to discuss strategic coastal issues. Discussions held between key players involved in planning and management around the Solent confirmed the need for such a forum. Draft terms of reference were drawn up and the inaugural meeting of the Solent Forum was held in December 1992. For the first four years Hampshire County Council administered the Forum. Then, when it was agreed that a Solent-wide strategy should be prepared, a dozen of the main organisations joined together to fund the appointment of the first Solent Project Officer, Tim Badman. Tim drafted Strategic Guidance for the Solent, and then moved on to do a similar job in Dorset. He was replaced by Kate Ansell, who finalised the Guidance and has since driven the implementation of the five ‘flagship projects’ that formed the core elements of the Guidance. During the past year she has been joined by Tracey Hewett. For the whole decade we have been very fortunate to have had Maldwin Drummond as Chairman, so knowledgeable and passionate about the Solent, and so widely respected. The achievements of the Forum are summarised on the back page of this newsletter. However, although we can look back over the achievements and steady consolidation over the past decade, there is no room for complacency. Following the celebration at Spitbank Fort in July we will return to the sober task of reviewing the aims, objectives and priorities of the Forum, and producing a business plan with a work programme of new projects, hopefully equipped with the necessary resources. A sober task, perhaps, but potentially visionary and exciting. Alan Inder, Coastal Manager, Hampshire County Council (a founding member of the Forum).
Intertidal Environments Forum launched its new website in March. http://www.intertidalforum.org. The website comprises a public and members discussion forum, links to member websites and a news section. The Forum aims to promote links and discussion between groups with an interest in intertidal environments, bringing together people working in industry, research, education, and government. At present, Forum members comprise research groups, government and private organisations within the Southampton and Solent area. However, they would like to encourage other research groups and organisations from around the UK to participate so that the Forum can eventually expand to a national level. If you would like to join the IEF or have any questions, please contact either Malcolm Hudson tel: 023 8059 4797 or Patrick Friend tel: 023 8059 6467.
On 1 May, DEFRA launched its first marine stewardship report - Safeguarding Our Seas: A Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of our Marine Environment. The report sets out a vision for the marine environment - clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas. Copies are available electronically from www.defra.gov.uk or from DEFRA publications, Tel: 08459 556000. The government is also to review the regulations that affect development in coastal waters. This will be undertaken on an inter-departmental basis with DTLR as the lead department.
The Solent Forum is gathering data for a research and monitoring database. Should you be undertaking local research or know of an organisation that is please contact the Solent Forum Officers on 01962 846027.
In February, the SEMS Foundation Document was published and distributed to members of the management and advisory groups. This was followed by the launch of the Stage 2 report in March, which identifies activities for further consideration in the SEMS Management Scheme. Further information is available from the SEMS Officer : 01962 846925; E-mail: sems@hants.gov.uk.
An independent audit of the assessment procedures used to look at the potential coastal impacts of new marine aggregate applications has been completed. The research was undertaken by University College London on behalf of BMAPA and the Standing Conference on Problems Associated with the Coastline (SCOPAC). The report, which can be downloaded from www.bmapa.org, made a number of recommendations to improve the assessment process. Initiatives to develop some of these are to be investigated by BMAPA during 2002. For more information visit www.bmapa.org.
The Wildlife Trusts in the South East have just released a new report entitled ‘The marine biodiversity of South East England’. The report describes the range of marine habitats found in the South East and the wildlife associated with each habitat type. Examples include the peacock worm, the sea mouse and the baked bean seasquirt - typical of muddy, sandy and gravelly habitats respectively. The report also highlights the regional, national and international significance of the habitats, the threats they face, and opportunities for action to conserve their wildlife interest. The report is available as a downloadable pdf file at: www.southeastmarine.org.uk. Please contact Lisa Browning for more information on Tel: 023 8068 8936.
The reported number of strandings in England and Wales has doubled from the figures recorded last year, 101 animals were reported from January to February 2002. The dead animals were being washed up due to storm force winds battering the coasts. Marine strandings can occur for a number of reasons such as sickness, disorientation, natural mortality, extreme weather conditions or injury. However, the main cause of death is the accidental capture of the animals in fishing gear, which is known as bycatch and is considered to be one of the greatest threats facing whales and dolphins world wide. More information is available from Hampshire Wildlife Trust’s website at www.hwt.org.uk. A copy of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s Dolphin Encounter guide can be obtained by calling 023 6068 8907.
During the winter months dolphins were regularly found washed up on the south coast of England, including the beaches of the Solent. The cause was thought to be related to the winter bass fishery. Research funded by DEFRA shows that entanglement with fishing gear is the main cause of death of dolphins washed up on British and French beaches. Prototypes of new nets, with separator grids, which allow dolphins to escape were successfully trialed in an observation tank last month. These nets are now ready to be tried under commercial fishing conditions at sea with the help of UK fishermen. The World Wildlife Fund has offered support for DEFRA’s effort to raise awareness of the cetacean by-catch problem and find a solution that can be implemented at EU level. Welcoming the WWF’s support, Fisheries Minister, Elliot Morley, said that cetacean by-catch was not solely a UK problem and that any solution should apply to all EU fishermen.
Southern Sea Fisheries District have recently introduced two byelaws on minimum fish sizes and Scallop fishing which cover the whole of their District from Lyme Regis to Hayling Island.
MINIMUM FISH SIZES No person shall take from the fishery any fish of the following species that measures less than the size listed when measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail:
Both byelaws apply to any part of the Southern Sea Fisheries District, within a line drawn 6 nautical miles on the seaward side of the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom is measured. An updated copy of the byelaw booklet covering all byelaws for the District, together with a revised Wheelhouse Card, are available from: Southern Sea Fisheries District 64 Ashley Road Parkstone Poole, Dorset, BH14 9BN. Tel: 01202 721373.
The Solent Water Quality Conference 2002 was recently held in Fareham. Its theme was the revisions to the EU Bathing Water Directive and it explored the implications from numerous angles before focusing on the issues for beach management. This was the first conference that looked at the potential implications for various organisations arising from this Directive and it attracted delegates from throughout the country. The SWQC Officers Working Group will now consider the possibility of holding a further workshop to explore the issues raised further after the draft Directive is published in July.
The SWQC Beach Awards 2002 were also awarded at the conference. Winners were:
Results from Beachwatch 2001, the ninth nationwide survey of beach litter, organised by MCS and supported by the Crown Estate were published in March. Over 1,980 Beachwatch volunteers recorded and removed a total of 222,704 items from 194 beaches around the UK over the weekend of 15th and 16th September 2001. The Marine Conservation Society believes that whilst Beachwatch 2001 recorded a reduction in the average density of litter on the beaches surveyed, compared to results from the previous two years, current beach litter levels are unacceptable and pose a threat to wildlife, as well as spoiling the natural beauty of our coast. Further information from the MCS, Tel: 01989 566017 or www.mcsuk.org.
On 22 May the National Aquatic Litter Group (NALG) launched a beach aesthetics survey information system. This is a new Internet based system to capture and share information on the aesthetic quality of beaches in the UK. It has been developed as a management tool for monitoring, identifying and tackling quality issues at site level. As part of its contribution the Environment Agency carried out snapshot surveys at every designated bathing water site in England and Wales during 2000 and 2001. A third national survey is being planned for 2002 and the results will be publicised on the website later in the year. Practitioners, relevant authorities beach operators and NGOs that wish to participate can contribute their own monitoring data over the summer. The survey covers a range of categories that are important to public health, quality of life and coastal and marine ecology. Categories monitored include potentially harmful litter, sewage related debris, faeces, general litter, gross litter and oil.
To receive updates on the Beach Aesthetics Project email: beaches@nalg.org.uk stating Beach Surveys in the subject line. The database is available at www.nalg.org.uk.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has reported the brightest outlook ever for Britain’s bathing waters with the publication of the Good Beach Guide, 2002. A total of 341 UK beaches have made the grade to be recommended in the Guide, 25 of which are in the Solent. The Guide describes the beaches, their water quality, bathing safety, the amount of litter, beach facilities, the activities available and how to get there and where to park. MCS will be lobbying the European Commission and Parliament to ensure that the proposal for a new Bathing Water Directive does not falter at the last hurdle. The current proposals include a more stringent water quality standard at a level based on current scientific knowledge, that will protect public health, with a greater emphasis on provision of public information. To protect public health in UK bathing waters, MCS believes that a comprehensive strategy needs to be developed that tackles all sources of bacterial pollution, including agricultural run-off and storm water overflows, as well as outfall pipes.
The MCS Good Beach Guide 2002 is available free by sending an A5 SAE (44p second class, 57p first class) to Marine Conservation Society, 9 Gloucester Road, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 5BU It is also published on the internet at: www.goodbeachguide.co.uk. Contact Kate Hutchinson Tel: 01989 561589 Fax: 01989 567815
An historic event took place in February with the publication of the Designation Order for a New Forest National Park. Special arrangements will be needed for a New Forest National Park Authority because of the area’s unique features. The Countryside Agency, (CA) responding to consultation, has advised the Secretary of State to issue special guidance that recognises the special qualities of the area, including its legislation, nature conservation, commoning and the privilege of access over the crown land. It is also identifying how the authority should take account of these special qualities in its work and indicating how members of the authority might be selected to reflect the special needs of the New Forest. The New Forest Acts are not being changed by the creation of a National Park Authority. The purpose and powers of the Verderers and the Forestry Commission in the forest do not change, but the CA are advising that the Secretary of State should encourage close liaison between these bodies and the new Authority, so that they work together to achieve the national park purposes of conservation and enjoyment. All the designated order documents are available on the Countryside Agency’s website: www.countryside.gov.uk/proposednationalparks/newforest.htm.
From 3 to 11 August, the Wildlife Trusts in the South East are joining a host of other organisations - local authorities, harbour authorities, government agencies, aquaria, study centres and others - to celebrate our region’s marine environment. Events planned to date include guided boat trips, family activity days and open days. Resources such as postcards, posters and displays are available to all event organisers. If you would like to organise an event or sponsor South East Marine Week then please contact Lisa Browning on the details below. Please contact Lisa Browning on 023 8068 8936. or visit www.southeastmarine.org.uk.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has launched a new consumers guide to eating ‘eco-friendly’ fish - the MCS Good Fish Guide. The Guide has been written to inform consumers about which fish can be eaten and which should be avoided, to reduce overfishing and damage to the marine environment. The MCS Good Fish Guide includes details for over 60 species commonly on sale in UK fishmongers, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants - how and where they are caught and whether they come from sustainably managed stocks. It provides information on a range of environmental and social issues associated with catching, processing and eating fish. The Guide also identifies a list of the top 20 most vulnerable species to be avoided by those consumers concerned about the impact their exploitation is having on stocks and the environment. To assist consumers, MCS will be advising fish suppliers, supermarkets and restaurant chains to provide more information on how and where their stocks are fished, and to avoid selling the “top 20” species which are listed on the MCS website. The Good Fish Guide can be purchased for £9.50 (inc p&p) from the Marine Conservation Society Tel: 01989 566017 or online at www.mcsuk.org.
New Forest District Council (NFDC) is launching an exhibition in Lymington to highlight the importance of salt marshes and the dire consequences of not protecting and conserving them. The saltmarshes and mudflats from Lymington to Keyhaven will completely disappear by the end of the century if nothing is done to halt coastal erosion. These saltmarshes, that provide vital protection to both areas, are being washed away at the rate of three metres per year. This is due to rising sea levels and global climate change. The Council is working in partnership with other organisations to develop a sustainable Coastal Defence Strategy to protect the Western Solent from Hurst Castle to Calshot Spit. Further information is available from Andrew Colenutt at NFDC on 023 8028 5818.
The West Sussex Vegetated Shingle Project is a partnership between English Nature, Arun, Adur and Chichester District Councils, West Sussex County Council, the Environment Agency and SCOPAC. In February, a workshop on vegetated shingle restoration brought together site managers, coastal defence engineers, ecologists and others for a day of presentations, field visit and group discussions. The result was a clear idea of the options available for habitat restoration/creation and areas where information/resources are lacking or further research needed. A guide has been produced to aid coastal defence engineers in minimising the impact to vegetated shingle when working on the beach. It identifies how vegetated shingle is damaged, measures that can be taken to prevent/minimise damage and mitigation measures when damage is unavoidable. A waterproof ID card has also been produced for contractors, to aid identification of vegetated shingle for protection. The Shingle Wildlife Gardens scheme encourages beach-front householders to develop vegetated shingle in their gardens. Gardeners are given seed trays, pots, local seed, growing instructions and a code of conduct. By setting part of their garden aside for this rare wildlife community they are giving back an area that once would have been naturally colonised by vegetated shingle. For more information, contact the Project Officer on 01903 737949 or see www.pebbledash.org.uk.
Chichester Harbour AONB, managed by the Chichester Harbour Conservancy, is one of the first AONBs in the region to secure core funding from the Countryside Agency. The new funding has come online as a result of the requirements of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000. One of the requirements is the production of an AONB management plan, which will be developed over the next two years. The process will incorporate a full consultation of the users and management organisations within the AONB. The first task is to develop and promote a vision for the AONB, which will be the foundation stone of the management plan. The Conservancy will be developing their website (www.conservancy.co.uk) to incorporate information on the process and enable people to comment on various drafts of the plan. Should you require any further information or have comments on the development of the Management Plan, please contact Susie Westmacott, AONB Officer, at Chichester Harbour Conservancy on 01243 512301.
The future management of the River Hamble has been secured by Hampshire County Council and the Crown Estate who have agreed a new arrangement following extensive consultation with river users. The leases of two stretches of the river, including valuable moorings, expired on 31 December 2001. The renewal of the leases would have been expensive under Government Capital Scoring rules, however, an agreement was reached after a Cabinet Meeting with the Crown Estates over future management arrangements. The new arrangements mean that the Crown Estates and Hampshire County Council, who have had a long association with the management of the river, will be entering into a close relationship to further the interests of the River Hamble and its community. The County Council will be leasing the river bed on a 50 year lease from the Crown Estates at a peppercorn rental with no great cost to the tax payer. For further information contact: Hampshire County Council, Vanessa Buckle (01962) 847367. Crown Estates: Giles French on 020 2710 4823 or Irene Belcher on 020 7210 4846.
A decision to grant “preferred developer” status to the proposers of this development will enable them to move on to a detailed planning substantiation of their proposals. Members of the Executive at Havant Borough Council have agreed to recommend full Council to approve the move after considering a report which included legal advice from counsel acting on the council’s behalf. The proposals are for a multi million pound development including a major hotel and conference centre, business park, housing and 200 berth marina with ancillary leisure and retail uses. This is on a site which involves some sensitive planning, transport and environmental issues. The developers must produce a report which thoroughly addresses all the issues before moving on to the submission of a detailed scheme. For more information Contact Kim Richardson tel: 023 9244 6420 or e-mail: Kim.Richards@havant.gov.uk.
Vehicle handling at Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Port of Southampton moved up another level in April with the opening of the UK’s first port-located multi-deck car terminal. The five-level terminal provides the equivalent of almost five hectares of car storage on a footprint of approximately one hectare and can accommodate up to 3,120 cars at any one time. The new terminal and an existing dedicated storage site are expected to increase Wallenius Wilhelmsen Lines’ car-handling capacity at the port from 205,000 to 357,000 vehicles per annum.
On 9 January, 100 gallons of white diesel escaped from a vandalised storage tank at the Clay Meadow Depot in Totton. The oil ran into surface water drains leading to a feeder stream to Bartley Water. The tributary is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and flows into a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a RAMSAR site. Agency officers placed a number of booms on the tributary to contain the oil and used absorbent pads to soak it up. As the pads became full they were changed until the situation was under control. The officers remained at the site until they were sure that the local environment was safe from the oil. These actions saved Bartley Water from pollution and only one fish died. For further information contact: jo.hunt@environment-agency.gov.uk For reporting any environmental incidents relating to air, land or water ring the Environment Agency’s 24 hour hotline on: 0800 80 7060.
From July 2002, Brittany Ferries 36,000 tonne flagship ‘Mont St Michel’ will operate between Portsmouth and Caen replacing the smaller Duc de Normandie. The 80m ship will have over 2km of parking space on board and will be able to accommodate over 132 lorries or 800 passenger vehicles. P&O Portsmouth’s 22,365 tonne superferry the new ‘Pride of Cherbourg’ will commence two return crossings per day between Cherbourg and Portsmouth in September. The capacity will be for 142 freight vehicles. The new ship provides a one ship operation with greater passenger and freight capacity than the two existing ships. The investment of the ferry companies in these two ships will increase the freight handling capacity of the port.
The Isle of Wight Council’s Centre for the Coastal Environment is to receive further European funding for coastal erosion studies, as part of a major EU research project. The European Union LIFE Environment Programme (L’Instrument Financier de l’Environnement) has commissioned a six million euro (£3,660,000) study of the impacts of coastal erosion around the whole of the European coastline. The project, called EUrosion, which is being led by the Dutch Ministry for Water and the Environment in partnership with the French Geological Service and the University of Barcelona, has with the help of the European Commission, identified a number of key European study sites. The Isle of Wight has been chosen as an area that will illustrate how coastal erosion problems are being tackled and how ground instability problems are managed. For further information contact: Robin McInnes on (01983) 823770.
The quest to improve transport in south east Hampshire took a major step forward in April with the announcement that three consortia have successfully met all pre-qualifying criteria to build the Fareham-Gosport-Portsmouth light rail link. All three will now be asked to produce more detailed proposals in a bid to design, build, maintain, operate and part-finance the £190m South Hampshire Rapid Transit Phase 1 (SHRT1) scheme. The bids are expected to be returned by the end of the year. Further information from SHRT Project Office, tel: 023 9284 1764 or visit www.hants.gov.uk/lrt.
The Hayling Billy Trail is a footpath which runs from Havant town centre (New Lane level crossing) southwards through Langstone and onto Hayling Island where it becomes the Hayling Billy Coastal Path. The route of the Trail mostly follows the old ‘Hayling Billy’ Railway which closed in 1963. The current upgrade to the Hayling Billy Trail is being carried out to provide part of the National Cycle Network being developed by Sustrans, the civil engineering charity. The upgrade was first proposed in 1995 and although has been scaled down from earlier proposals (which included a new bridge onto Hayling Island) it currently comprises these main elements: nHavant town centre to Langstone (Phase 1) - construction commenced 29 October 2001, currently open for use with the official opening ceremony later in 2002 nHayling Bridge to West Town (Phase 2) nLangstone to Hayling Bridge (Phase 3) Future proposals include further sections of cycle way-standard routes linking westwards from Fairfield Road to Havant Station (planning application expected summer 2002), and eastwards from Fairfield Road to Warblington School. Further information from Havant Borough Council at www.havant.gov.uk/Council/HayBilly/index.htm or tel: 023 9247 4174.
Hampshire County Council has commissioned Wessex Archaeology to undertake digital mapping of the historic coastline of Hampshire. The work involved digitising the lines of the high and low water marks as shown on two Admiralty charts (dated 1781 and 1847), four periods of Ordnance Survey mapping (between 1843 and the 1960s), and the modern ‘landline’ OS data. The main outcome is a digital database that has been incorporated into the County Council’s Geographical Information System. The project report included some limited interpretation of the findings, and identified evidence for six main types of coastal change: erosion; accretion; movement of spits; loss of land or structures; reclamation; and offshore changes. Further information from Ian Wykes, Senior Archaeologist, at the County Council; tel: 01962 846819 or E-mail: ian.wykes@hants.gov.uk.
Handrails have been added to 150 metres of the Isle of Wight Coastal Path through generous donations from holiday makers. HT Holidays Ltd has offered to further enhance a route, that was resurfaced by the council, by funding more handrails. The path is now easier for walkers enabling them to enjoy the experience of the landslip, which is designated as part of the Island’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For further Information contact: Tim Slade Tel: 01983 823742 or John Sitch Tel: 01245 451244.
In March 2001, specialists in planning, water and coastal management from the Netherlands and the UK were brought together to study the future options for spatial planning on the Manhood Peninsula. The Manhood Peninsula Partnership (MPP) was established following this “Going Dutch” workshop. The MPP aims to take an integrated approach to exploring various sustainable options for the area’s long-term future. The main driving force of the Partnership is the problems likely to arise from climate change and rising sea level on the low lying Manhood Peninsula. A Steering Group will oversee the strategic and long-term aims of the MPP and advise on current and future projects, with topic groups being established through workshops. Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council are supporting the initiative. The Steering Group consists of representatives with statutory responsibilities within the Manhood Peninsula area and is led by two project leaders; Carolyn Cobbold and Brian Waters, who both have close links with the local community. Peter Jones, a Councillor for Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council, chairs the Group. The MPP is also part of the European Spatial Planning: Adapting to Climate Change (ESPACE) bid for Interreg IIB funding. The ESPACE project has been put together by the UK’s South East Climate Change Partnership and is being led by Hampshire County Council. An aspect of the bid is raising awareness of climate change of which the work of the MPP forms a part. If you would like to register an interest in a topic group or require more information, please contact Claire Smith on 01243 785166 ext 4399 or csmith@chichester.gov.uk.
The last Newsletter reported the success of a CoastNET team in bidding for funding from DFID to support the development of integrated coastal zone management in the Tiligul liman area of the Black Sea coast near Odessa. The project began with a study visit by some of the Ukrainian team to the UK in late January. Much of that visit was concentrated in the Solent area with the team staying in Langstone, neatly located for access to both Chichester and Langstone Harbours. The work of the study visit in the Solent was complemented by activities in the Exe Estuary and with a visit to the Thames Estuary Partnership. The project has now moved onto its later stages where the UK team will assist the Ukrainian team with workshops and meetings in the Tiligul area and with the relevant oblasts (like county authorities). The study visit was intensive and extremely successful and the UK organisers, Jane Taussik, from the University of Portsmouth and Natasha Barker from the Exe Estuary Partnership, are extremely grateful for the considerable support that they received, both from the Forum staff and from others in the Solent area.
In the last newsletter we posed questions to our readership, the answers to which are printed below:
Q: On a clear day, how far can you see from the bridge of a ship?
Answer: 149,600,000 kilometres, if you can see the sun! The best forecast for horizontal visibility is “good” which represents a value of five nautical miles or more. As to how far you can see at sea depends on both the height of visibility and whether you might be on a small craft or an ocean-going tanker - that is to say the height from which you observe. For example, if you’re on the bridge of a large vessel, you can see up to 20 nautical miles or so.
Q: If Lancashire is Lancs: Yorkshire is Yorks; Berkshire is Berks, why isn’t Hampshire Hamps?
Answer: It is the regional dialect. The original name was Hantshire but, over time the spelling has changed to match the pronunciation. Old maps use Hantshire.
Q: When looking towards the Isle of Wight from Southsea seafront I notice there are forts; what are they for?
Answer: The forts closest to the mainland were built by Palmerston to prevent French ironclad warships bombarding the strategic Dockyard at Portsmouth. Whilst St Helens Fort was built close to the Isle of Wight to protect the St Helens Road anchorage.
Marinas, berths and channels throughout the Solent are dredged to ensure the safe navigation of craft. Maintenance dredging and its disposal requires consents and licences from DEFRA, DTLR, the local Harbour Authority, the Environment Agency and in certain cases the local planning authority. Many of the areas that are dredged are within or are adjacent to areas that are included in the Solent European Marine Site. They are, therefore, subject to the requirements of the Habitats Regulations. Under these Regulations applications for maintenance dredging are now considered as ‘plans and projects’. Regulation 48 requires the competent authority to carry out an ‘appropriate assessment’ if the plan or project is: · Not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site and; · Likely to have a significant effect upon a European site, either alone or in combination with other proposals. This position was recently confirmed by Government and will, therefore, have implications for harbour authorities and other operators carrying out maintenance dredging. In theory, this implies that a full assessment is required every time an application to dredge is made. However, it has been indicated that, providing a detailed assessment is undertaken of all maintenance activities, including disposal/beneficial use and a monitoring programme is set up (if necessary) then the future need for an assessment on each application can be reduced to an evaluation of monitoring results against the original assessment. Authorities in the Solent are now considering the implications of the Regulations on maintenance dredging. These two cases serve to demonstrate the potential impacts and possible solutions that are being sought by some authorities in the Solent.
Author: Rachael Bayliss, Solent European Marine Sites Officer.
Hamble River Response
The River Hamble Harbour Authority are working with other relevant authorities and marina operators to produce a dredging plan for the estuary which will consider the implications of the Habitats Regulations on dredging in the river. The plan will outline current maintenance dredging requirements, it will then consider potential environmental impacts and outline a baseline of information against which an assessment of the potential impacts of the dredging and possible disposal operations can be made. This will provide the basis to evaluate future dredging applications for any location in the estuary without the need for further detailed assessment and consultation.
Author: Alan Williams, River Hamble Harbour Authority.
Lymington Harbour concerned - link between maintenance dredging and the erosion of nearby saltmarshes
Lymington Harbour Commissioners have for many years been concerned about the erosion of the saltmarshes bordering the Lymington River – not only are they part of the Solent European Marine Site, but they also provide protection for the harbour, the sea wall and ultimately for the town and local properties. Their accelerating erosion over the years is depleting the wildlife habitat and exposing river moorings to wind and waves. The New Forest District Council, as Coast Protection Authority, is looking at measures to stop the erosion as part of a new coastal defence strategy for the Western Solent. Public awarness has been raised by the erection of notice boards in the area showing the extent of the erosion. Last year the Harbour applied for a 3-year licence to continue the maintenance dredging but were told by DEFRA that a licence would be granted only for one year. Dredging in future years would depend on an “appropriate assessment” under the Habitats Regulations. This was based on advice from English Nature that there was a “likely significant effect” of the dredging on the erosion of the saltmarshes. When asked about the evidence for this English Nature pointed to studies in the Orwell on the effects of capital dredging at Harwich, and to references in other literature on the web which suggest interactions between dredging and erosion. Lymington is still exploring with English Nature what form the required “appropriate assessment” might take. The harbour is being challenged to prove a negative –that dredging has no effect on the marshes. What if that negative cannot be proved? In that case it seems that the Commissioners would only be allowed to continue to dredge if they could show that there was an “overriding public interest” in keeping the harbour open. Some of the issues here may be particular to Lymington. But there are wider issues which call into question the national approach to maintenance dredging: whether dredging harms conservation sites, the possibilities of mitigating its effects, and the implications for harbour operations if dredging has to be curtailed because sites are indeed being damaged.
Author: Chris Harris, Lymington Harbour Commissioners
These examples demonstrate how a new approach to maintenance dredging is starting to take shape in the Solent. The management scheme for the European Marine Site will also consider the impact of maintenance dredging across the whole site. The management scheme will be able to act as a co-ordinating mechanism to help disseminate good practice to other relevant authorities and will also help to co-ordinate the assessment of the impact of maintenance dredging activity throughout the site.
Author: Rachael Bayliss, European Marine Sites Officer.
Jayson Grygiel joined Gosport Borough Council as a Senior Planning Officer in October after working for Melton Borough Council, in Leicestershire. His main responsibilities are related to the production of the Gosport Local Plan Review, as well as other land use planning projects within the Borough. Jayson will also be the Council’s contact regarding the Solent European Marine Sites. Tel: 023 9254 5458 E-mail: jayson.grygiel@gosport.gov.uk
Julie Hatcher is the Vegetated Shingle Project Officer, a project dedicated to conserving and promoting rare vegetated shingle habitat in West Sussex. More information from the Vegetated Shingle website: www.pebbledash.org.uk or contact Julie Hatcher.shingle@virgin.net
Neil Richardson has recently joined the team of Southern Sea Fisheries District (SSFD) as District Fishery Office (DFO). He has 22 years service with the Coastguard Cliff Rescue, 12 of which were as Deputy Station Officer. Most of his life has been connected with the sea. Together with his father, he was joint owner of a commercial fishing vessel for six years, before selling up to go to university where he studied Coastal Zone Management. During this time he carried out his work placement aboard the Fisheries Protection Vessel of the South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee (SWSFC) and on graduating in 1996 commenced work as a DFO with them. Southern Sea Fisheries District, 64 Ashley Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset BH14 9BN Tel (01202)721373
Susie Westmacott joined the Chichester Harbour Conservancy in October 2001 as AONB Officer. As well as implementing the existing management plan she will be working on the development of the new CROW driven management plan. She has worked in the field of coastal management for 9 years and has a PhD in Coastal Management from the University of Newcastle. Spending most of her time abroad, she has worked as coastal resources advisor for a Dutch consultancy, as assistant Manager of the Bonaire Marine Park and before joining the Conservancy was working as a freelance consultant examining the impact of the 1998 coral bleaching event on fisheries and tourism in the Indian Ocean. Contact Susie at Chichester Harbour Conservancy, The Harbour Office, Itchenor, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 7AW Telephone : (01243) 512301 or email: harbourmaster@conservancy.co.uk
In this edition our Coastal Detective is Philip Couchman, the Environment Manager of Chichester Harbour Conservancy.
This article comes from the furthest reaches of the Solent - The Eastern End - some purists might say it’s not in the Solent at all as for some purposes the Solent stops at a line between Bembridge Ledge and Eastoke Point. However, for the rest of us, we feel firmly in the Solent. So what’s happening this end? The sailing season has started in earnest and the army of enthusiastic boat owners who have sheltered in their homes during the winter have begun to migrate south. Early sightings of paint covered sailors in their winter plumage were a welcome change from the bleak empty expanses of open water with only the lonely cry of ‘water’ from the hardy frostbiters. But now the Eastern Harbours are alive with the new season’s clothing and freshly painted and polished boats.
There is much to report on the impacts of recent legislation. The Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act came into force in September. It had two consequences for Chichester Harbour. The Act was designed to increase the amount of land available for general access to the countryside and this would include all registered common land. The impacts of this have yet to be assessed but I can see problems of disturbance to wildlife; trampling of upper saltmarsh; and visitors, unaware of the danger of the soft intertidal mudland, getting into difficulties due to much of the intertidal area being registered as common land. The second, more acceptable consequence of the CROW Act was to require a new approach to managing Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the emergence of additional funding from the Countryside Agency to encourage their better management. Chichester Harbour has benefited to the figure of £97,000 pa for core costs and this has enabled the appointment of new staff and the development of a much more extensive project programme to maintain and improve the Chichester Harbour AONB.
Of wider interest to Solent Users will be the gradual introduction of the Water Framework Directive and the Nitrates Directive and their impact on coastal water quality. Studies undertaken in 2001 on nitrate levels in the Solent and surrounding waters have led to the recommendation that nitrogen removal is implemented for Chichester, Thornham, Peel Common and Eastney/Havant sewage works. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is perhaps the most significant piece of European water legislation for 20 years. The overall objective of the WFD is to establish a coherent legislative framework for the protection and improvement of the water environment within the context of achieving sustainable development. The WFD applies to all waters and uses ecological and chemical standards and objectives. Of particular interest is the requirement of Article 6 for member states to establish a register of protected areas lying within each river basin district which require special protection for surface water, ground water or for the conservation of habitats and species directly dependant on water. Protected Areas include: Areas designated for abstraction for human consumption, Areas designated for the protection of economically significant aquatic species, Bodies of water designated as recreational waters including bathing waters, Nutrient sensitive areas, Areas designated for protection of habitats and species including Natura 2000 sites designated under the Habitats and Birds Directives. As you can see from this list the Solent comes very high on the requirement table and I would expect this to drive significant water quality improvements over the coming years.
Over a shorter timescale another event in Chichester Harbour that is likely to attract interest is the purchase of 25 ha of agricultural land by the Conservancy for a managed retreat scheme. This project, together with an earlier scheme, has the potential to create over 30ha of intertidal habitat. Many readers will be aware that within the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC) any works which are likely to damage any feature of interest would not be approved. If these works were nevertheless in the overriding public interest then compensation must be provided if the works are to proceed. This requirement has proved to be particularly difficult for the Environment Agency who cannot proceed with essential sea defence work on the eastern side of Hayling Island until compensation is found. The Conservancy has offered the Environment Agency one of its managed retreat sites to be used for compensation for these works, but the final decision rests with English Nature as to the suitability of the site.
The Chichester Harbour Conservancy’s Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) bid is now picking up speed too. The detailed bid is being planned for submission in December 2002, with the project programme commencing in April 2003. If the bid is successful, we will have a massive investment in the Harbour for the protection, maintenance and improvement of its cultural, historical and natural heritage.
Finally, to show that there are linkages between the East and the West, I can report that a consortium made up from English Nature, Marina Operators, SCOPAC, New Forest District Council and the Conservancy have put together a research project to be carried out this year by H.R. Wallingford on the impacts of the beneficial disposal of dredged material. This project was a small part of the Saltmarsh project which unfortunately failed to gain European funding. It was however a very important component of the bid and it is very good to see this part, at least, come to fruition. It will provide information that will have a much wider application than just Chichester Harbour providing some help for the smaller marinas dealing with a dredging requirement and hopefully ensure that the valuable mudland resource of the Solent’s estuaries are kept within the system rather than dumped at sea.
For more information on Chichester Harbour Conservancy visit www.conservancy.co.uk or contact Chichester Harbour Conservancy: Telephone : 01243 512301 Fax : 01243 513026 E-mail: harbourmaster@conservancy.co.uk.
Access and Environment Strategy
Tracey Hewett has been working on the Access and Environment Strategy for the past year. It has been a two step work programme consisting of an audit of the current access arrangements on the Solent coast, a review of environmental issues and a strategy for action based on the audit. The Strategy has recently been sent to all members for consultation, comment and amendment. Implementation of the Strategy will commence once the final strategy has been approved. A copy of the Audit document and Strategy will soon be available in PDF format on the Forum’s website.
Marine Consents Guide
The Forum has produced a Marine Consents Guide, which illustrates what consents are required for specific developments and activities in the coastal zone. The guide is a must for anyone who needs to quickly know what they need to apply for, who to apply to and how long it will take. The Guide will be available in June from the Solent Forum and will be posted on the Forum’s website as a pdf file.
Now we are 10
The Solent Forum is 10 years old this year and has much to be proud of. We have achieved many things a few of which are listed below. nPublication of the Strategic Guidance for the Solent nBi-annual meetings of the Forum and 2 yearly issues of Solent News nEstablishment of a website nPublication of a Solent Factfile nRunning of the 2 day Solent Science Conference and the publication of professional proceedings nAttendance at major events such as IFOS nEstablishment of the Solent Collection nPublication of the first State of the Solent report nPublication of a Marine Consents Guide nDevelopment of an Environment and Access Strategy To celebrate our achievements the Chairman is inviting all Solent Forum members and others who are or who have been associated with the Forum to an event at Spitbank Fort in July. Invitations will be mailed out shortly.
Mooring Count
Part of Stage One of the Access and Environment Initiative included a mooring count. Detailed below are the recorded figures at the end of 2001. These findings are somewhat lower than the count taken in 1993 but are consistent with a count taken by the Solent Forum in 1999.
| Beaulieu River | 400 |
| Chichester Harbour | 5,219 |
| Keyhaven | 534 |
| Langstone Harbour | 1,330 |
| Lymington Harbour | 1,548 |
| Portsmouth Harbour | 4,996 |
| River Hamble | 3,412 |
| Southampton Water | 2,920 |
| Total Hampshire | 20,359 |
| Bembridge Harbour | 650 |
| Cowes | 1,300 |
| Newport | 300 |
| Ryde | 200 |
| Yarmouth | 350 |
| Total Isle of Wight | 2,800 |
| Grand Total | 23,159 |
The Solent Forum was established in December 1992, in order to develop a greater understanding among the authorities and agencies involved in the planning and management in the Solent. The Forum is chaired by Maldwin Drummond. This newsletter is the 12th edition. The copy deadline for submission of articles for the Autumn/Winter 2002 edition is 4th October 2002. Please contact the Solent Forum Officers for any further information on the work of the Forum.
