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Solent News Issue 15, Autumn 2003 |
Whatever’s going on at the Solent Forum
Research and Reports
Ports and Shipping
Conservation
Water Quality
Recreation and Tourism
Resources
Development
Climate Change and Coastal Defence
Other News
“We all welcome the news that DEFRA has approached the Solent Forum to be a case study area, as part of the UK’s implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). The Forum will consider how best we may further the implementation of ICZM in actions identified in the Forum’s business plan. A new word “spatial” has been introduced into the language of planning. The changes to the UK Planning System, highlighted in the new Planning & Compulsory Purchase Bill introduced in December, 2002, includes Regional Spatial Strategies. In line with this, Marine Spatial Planning has been introduced and a pilot to test the potential for an ecosystem approach to managing the marine environment is to be tried, on a regional scale, in the Irish Sea. These are all welcome developments. Read on.
Defra and the devolved administrations have joined together to commission an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) stocktake for the UK. The project will make a detailed analysis of how different organisations interact with each other at the coast by:
*describing the environmental, social and economic characteristics and natural resources of the UK’s coast; *identifying the different laws, agencies and other stakeholders that influence the planning and management of activities on the coast;
*analysing how these bodies integrate with each other identifying any gaps, overlaps or opportunities.
Following a competitive tender, the contract for the project has been awarded to a team from Atkins. An initial scoping report and communication plan have been produced and the project team are planning extensive consultation with key coastal organisations (including statutory agencies, local authorities, industry, conservation bodies and recreational groups). The first opportunity to get involved in the project is by completing and returning an online questionnaire (available at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/iczm/index.htm). Regular newsletters are issued by the Atkins project team (latest is July 2003), the next newsletter (due end of October 2003) will provide interim conclusions from six workshops being held in September 2003.
The Solent has been selected as one of the case studies for this stocktake. These case studies are being used to identify and investigate the gaps between ICZM theory and practice. The final report, with the stocktaking’s conclusions, will be published in spring 2004. This should identify and assess the issues that will need to be resolved during the development of national strategies for ICZM during 2004/05.
For further information contact, Jonathan McCue (project manager), Atkins, Birchwood Science Park, Warrington, WA3 6AT. E-mail: iczm2@atkinsglobal.com.
The EU Recommendation on ICZM agreed by the Council of Ministers in 2002 encourages each maritime Member State and Accession Country to draw up a national strategy for the sustainable development of its coastal zone. An EU Experts Group has been set up to take an overall view of how things are progressing. It is supported by two working groups, one on indicators and data (led by the European Environment Agency), and one on national stocktaking (led jointly at governmental level by Spain and the UK). The EU Experts Group has invited local and regional practitioners in coastal planning and management to become involved in the process and the Solent Forum officers have been doing just that at all levels .
Tracey Hewett, the Solent Forum officer, is a member of a small international group that meets periodically within the context of SAIL (Schéma d’Aménagement Intégré du Littoral), a transnational partnership of coastal authorities and maritime agencies bordering the Southern North Sea. It aims to bring together coastal practitioners to explore how ICZM is being taken forward in different Member States, what the common issues are, where best practice might lie, and how they may best contribute to the debate about implementing the Recommendation.
Nationally, as well as completing the Atkins questionnaires, the Solent Forum officers were invited to attend the Stocktake Workshop in London where responses were investigated on more detail. Locally, the officers and chairs of Dorset Coast Forum, SCOPAC and the Solent Forum came together to discuss how they might respond to the recommendation.
Following the successful Solent Science Conference in 1998, the Solent Management Conference is planned to coincide with a number of fundamentally important coastal management decisions and initiatives. Key issues to be addressed include identifying who will benefit from coastal management against who is expected to pay for it. At the same time we need to determine how apparently incompatible uses and users can coexist and the best framework within which to make appropriate choices. The Solent Forum Research Group has scoped a programme intended to reflect the current national position supported by examples of Solent-based good practice and innovation. At the same time it has been considered appropriate to explore tensions where practice does not conform with theory and where local circumstances create situations potentially in need of alternative solutions. The 2-day conference will be informed by a combination of national speakers and speakers with specific knowledge and responsibility for managing aspects of the Solent’s coastal zone. The key note address will be given by John Roberts, Head of the Marine and Waterway Division, DEFRA. Conference publicity will be sent out in November.
To register for information please call the Solent Forum officers on 01962 846027
A recommendation of the 2002 Solent Forum Review undertaken by BMT Cordah was the need to distinguish between a strategy for the Solent (Strategic Guidance for the Solent) and a strategy for the Solent Forum itself. The Review proposed that a Business Plan should be prepared outlining the intentions of the Forum Such a plan is currently being written. It takes into account areas that BMT Cordah did not explore namely, the change in the planning regime, the implementation of EU ICZM Recommendation and will consider indicators for charting our progress in ICZM. It will also look at our financial strategy, resources and projects to be undertaken over the next 3-5yrs. A draft plan will be available for comment on the website and from the Solent Forum office in November.
For more details please contact Tracey at the Solent Forum Office on 01962 846027 .
The Sea Water Information and Monitoring project was carried out at five beaches around the Solent this summer. The beaches which took part were Barton, Lepe, Ryde, Southsea and West Wittering. This study followed on from Dorset Coast Forum’s pilot study, and the aim was to establish the amount, type and preferred location of information the ‘bather’ may wish to see under the new Bathing Water Directive. Each beach displayed a board showing the location of monitoring points, outfalls if appropriate and information points. Additional information included past water quality results and any reasons for potential failure. As well as this additional information, beaches continued to show the results of the water quality sampling.
A wide range of organisations are involved in the provision of facilities as well as in the planning and management of recreation. All are dependent on sound information for investment and for policy and decision-making. A number of recreational studies and strategies were produced in the early 1990s to assist planning and management in the Solent. Since then there has been little such activity, and the information base is increasingly out of date and inadequate. There has been a growing feeling in recent years that new studies need to be carried out and consensus that such studies ought to be brought together within the framework of a major comprehensive study. A scoping exercise has been undertaken by the Solent Forum comprising an audit of all relevant past and current research, whilst priorities for a recreation study have been identified by Solent Forum members themselves and discussed at a brainstorming session on 9 July 2003 by representatives from regulatory organisations. This has resulted in a project brief being drawn up that has recently gone out to tender.
The aims of the study are: *To provide up to date information on recreational activities and their associated facilities in the Solent. *To identify trends and predict future changes in recreational activities and facility requirements. *To identify key issues relating to recreation in the Solent *To make recommendations for the future planning and management of the Solent.
Funding partners for the project are currently being sought.
Please contact the Solent Forum Office on 01962 846027 if you are interested in becoming involved.
Following the survey undertaken in the summer months a summary report is being compiled on local and national coastal environmental enhancement schemes with recommendations on those that should be encouraged. One such scheme is the Marine Conservation Society’s Adopt a Beach and Beachwatch survey. This year the Solent Forum promoted this scheme (to find out more see page 11). A report on all the different schemes will be available on the website and from the Solent Forum at the end of the year.
The EU is preparing a Marine Thematic Strategy, which aims to improve the protection and management of Europe’s seas based on an ecosystem approach. It follows on from the European Commission Communication ‘Towards a strategy to protect and conserve the marine environment’ which was published in October 2002. This reviews information on the state of Europe’s seas and identifies the threats and pressures that they face. Council conclusions to set the framework, within which the Commission will draft the Strategy, were agreed by the Environment Council on 4 March. The Strategy will be prepared by May 2005 and may contain proposals for new Directives or pieces of legislation. Please contact Robert Canning at Defra
for further information, E-mail: robert.canning@defra.gsi.gov.uk
ABP Marine Environmental Research (ABPmer) has been commissioned by Defra and the Environment Agency (EA) to undertake research for a nationwide study of managed-realignment schemes. Over the last ten years, there has been increased implementation of managed-realignment schemes in the UK. The process is used as a compensatory tool by Defra and the EA, in response to the loss of intertidal habitat caused by shoreside development and natural erosion, while maintaining a balance between continuing development and protecting the environment. The increased implementation of these schemes has been matched by an increased requirement for the monitoring of such schemes to evaluate their success. ABPmer has been awarded a two year contract to address these issues. The study will use previous work by ABPmer, which reviewed key criteria for successful habitat-creation schemes, and will also evaluate existing monitoring techniques for intertidal environments. The project will make recommendations on the practical measures that need to be taken for managed-realignment schemes, and will assist those responsible for designing, implementing and managing such sites.
Further information from Nigel Pontee, Project Manager. Tel: 023 8033 8100.
The environment must be the cornerstone upon which the future of the south east is built. This is the clear message from the Environment Agency as it publishes its definitive report; ‘State of the Environment 2003 – The Environment Agency’s assessment of the environment in South East England.’ The South East’s population of eight million is growing faster than the rest of the country and is set to increase further over the next two decades. The Environment Agency believes that, with suitably environmentally focussed planning, this anticipated growth will provide an opportunity for the region to become one of the world’s top fifteen regional economies. However, with more than one million new homes proposed for the Region, a major shift in focus is needed to make sure that growth does not damage the environment for future generations.
The report can be downloaded at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/regions/southern.
The European Commission is taking action to conserve nature in Europe by pursuing infringement procedures against eight Member States. The Commission has decided to refer the United Kingdom to the Court of Justice over shortcomings in the legislation that it uses to give effect to the Habitats Directive. The Commission states that it understands that the UK authorities are in the process of adopting new measures to bring their legislation into conformity with the Directive. These include extending the scope of their national nature protection legislation to offshore areas and bringing in new powers to ensure that EU nature sites are protected from deterioration through neglect.
Further information is available at: europa.eu.int/comm/environment/nature/themes.htm
ABP Marine Environmental Research (ABPmer) has been commissioned by the Environment Agency (EA) to develop a process to determine which of the UK’s estuary and coastal sites represent heavily-modified water bodies under the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (Article 4(3)). The study is being carried out in association with the Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), the Institute for Estuarine and Coastal Studies and risk and policy analysts. The project is one of a number of studies being commissioned by the EA, to provide operational guidance for the identification and designation of heavily-modified water bodies and artificial-water bodies in England and Wales. Such designations acknowledge the fact that many water bodies have been extensively modified by man’s activities and, as such, it is necessary to set realistic environmental targets. Over the coming months, ABPmer will be consulting with industry and other water users on the development of the framework and would very much welcome input from interested parties and stakeholders.
Further information from Stephen Hull, Project Director. Tel: 023 8033 8100.
Wavelength is Defra’s regular newsletter on cross-cutting government initiatives in the coastal and marine environment. This year it has decided to increase Wavelength’s issue to two editions per year and combine it with another similar publication, the Bulletin of the Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) on Coastal Policy. The IDG, made up of officials from relevant Whitehall departments and the devolved administrations, comes together every six months to share information on new policies and initiatives that affect the coast. The Bulletin was compiled from updates contributed by officials and it was felt that this information could helpfully be circulated to a wider external audience, through a more regular Wavelength. The new Wavelength will replace the Bulletin and be issued after the IDG meetings every spring and autumn. The last issue was number 8 in summer 2003.
Further information and copies of the newsletter are available at: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/iczm/index.htm. Alternatively, contact, Defra Publications, Admail 6000, London SW1A 2XX. Tel: 08459 556000.
In June, Ministerial representatives from twenty countries and the European Community met in the first joint meeting of the Helsinki and OSPAR Commissions, aiming to improve the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. Three themes were particularly stressed. First, the need for an ecosystem approach to the management of human activities that affect the seas. Secondly, the European Union’s enlargement and its initiative for a European Marine Strategy underline the need for a clear route-map on how all the numerous authorities should collaborate to protect the seas. Thirdly, HELCOM and OSPAR have stressed the need for joint action to protect threatened and declining species and habitats. They have pledged themselves to create, by 2010, an ecologically coherent network of well managed marine protected areas covering the North-East Atlantic and the Baltic Sea.
Further information is available at www.ospar.org.
This report presents data and analysis according to twenty indicators that measure changes in rural social, economic and environmental conditions.
A full version of the report can be downloaded from the Countryside Agency website, www.countryside.gov.uk/stateofthecountryside or obtained (cost £5.00) from Countryside Agency Publications, PO Box 125, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7EP.
The Ministry of Defence has announced a massive scheme to enhance Portsmouth Naval Base, to take the Royal Navy’s new larger ships. The plan, likely to cost around £200 million, includes the dredging of a deeper and possibly new approach channel to Portsmouth, dredging of the main channel inside the harbour and refurbishment of several of the base’s jetties. The scheme will ease access and provide support for the new aircraft carriers due to enter service in 2012, as well as the new Type 45 destroyers planned to be in service before 2008. Portsmouth is recognised by the Ministry of Defence as being of environmental importance for many reasons, including nature conservation, fisheries and archaeological sites. Therefore, the Warship Support Agency (WSA) has commissioned a firm of specialist consultants, Posford Haskoning, to undertake an environmental study in preparation for a more detailed environmental impact assessment later this year. The WSA (part of the tri-Service Defence Logistics Organisation) has already started discussions with several organisations including English Nature and the Environment Agency. Posford Haskoning will be consulting with the statutory regulators and key stakeholders, including local authorities. A much wider consultation exercise will be undertaken as part of the environmental impact assessment.
Further information is available from HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, Tel: 023 9272 2351.
Last May, Associated British Holdings PLC published its first Corporate Social Responsibility Report, as an important step forward in building upon the dialogue we already have with our stakeholders - including our customers, shareholders, employees and the local community. ABP Southampton is rightly proud of its exemplary health and safety record and is taking its environmental responsibilities extremely seriously. Just about all of ABP’s UK ports around the UK are located in or near environmentally-sensitive areas. In order to establish an effective balance between the need to grow the business and our commitment to the environment, an Environmental Management Framework (EMF) has been established, which sets out our existing good practice in a formalised manner. Particular emphasis has been placed on Ship-Generated Waste, Air Quality, Biodiversity, Water Consumption, Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Dredging Issues and Sustainable Port Development. The EMF is outlined in the CSR report, which is available to view at our website - www.abports.co.uk. An essential component of the overall EMF will be an Environmental Risk Register, covering all the activities undertaken within the Port of Southampton and, of course, the control measures in place to minimise the actual or potential impact of each activity. We hope to have Southampton’s Register completed by early October. Ship-generated Waste Management is very high on the agenda, with the new Port Waste Facilities Regulations 2003 coming into force as UK law, transposing the requirements of the existing EU Port Waste Facilities Directive. For more details contact Ron Hancock Environmental Co-ordinator ABP Southampton, tel 023 80488662 or E-mail rhancock@abports.co.uk
For more information contact Lisa Browning at Hamsphire Wildlife Trust on 023 8068 8936.
Installation of a new top quality vessel traffic service radar is an important feature in an investment of well over £1.5 million on safety measures in Portsmouth Harbour and the Eastern Solent. Linked by microwave to the VTS radars at Southampton, the service now gives both major ports full coverage of the Eastern Solent and the two harbours. Commander Tom Herman, Portsmouth’s Queen Harbour Master, said having a common picture would be a large safety enhancement in such a congested area of water. “We now have the latest top-quality equipment for use in one of the world’s busiest stretches of water”, said Cdr Herman.
For more information visit www.qhmportsmouth.com or tel 023 927 23124
Southampton’s position, as the sole UK port of entry for fresh produce imported from the Canary Islands, has been reinforced with the renewal of an agreement between Associated British Ports (ABP), Southampton Fruit Handling Ltd (SFH) and the Federations of Canary Island Producers (Fedex Las Palmas and Aceto Tenerife). Each year, the port handles over 80,000 tonnes of fresh produce from the Canary Islands. This consists predominantly of tomatoes with smaller volumes of peppers, avocados and cucumbers also being handled during the season (which lasts from October to May). During this period, two refrigerated vessels a week call at the purpose-built ABP Canary Islands Terminal in Southampton’s Western Docks for discharge by specialist company, Southampton Fruit Handling Ltd.
Further information from ABP Southampton, Tel: 023 8048 8800.
Successes achieved by the Solent Port Resource Efficiency Network, a business division of the Environment Centre (tEC) project, include: · 30 Solent businesses benefiting from a waste assessment. · Participants achieved an actual diversion of 457 tonnes / year of waste from landfill… · … and have a further forecasted diversion of 2,797 tonnes / year to be achieved when measures are fully implemented. · The greatest diversion will be made through recycling of 2,126 tonnes / year of cardboard. Other benefits are not easily quantified, such as increased awareness, a better environmental culture improved communication, more efficient operational practices and results shared throughout an organisations offices / operations nationwide. However, there is still an enormous need to raise awareness of the costs of waste management, the benefits of resource efficiency, the promotion of recycled materials and improve accessibility to information and support.
The project report can be downloaded at www.environmentcentre.com/Port2.pdf
The Queen’s Harbour Master’s new patrol boat, operated by officers of the Ministry of Defence Guard Service, has become a comforting sight for small boat users. With safety very much in mind, crews in QHM’s six-metre white-hulled launch, keep an eye on recreational mariners using the small boat channel at the harbour entrance. The harbour patrol is also tasked under the Dockyard Port Security Plan to assist with enforcing harbour closures and the 50 metre exclusion zone off warships alongside, dockyard berths and other MOD property”. Commenting of the new service, Cdr Herman said: “Enforcement of the rules is obviously important but so is establishing a good rapport with yachtsmen and other boat users, educating where it is needed, also ensuring that the harbour environment does not suffer. For more information visit www.qhmportsmouth.com or tel 023 927 23124
Further information is available on the website Tel 01243 512301
Ground breaking environmental projects are taking place at the BP Oil Terminal at Hamble, in which nature is being used to help purify surface water and unwanted waxes and sludges are being composted to produce rich fertiliser. Water purification is being achieved through a Wetlands project covering 1500 sq metres in which 15,000 plants including reeds, rushes and sedges have been planted. The Wetlands plants are breaking down contaminants in the surface water so that it is purified naturally before being released to the sea. The area can filter up to 240,000 litres of water an hour eventually replacing three mechanical, purification systems. The Terminal’s water discharges have, for years, exceeded the purity levels laid down by the Environment Agency. The Wetlands are expected to give even better improvements. Terminal Operations Team Leader Martyn Osmundsen who has led the environmental iniatives said:”We believe the best way of looking after the environment is to understand it and use it in day-to-day business activity. By introducing wetlands we will in effect be using Mother Nature to do a job for us. And believe me – she is very efficient!” Another environmental innovation being tested at the Terminal is bioremediation or composting. In this process unwanted waxes and sludges from tanks and pipelines which previously had to be disposed of off site, are being mixed with certain bacteria and fungi to produce highly nutritious compost in which plants will flourish.
Results so far are encouraginmg and the Terminal has even established its own greenhouse where tests are being carried out on various flowers and vegetables. Initial results indicate that plants grown on the Terminal compost are stronger and more advanced than those grown on conventional composts and fertilisers. If this composting is successful, it will significantly reduce the amount of waster sent to landfill. Eventually it is hoped to reduce all waste generated at the Terminal to zero. Alongside these developments, the Terminal commissioned a yearlong biodiversity study of the 53-acre site. This identified 390 different species of fungi, a large number of birds including kestrels and green woodpeckers and some unusual plants and insects inhabiting the beach. It also revealed the presence of a colony of over 100 hard-to-find Bee Orchids. As a result of this study, students at the Hamble Community Sports College are building 20 bird and bat boxes for the site, which will encourage wildlife from adjoining areas. Said Terminal Mike Myden:”There is really no limit to how far we can go in the quest for a sustainable environment. What is happening at Hamble will undoubtedly be copied by other industrial locations in the UK”. The Hamble projects have already been visited by the former Mayor of Eastleigh, Gillian Connell, Mr David Chidgey, MP for Eastleigh and the Rt Hon Michael Howard, QC MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer who was accompanied by Connor Burns, prospective Tory MP for Eastleigh. Hamble-le-Rice Parish Council will also visit the site.
Further info from Dave Dawes at BP Hamble Tel 02380 456028
Reports Now Analysed During 2002, a review took place of the progress of UK biodiversity action plans. Report forms were filled in on the web and special emphasis was put on assessing how close the plans are to reaching the targets set for each priority species or habitat. The results of reports on all 45 priority Habitat Action Plans, 364 (93%) Species Action Plans and 123 (76%) Local Biodiversity Action Plans have now been analysed and can be seen on the UK Biodiversity website. The results show that, although there has been some progress, there is still much to do to ensure a bright future for priority species and habitats in the UK. One of the key aspects of the UK BAP is measuring progress against specific, often time-limited targets. Further information is available from www.ukbap.org.uk.
Any businesses interested in joining the awards can call 01983 823646
Celebration of Sea Life in South East Marine Week During 2 - 10 August, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust joined more than fifteen other organisations across the South East to celebrate the region’s marine life. South East Marine Week is led by the Wildlife Trusts’ South East Marine Programme. It contained an action-packed programme of more than forty events of activities for all ages and abilities. It included: *Family marine wildlife days with boat trips and guided walks at Keyhaven, and displays and activities at Hurst Castle. *A morning of outdoor activities, crafts and games for children at Swanwick Wildlife Reserve. *Fun, games and activities learning fishy facts at Blashford Lakes Wildlife Reserve. *Guided walks at Bembridge ledges *A special day at the Blue Reef Aquarium, Portsmouth with lots of hands on activities, crafts and a quiz. F
or more information contact the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Tel: 023 8068 8936 or visit www.southeastmarine.org.uk.
In June, English Nature launched its ‘What do our coasts and seas mean to you?’ website questionnaire as part of the week leading up to World Oceans Day on 8 June. This year English Nature is developing a maritime strategy which hopes to halt biodiversity loss and promote recovery of our coasts and seas. The Strategy will also assist in the implementation of the government’s stewardship vision set out in Defra’s ‘Safeguarding our Seas’ report.
The Maritime Strategy Questionnaire can be found at www.english-nature.org.uk.
The Solent Forum organised a Solent-wide beach clean as part of the Marine Conservation Society’s annual Beachwatch litter survey and clean-up. This took place over the weekend of 20–21 September 2003 and was very successful. A number of different organisations took part in the event including: Portsmouth Probation Service who surveyed beaches on the Isle of Wight and some of the foreshore of Portsmouth Harbour; the Solent Forum and Havant Borough Council cleaned North Hayling Beach; and there were also beach cleans on the Hamble foreshore, Portchester foreshore, Calshot Activities Centre, Stokes Bay and Langstone Harbour. This annual event allows people to make a positive difference to the marine environment and help improve their local beach. By surveying and collecting beach litter, volunteers provide MCS with essential data for targeting polluters, highlighting marine litter issues in the UK and bringing them to the attention of government. For further information contact the Solent Forum on 01962 846027, e-mail solentforum@hants.gov.uk.or to register for Beachwatch 2003 please contact the Marine Conservation Society on 01989 567807, e-mail beachwatch@mcsuk.org or register online at www.adoptabeach.org.uk.
For a copy of the guide call 0906 68 22 001 or email: hamblevalley@eastleigh.gov.uk Information is also online
The Environment Agency has launched its first Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) in West Sussex. It warns that internationally important wildlife sites such as Chichester and Pagham Harbours are potentially under threat from existing abstraction licences. The Arun and Western Streams Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (A&WS CAMS) outlines how water supplies in this part of Sussex should be maintained, both now and in the future. The report highlights that in some parts of the catchment too much water is already being taken or there is potential to take too much water. The CAMS also considers the measures that can be taken to recover resources in these areas and to ensure the long-term, sustainable management of water resources.
The Arun and Western Streams CAMS document can be obtained from Tom Nichols, at the Agency’s Sussex Area Office, Little High Street, Worthing, Tel: 01903 215835.
Launched On 4 August, the third consultation paper on the EU Water Framework Directive was launched. This Directive is considered to be the most important piece of water legislation from the European Commission to date. It has been called “the most ambitious item of environmental legislation to reach the European Union’s statute book”. The Directive requires European Union countries to measure the quality of their inland and coastal waters against a set of environmental objectives, managed on a river basin basis. EU countries must achieve “good status” water quality by 2015. “Good status” covers not only the chemical quality of water, but also the ecological status of rivers, lakes, canals, estuaries and coastal waters. Ecological status means the presence and condition of living things in the water, such as fish, fresh water shrimps, larvae of dragonfly and aquatic plants. Many water quality standards are set at European level. Defra is responsible for all aspects of water policy in England and works closely with the Environment Agency, which manages water resources and enforces water quality standards. It also co-ordinates policy for the coastal and marine environment and inland waterways. The Office of Water Services is responsible for economic regulation of the water industry. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has ultimate responsibility for implementing the Directive. Defra must do the work to give legal effect to the Directive by December 2003. The Environment Agency will be given statutory duties to administer the rules of the Directive and ensure environmental objectives are met by 2015. This third consultation paper includes the draft regulations that will give legal effect to the Directive. The consultation also includes: * an update on costs and benefits; and * a summary of responses to the previous consultation and the government’s response to them.
Further information from Magda Seaton at Defra, E-mail: magda.seaton@defra.gsi.gov.uk. www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/wfd.
On 16 August, the first ever Hampshire Water Festival was held in and around Winchester providing a celebration of Hampshire’s freshwater environment and the vital role it plays in our daily lives. It aimed to combine education and entertainment - encouraging visitors to think more about water and the ways they use it, while enjoying a whole variety of water-related entertainment. The festival was organised by Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Hampshire Fare, Common Ground and the Environment Agency.
For more information contact, Mike Bridgeman or Andrew Pitt on Tel: 01962 845832 or visit www.hampshireswater.org.uk.
On 28 June 2003 the Hamble River Bus was launched at Hamble-le-Rice. Connecting visitors and locals alike with the countryside of the Hamble Valley, the experience of the journey is as important as the destination. The service has proved to be exceedingly popular over the summer with a maximum daily patronage of 194 and average of 112. A bid for funding of the service during the summer months of 2004 and 2005 is to be submitted to the Countryside Agency in November of this year. It is anticipated that in 2004 the Hamble River Bus will provide patrons with new opportunities to learn and interact with the local countryside and wildlife. The service has been developed by Eastleigh Borough Council and the Integrated Access Demonstration Programme (a partnership between Hampshire County Council and the Countryside Agency). The service operates between Hamble-le-Rice and Manor Farm Country Park on weekends until 28 September 2003.
Find out more about the service on line: www.access.hampshire.gov.uk/coasttocountryside.html. or tel 0906 68 22 001 or email hamblevalley@eastleigh.gov.uk.
Calshot Activities Centre’s Main Slipway opened on 12 May, following extensive refurbishment. The repairs, which commenced in February, have reinstated the full width of the slip and provided a proper toe. The work will ensure a hard wearing surface for many years to come and has been very well received by local boat users. The slipway replacement project has been supported by the following organisations:RNLI, Calshot Association, Hampshire County Council and Countryside Agency (through the DEFRA Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund).
Further information is available from Calshot Activities Centre. Tel: 023 8089 2077, Email:calshot.ac@hants.gov.uk or see: www.calshot.com
In July, the River Hamble Harbour Authority imposed a six knot speed limit for river users to help combat the increasing number of vessels which have been travelling at very high speeds. Such vessels in crowded and narrow channels cause danger and nuisance to other river users, and the excessive wash produced by such speeds could result in injury or damage to other vessels and the banks of the river. The speed limit will be imposed by the Harbour Master. Over 3,000 leisure craft are moored on the river and a recent traffic survey noted that during peak times up to 200 craft enter or depart the river every hour into Southampton Water and the Solent. The decision to reduce the speed limit was made after Portsmouth magistrates decided not to convict the skipper of a boat that was stopped by the Marine Police in March last year, after it was seen proceeding down the River Hamble in the dark at high speed without the correct lights.
Further information from www.hants.gov.uk/leisure/coast/harbours/hamble.
Associated British Ports has agreed to the use of about four acres of land immediately adjacent to Mayflower Park for the British Marine Federation’s Southampton International Boat Show over the next few years. This will allow the expansion of the event pending the proposed development of the Mayflower Park, Royal Pier and Town Quay waterfront.
Further information on the Southampton Boatshow is available at www.southamptonboatshow.com.
Hampshire County Council is a step closer to realising plans for the refurbishment of Fort Gilkicker now that TRY Homes has been selected as the preferred developer to take on the project. The plans are based on the original scheme agreed by the Phoenix Trust, Gosport Borough Council and other parties last year and, subject to legal agreements, it is hoped that the project can proceed as soon as possible. The County Council acquired Fort Gilkicker from the Ministry of Defence in 1986 in order to protect it and to ensure that it had an appropriate alternative use after its military use ceased. The original Phoenix Trust proposal was an imaginative residential conversion scheme which would have provided seventeen dwellings, a museum and public access and the intention is to restore the Fort along these lines. The earth bank, which was placed around the Fort, will be relocated to recreate a replacement viewing mound for public use with expansive views of the Solent and Spit Head.
Further information is available from www.hants.gov.uk.
In May, the South East England Regional Assembly issued its draft Regional Tourism Strategy, ‘Destination South East.’ This replaces the tourism and related sport and recreation policies set out in Regional Planning Guidance for the South East (RPG9). Consultation finished at the end of July. The Strategy develops the proposals and policies which will provide the basis for linking tourism to the economic development, social and other goals of the region. Responsibility for finalising these proposed alterations now lies with the Secretary of State, who is appointing an independent panel to help him in this process. A Public Examination at Reading Town Hall in the week commencing, 24 November 2003, will be held to discuss the most significant points. Copies of the consultation document entitled ‘Proposed Alterations to Regional Planning Guidance, South East-Tourism and Related Sport and Recreation’ can be obtained by contacting the South East England Regional Assembly, Berkeley House, Cross Lanes, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1UN.
The Hampshire & Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology (HWTMA) have secured grant funding which will allow the development of educational initiatives at Fort Victoria on the Isle of Wight. Over the next three years a programme of open days and activity sessions will enable Island residents and tourists to participate in maritime archaeology. In addition, an educational pack for the Maritime Heritage Exhibit will be produced. The dates of activity days will be posted on the HWTMA’s website (www.soc.soton.ac.uk/HWTMA/index.html) along with details of topics and themes.
Further information from, Hampshire & Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology, Tel: 023 8059 3290, E-mail: hwtma@soc.soton.ac.uk
The Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit is calling on all interested parties to have their say on the future of the fishing industry. It plans to issue a strategy on a long term sustainable sea fishing industry in the UK by the end of the year.
Further information is available at www.strategy.gov.uk, or Tel: 020 7276 1881.
The British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA) and the Crown Estate have released further ‘active dredge charts’ showing the zoning of marine aggregate licence areas around the coastline of England and Wales. The bi-annual series of charts have been produced to define the current active dredge area for eight separate regions. On the reverse of each are the associated co-ordinates for each licence area, together with contact details for the operating companies. The first issue of the active dredge area charts (dated 30 June 2003) is available to be downloaded from the websites of both BMAPA (www.bmapa.org) and the Crown Estate (www.crownestate.co.uk). Copies will also be distributed via the established dredging liaison committees on the South and East coast. The charts will be updated biannually with the second issue due at the beginning of January 2004.
For further information contact, Richard Griffiths, BMAPA, Tel: 020 7730 8194 or E-mail: griffiths@qpa.org.
In June, the new state-of-the-art research ship ‘CEFAS Endeavour’ was named at a ceremony in Lowestoft. The £24 million 73 metre vessel has been built for the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) at Lowestoft and arrived there on 31 March this year. With nineteen scientists and sixteen crew, the CEFAS Endeavour will be at the heart of fisheries research and the monitoring of the seas. She replaces the 32 year old research vessel Cirolana. The ship is designed to minimise underwater noise and draws heavily on stealth technology used by submarines and surface ships. ‘Stealth’ reduces the risk of detection by fish being monitored or sampled and improves the efficiency of sonar and echo equipment. Both of these benefits maximise the accuracy of the data collected.
Further information is available at www.cefas.co.uk.
Cowes Waterfront is the new name for Project Cowes, which is planning the future of Cowes, East Cowes and the River Medina Valley as far as Newport Harbour. It aims to identify the function of the area, the contribution it can make to the Island’s economy, and put in place a strategic framework to guide new investment and development opportunities. The aim is to facilitate a “step change” in the Island’s economy by attracting new investment to provide facilities and attractions that both local people and visitors can enjoy. It is hoped that this investment will enable the growth of local businesses and the attraction of new businesses. The Isle of Wight Council, Isle of Wight Economic Partnership and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) are promoting the this initiative. It is also supported by a number of key individuals, organisations, local companies and landowners with interests in the area and the Island. The initial stage of the project was a study of potential regeneration opportunities and the preparation of a draft strategic framework to guide and encourage new investment in the Medina Valley. Early in 2003, residents, businesses and key stakeholders were asked for their views on the vision for the future of the area and draft framework. This seeks to coordinate new economic opportunities, provide a regeneration of East Cowes town centre and promote environmental enhancements within the central valley. Having considered the representations, the Council adopted the vision and zoning strategy as Supplementary Planning Guidance in July.
Further information is available from www.projectcowes.com
In July, Gosport Borough Council produced, for consultation purposes, a draft Interim Policy Statement and Supplementary Planning Guidance for the Marine Parade Area of Special Character at Lee-on-the-Solent. The policy statement seeks to control the height of any future development on the seafront and to protect the area’s commercial and leisure uses. Copies of the draft Interim Policy Statement and Supplementary Planning Guidance can be viewed in Lee Library, Gosport Library and at the Regulatory Service Reception in the Town Hall at Gosport.
In June 2003 the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee considered the response of the County Council as Harbour Authority to the consultation on the draft Moorings Plan, following the receipt of more than 300 comments from interested organisations and individuals. The consultation was valuable in identifying the wide range of critical issues that need to be addressed in the future planning and management of the moorings on the river. The Committee agreed to focus on the area where most concerns arise, with a view to considering a range of mooring options. As a result, the Warsash Improvements Plan Working Group has been set up to guide the preparation of a co-ordinated plan for the Warsash part of the river, in consultation with stakeholders. A meeting of stakeholder organisations was held on 23 September in order to present and discuss ideas for improvement in the context of the navigational safety risk assessment, environmental factors, etc. The aim is to produce a co-ordinated plan for consultation with stakeholders early in 2004.
For further information, contact Alan Inder, Hampshire County Council’s Coastal Manager, on 01962 846759. E-mail: alan.inder@hants.gov.uk
Climate Change Spells End for Sandy Beaches Summer holidays spent building sandcastles on wide sandy beaches or exploring the wilderness of sand dunes and coastal marshes could disappear within 100 years if the effects of climate change go unchecked. This is the stark warning from international experts who attended a conference in London in July to discuss the effects of climate change on our island coastline. The conference ‘Living with the Sea: the next steps in partnership’ was held to provide key information on the solutions to our future coastal management problems and look at how to implement these solutions. The Conference was held following the completion of the seven pilot Coastal Habitat Management Plans (CHaMPS) which look at how to reconcile the requirements of the European Habitats and Birds Directives with the need to reduce the risk of flooding and erosion. The Solent coast and estuaries was one of these seven pilots. CHaMPS are technical documents designed to inform shoreline management plans and coastal defence strategies of the requirements of the Directives in dynamic coastal environments. The conclusions of these plans will be used by Defra to publish its final guidance on the production of future CHaMPS later this year. English Nature and the Environment Agency will decide which areas should have a CHaMP in time to inform the second generation of shoreline management plans.
Further information is available at www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea. Or contact, Stephen Worrall, on Tel: 01206 796666.
Coastal groups have now set out a timetable for the review of SMP’s, in line with Defra high level targets. The first three reviews (known as SMP2s) are in preparation and Defra has commissioned Halcrow to prepare a ‘how to’ manual for SMP production. This manual will be finalised and published in March 2004, for use on all subsequent SMP2’s.
Further information is available from Jim Hutchinson at Defra, E-mail:jim.hutchinson@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
The phase 2 findings of the Foresight Flood and Coastal Defence project were released on 7 July at a conference in London. The UKCIP02 climate change scenarios were used with the Foresight Futures scenarios to provide an analysis of future risks of flooding and coastal erosion for the UK between 2030 and 2100.
Copies of the report can be downloaded from www.foresight.gov.uk.
Accurate estimates of the wave climate are an essential pre-requisite for coastal engineering, yet there is a dearth of long-term wave data from around the UK coastline. The UK Met Office buoys and, more recently, WaveNet buoys are a step in the right direction, but are too few in number and too far offshore to be of operational use to coastal engineers in the southeast, where directional wave information in the nearshore region is required i.e. about 10-12 metres water depth. To this end, the Regional Monitoring Programme has extended the network of nearshore wave monitoring equipment in the area. The data will be used to develop representative local wave climates and for analysis of extreme events, including individual storms. The waverider buoys are located off Folkestone, Pevensey Bay, Rustington, Sandown Bay, Hayling Island and Boscombe. The data is freely available, either in the form of wave parameters, including wave height, wave period and wave direction, with the addition of sea temperature, which is measured about 0.5m below the surface, which can be downloaded directly from the website (this feature should be online in the early autumn). However, if Project Partners require more detailed wave information, they can contact the Channel Coastal Observatory.
For further information on the Strategic Regional Coastal Monitoring programme contact the Channel Coastal Observatory tel 023 80598467 E-mail: cco@channelcoast.org
For further information contact Chitra Nadarajah, ESPACE Project Manager at Hampshire County Council, E-mail: chitra.nadarajah@hants.gov.uk or Tel: 01962 846771
Hampshire County Council is a major coastal landowner, with over 20 sites totalling more than 1,800 hectares (4,450 acres) including three country parks and nine nature reserves. The County Council has carried out a review of the effects of climate change on its coastal landholdings, highways and rights of way. The review has potentially far reaching implications. Early in September the findings of the review were circulated to the coastal defence operating authorities (district councils and the Environment Agency), English Nature and other interested organisations for comment. On 31 October a seminar (Adapting to a Dynamic Coastline) is being held for the County Council’s elected members and senior managers, in order to brief them about the outcome of the review and the changing context of coastal defence policy, and to consider the implications of the Habitats Regulations. To set the review in context, illustrated talks will be given by representatives of the Environment Agency, English Nature, district councils, leading consultants and prominent academics. Following the seminar and the completion of the consultation exercise, the outcome of the review will be considered formally by the County Council early in 2004.
For further information, contact Alan Inder, Hampshire County Council’s Coastal Manager, on 01962 846759. E-mail: alan.inder@hants.gov.uk
The Solent Protection Society was one of the first organisations to join the Solent Forum, having long advocated the need for an environmental overview of the whole Solent. The Society was formed in 1956, after news of a proposal for a second oil refinery on the Solent at Hook. The resulting discussion at the preliminary public meeting, by those opposed to the proposal, led to the formation of the Society. Its first task was to create a publicly funded pressure group to rigourously campaign against this development.
The inaugural committee met each month in 1957 to refine the organisation. Tasks identified were to: *keep up the pressure on the councils handling the Hook Project; *attend the public inquiry; *distribute publicity brochures and form supporters groups; *give press briefings and copy to local newspapers; *attract high profile support in the House of Lords and House of Commons; *co-opt chairmen of local councils, and; * work with like minded organisations such as CPRE and the National Trust. The Aims of the Society, as subsequently revised in 1980, read: “To safeguard the amenities of the Solent area and do everything possible to preserve their beauty for our own and future generations, giving special attention to creeks, rivers, harbours, adjacent waters (including Southampton Water and Langstone and Chichester Harbours), foreshores, surrounding lands, picturesque or historic old buildings, new buildings and developments, roads and bridges, trees, rights of way, and also to advertisements, litter and other eyesores.” Since its first campaign the work of the Society has continued apace, with its current members being as active today as they were in the 1950’s.
The Society’s council is made of twenty members of considerable expertise and experience, including former architects, surveyors, town planners and county councillors. The Society is currently active in monitoring a number of projects, including the: *proposed container port at Dibden Bay, having given evidence on a number of issues at the Public Inquiry last year; *Altener programme for wind turbines on the Island; *River Hamble Moorings Plan, and; *development of the former Chicken Factory at Lymington. The Society currently chairs the Strategic Advisory Group of the Solent European Marine Sites project (SEMS).
Further information on the Solent Protection Society is available from its website www.solentprotection.org. If you would like to join the Society and support their work, you can download an application form from their website or contact: The Secretary, Mrs Judy Davies, on 01590 614610 (Day) or 01425 621524 (Evening).
This consultation document sets out the proposed Regulations to apply the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Wild Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) to the UK Continental Shelf and waters beyond twelve nautical miles from the baselines over which the UK exercises sovereignty. The proposed Regulations will afford protection to species listed by the Directives, primarily cetaceans, turtles, certain fish and birds. It will also require Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) to be identified and protected.
The deadline for responses is 29 October 2003; responses should be sent to tim.andrews@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
Integrated Coastal Zone Data Research Project (ICZMap) is a two year project to resolve projection, datum and specification issues between Ordnance Survey mapping and Hydrographic Office chart data. The data is currently on trial with SCOPAC and others for evaluation purposes. See www.iczmap.com for further information.
Log on to www.qhmportsmouth.com for the Queen’s Harbour Master’s new information web site. The site gives all current notices to mariners as well as publication of the Harbour Safety Management System and any updated information which harbour users need to know.
The River Hamble’s Estuary Management Plan is now available to download from their website at www.hants.gov.uk/hambleharbour/emp.html .
Have your say on plans to tackle diffuse water pollution from agriculture and horticulture using a unique online debate. The forum will be run by UK CEED and hosted by the Farmers Weekly Interactive website www.fwi.co.uk
New Director for Island The Isle of Wight Council has appointed Derek Rowell as Strategic Director for Environment Services. The new role combines all council services relating to the environment into one department, including planning, property, highways, countryside and consumer protection.
Susan Preston Davis joined the Solent Protection Society as PR and Marketing Consultant in September 2002. Since 1979 Susan has run her own PR consultancy specialising in the maritime events and the marine industry and has worked all over the world on major international events. Originally from London, Susan moved to the south coast in 1991. For more information contact Mrs J Davies, Solent Protection Society, 17 Acacia Road, Hordle,Lymington SO41 OYG Tel: 01590 614610 (Day) 01425 621524 (eve).
Emma Beagley has recently joined the River Hamble Harbour Office as the Assistant Harbour Master (Environment), taking over from, and continuing the work of, Alan Williams. Emma graduated from Southampton University with a degree in Environmental Sciences (BSc), and worked in Environmental Education before joining the team on the Hamble. Emma’s responsibilities include on the water patrolling, giving help and advice to members of the public and mooring holders, ensuring progress is made with the next important phases of the Estuary Management Plan and its implementation, updating the Port Waste Management Plan, liaison with all outside agencies concerning the environment and chairing the Marine Consents Initiative that was pioneered by the River Hamble Harbour Authority.
Emma can be contacted at the River Hamble Harbour Office : 01489 576387 or email emma.beagley@hants.gov.uk
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.
