Annual Monitoring 2014
Solent European Marine Sites Monitoring Response Report 2014
Prepared by the Solent Forum on behalf of the SEMS Management Scheme
SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
Contents
Introduction ...... 2 Respondents’ Jurisdiction, Code and Author ...... 3 PROFILE INFORMATION ...... 4 CHANGE IN ACTIVITIES BY TYPE ...... 6
High Risk Activities ...... 7 Access/Land Recreation ...... 7 Fishing (Commercial including Shellfisheries) ...... 9 Bait Digging ...... 14 Water Sport (e.g. hovercraft, kayaking and kite surfing) ...... 16
Medium Risk Activities ...... 20 Agricultural Run-off………………………………………………………………………………………………………..20 Airborne Sports……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...23 Recreational Boating………………………………………………………………………………………………………25
Low Risk Activities ...... 27 Angling…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..27 Barrage/Sluice Operation……………………………………………………………………………………………….28 Littering………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….29 Boat Repair/Maintenance………………………………………………………………………………………………32 Education/Scientific Studies……………………………………………………………………………………………33 Moorings………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….34
GENERAL INFORMATION ON ACTIVITIES ...... 35 ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM PLANS AND PROJECTS ...... 37 MONITORING ...... 40 OTHER ISSUES ...... 44
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
Introduction
This document reproduces the responses made to the SEMS annual online monitoring questionnaire in 2014.
Respondents who indicated an increase in any activities, or a concern that activities may be damaging the Solent European Marine Site, will be telephoned and interviewed for further relevant information, unless it was indicated that any increases are being managed satisfactorily. The original and any subsequent responses will be summarised and assessed in the SEMS Annual Monitoring Report 2014, and this document will be used to help determine the actions required in the SEMS Delivery Plan 2014.
Details of the monitoring programme and a summary of the questions can be found at: http://www.solentems.org.uk/annual_monitoring/
Note that the question numbers within this document link to the original survey results to enable tracking and cross referencing, and they are not necessarily sequential.
Throughout this document, colour coding has been used as follows:
KEY Cross Referenced Comments
Responses made by respondents who were telephoned
Responses made after questionnaire closed
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Respondents’ Jurisdiction and Code
Authority Code Jurisdiction
Beaulieu River Management BRM Beaulieu River Chichester District Council CDC Chichester District, West Sussex Chichester Harbour Conservancy CHC Chichester Harbour AONB Cowes Harbour (part of Medina Estuary and part of Solent off Cowes Harbour Commissioners CoHC Cowes) Eastleigh Borough Council EBC Eastleigh Borough Environment Agency EA Solent & South Downs (Hampshire, IOW, Sussex) Fareham Borough Council FBC Fareham Borough, Hampshire Gosport Borough Council GBC Gosport Borough Havant Borough Council HBC Havant Borough Isle of Wight Council IoWC Isle of Wight Langstone Harbour Board LHB Langstone Harbour, up to mean high water Lymington Harbour Commissioners LHC Lymington Harbour Natural England NE English territorial waters out to 12nm New Forest National Park Authority NFNPA New Forest National Park Portsmouth City Council PCC City of Portsmouth QHM Portsmouth QHMP QHM Sea Areas River Hamble Harbour Authority RHHA Hamble Estuary up to mean high water (Hampshire County Council) Coastal Waters of Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight (to Southern Inshore Fisheries and SoIFCA 6nm. from territorial baselines) and landward to the County Conservation Authority Boundaries Sussex Inshore Fisheries and East Sussex & West Sussex County Council & Brighton & Hove SuIFCA Conservation Authority City Council & seaward to 6nm from territorial baselines Southampton City Council SCC City of Southampton Southern Water Services Ltd. SWS Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Sussex, Kent Borough of Test Valley (excluding land within New Forest Test Valley Borough Council TVBC National Park for planning purposes) Trinity House Lighthouse Service THLS England and Wales, Channel Islands and Gibraltar West Sussex County Council WSCC West Sussex Winchester City Council WCC Winchester District Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners YHC Yarmouth Harbour and Western Yar Estuary
No Response Associated British Ports Marine Management Organisation Bembridge Harbour Authority Hampshire County Council New Forest District Council Portsmouth International Port Wightlink
Number of Responses
Number of responses 26 Number who did not respond 7 Total 33
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PROFILE INFORMATION
6. What type of authority do you represent?
Answer Response %
Local Authority 11 42%
Harbour Authority 7 27%
IFCA 2 8%
Other * 3 11%
Government Authority 2 8%
Private Company 1 4%
* Other: Water &Sewage Company General Lighthouse Authority (Statutory Undertaker) National Park Authority
7. Have any coastal and marine management responsibilities in your organisation changed since 2013?
Yes 0
No 26
Total 26
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89. Activities that fall within the jurisdiction of the Management Group (MG) in the area of the Solent European Marine Sites (SEMS) (Ranked High, Medium and Low risk by Defra)
Percentage of SEMS MG Relevant Authorities Activity and Tier Response with jurisdiction for each activity
HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES (TIER 1) Access/Land recreation 70% 17
Fishing (commercial including 57% 13 shellfisheries) Bait digging 52% 12
Water sports (eg. hovercraft, kayaking 52% 12 and kite surfing) MEDIUM RISK ACTIVITIES (TIER 2) Agricultural run-off 35% 8
Airborne Sports 22% 5
Anchoring 43% 10
Oil spill and clean-up 48% 11
Recreational boating (power and sail) 48% 11
LOW RISK ACTIVITIES (TIER 3) Angling 52% 12
Barrage/Sluice operation 30% 7
Littering 52% 12
Boat repair/maintenance 35% 8
Education/Scientific studies 39% 9
Egg harvesting 13% 3
Grazing 17% 4
Moorings (management) 39% 9
Navigation (maintenance of 43% 10 infrastructure) Slipway cleaning and maintenance 52% 12
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CHANGE IN ACTIVITIES BY TYPE
90. Change in level of activities between 2013 and 2014 Level No No. of Activity and Tier Increase remains Decrease Unknown change Responses elevated HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES (TIER 1)
Access/Land recreation 0 4 8 0 5 17 Fishing (commercial including 2 2 5 2 3 14 shellfisheries) Bait digging 0 2 9 0 2 13 Water sports (eg. hovercraft, 2 1 6 1 3 13 kayaking and kite surfing) MEDIUM RISK ACTIVITIES
(TIER 2) Agricultural run-off 1 2 3 0 3 9
Airborne Sports 0 1 3 0 2 6
Anchoring 0 0 8 0 3 11
Oil spill and clean-up 0 0 11 0 1 12 Recreational boating (power 0 1 7 1 3 12 and sail) LOW RISK ACTIVITIES (TIER 3)
Angling 0 0 11 0 2 13
Barrage/Sluice operation 0 0 6 0 2 8
Littering 2 1 6 0 4 13
Boat repair/maintenance 0 1 6 0 2 9
Education/Scientific studies 0 0 7 1 2 10
Egg harvesting 0 0 3 0 1 4
Grazing 0 0 4 0 1 5
Moorings (management) 0 0 8 1 1 10 Navigation (maintenance of 0 0 10 0 1 11 infrastructure) Slipway cleaning and 0 0 10 0 3 13 maintenance
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High Risk Activities
Access/Land Recreation
Level No No. of Activity and Tier Increase remains Decrease Unknown change Responses elevated Access/Land recreation 0 4 8 0 4 16
Level Remains Elevated
487. For access/land recreation activities that remain elevated, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. CDC - For Fishbourne creek the Graylingwell mitigation project, together with the dog control order should be controlling the level of activity. We will know more once the results of the monitoring surveys run by the Harbour Conservancy are available. Poor weather and very wet conditions underfoot may have reduced levels of activity across Chichester harbour generally, but we do not monitor this specifically. Given the findings of the SDMP Phase 3 report that existing development is having a recreational disturbance impact, then even with new avoidance measures been put in place for new development, the level remains elevated due to historic development. CHC - Walking and dog walking continues to be a very common activity as noted by the SDMP EBC - A study was undertaken of the recreational impact on the Solent and Southampton water SPA and Ramsar to inform the Eastleigh Local Plan and the Local Plans of other Local Authorities. This study ascertained the current levels to assess the in-combination recreational impacts for the locality. The study found that there was high recreational pressure, especially from walkers with dogs. This study provides good statistical information across the SPA and Ramsar sites and will enable accurate predictions of individual impact to be calculated and ensure that the level of pressure does not rise too much before mitigation measures are formulated. At present the mitigation is in the form of the Solent Disturbance Mitigation Strategy which incorporates measures to control access, wardening and zoning. NE - Demand for access to the coast remains high and focused on areas where there is public access to the foreshore.
From Qu. 706 LHB - DOG WALKING: Although we do not have a mechanism to record dog walking, it is unusual to be anywhere on the harbour perimeter and not see this activity occurring. Dog walking (particularly off lead) has been shown in the SDMP to be an extremely disturbing activity for SPA birds
509. In your opinion, has the risk category within which access/land recreation falls changed since 2013? Yes 0
No 4
Total 4
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597. What management measures, if any, have you introduced to influence access/land recreation activity since the last report? CDC - Since the last report, the Graylingwell Mitigation project has extended its activity to the Nutbourne / Southbourne area. No dog control orders exist in this area, but the education and community awareness works there takes up between one and two days a week of officer time, paid for by s106 agreements. CHC - We have been working with the SDMP group, Chichester District Council and doing interpretation on our own sites. EBC - The Solent Disturbance Mitigation Strategy has been prepared incorporating access control measures wardening and zoning. This strategy will be paid for by developer contributions and will hopefully nullify any increases in recreational pressure as a result of increases in population numbers NE - Natural England continues to be involved in the Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project, which is now in the interim implementation phase.
From Qu. 706
IoWC - Land recreation - Some coastal sites are heavily used. Conclusions of the SDMP suggest there is an impact on SPA bird populations. This will be exacerbated by new development. Therefore an avoidance and mitigation plan is being progressed on a Solent-wide basis. This will mitigate new pressures on the SPA but will not address existing pressures.
619. Given the level of access/land recreation activity that remains elevated and any management measures introduced, do you believe that there is any residual impact on the Solent European marine site? Yes 4
No 0
Total 4
641. Please give details CDC - Residual impact from existing development pre-2009 which are not covered by the mitigation project activity. CHC - As identified by SDMP EBC - Recreational pressure was already shown to be high and could be having a significant impact on the bird populations. It is hoped that the measures put in place through the SDMS will educate current as well as new visitors regarding responsible use of the SPA. NE - The full SDMP mitigation scheme will not come into effect until 2017 and only mitigates for future housing increases so there remains a residual effect from existing levels of access.
663. Do you believe this may cause the condition of the Solent European marine site to change? Yes 3
No 1
Total 4
685. Please give details CDC - See the SDMP modelling report on recreational disturbance and impact on bird populations. CHC - As identified by SDMP NE - Disturbance from access and recreation activities has the potential to affect the condition of the SPA populations.
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FisFishing (Commercial including Shellfisheries)
Level No No. of Activity and Tier Increase remains Decrease Unknown change Responses elevated Fishing (commercial 2 2 5 2 2 13 including shellfisheries)
Increase
92. For the fishing (commercial including shellfisheries) activities that increased, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why have changes occurred? GBC - The Borough Council has received information from two separate witnesses (working for businesses located adjacent Portsmouth Harbour in the vicinity of Fareham Creek) who have reported a number of fishing boats dragging the bottom of the creek for shellfish. Both witnesses are concerned that considerable damage is taking place. These reports (including boat numbers) have been passed to Southern IFCA (and Natural England have been made aware) in February 2014. The Borough Council and the witnesses are currently awaiting a response from SoIFCA. From the witness report there appears to be a significant increase in the intensity of operations including the number of boats, and the frequency and duration of fishing.
SuIFCA - Potential for increase in clam collection by hand in Chichester Harbour if classification for health purposes of clam shellfish beds commences. The collapse of the wider Solent oyster fishery led Southern IFCA to not open the Solent oyster fishery for the 2013-14 season, only opening Portsmouth and Langstone Harbours for four weeks. There was concern displacement into the harbour due to the wider Solent closure would lead to increased pressure on the Chichester Harbour stock. Short-lived increased fishing effort was observed in Chichester Harbour in 2012 and again in 2013 at a slightly lower level.
114. In your opinion, has the risk category within which fishing (commercial including shellfisheries) falls changed since 2013? Yes 1
No 1
Total 2
158. Please give details GBC - Based solely on the witness reports there would appear to be a higher risk arising from the increased fishing. This would need to be verified by those with the appropriate experience on this matter.
180. What information/evidence is available to confirm the increase in fishing activities? GBC - Two witness accounts have been supplied to SoIFCA (and copied to the NE).
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202. What Management Measures, if any, have you introduced to influence fishing activity since the last report? GBC - The local authority does not have direct management control over this particular activity. SuIFCA - Regarding clam collection: There is a potential risk if the waters in Chichester Harbour are classified. If this occurs, under an existing Sussex IFCA byelaw dredging for this species in the harbour would be restricted but it does not preclude collection by hand. Regarding oyster dredging: The increased fishing effort in 2013 was short-lived (1.5 days) due to the introduction of a Sussex IFCA emergency byelaw which enabled closure of the fishery within the area of the harbour encompassed within the Sussex IFCA district when it reached a pre-determined harvest threshold. A byelaw to manage oyster dredging within the harbour into the future is currently being compiled, with reference to the Chichester Harbour Oyster Partnership draft management plan. Sussex IFCA are continuing to implement Defra’s revised approach to fisheries within EMS, detailed in the 2013 SEMS questionnaire response. Applying the government’s risk matrix to EMS within Sussex, seagrass beds within Chichester Harbour were identified as a sensitive red risk feature and incompatible with towed (demersal) fishing, dredges (towed and other), intertidal handwork and bait collection. Sussex IFCA formulated the ‘Chichester Harbour European Marine Site (Specified Areas) Prohibition of Fishing Method’ byelaw to protect the seagrass beds, and this was confirmed by the Secretary of State on the 26th November 2013. Work on amber/green risks under the revised approach will continue until 2016. Provisions for managing oyster dredging in relation to EMS risks are planned to be encompassed within the oyster dredging byelaw currently being compiled.
From Qu. 706
SoIFCA - The revised approach to the management of commercial fishing activity will continue to be used as the vehicle to assess the extent to which fishing activities represent a risk to the site. The initial stage of this process has addressed the high risks (and we have introduced regulation) and we are now commencing a programme of work to manage further risks on a site by site, feature by feature basis, considering each of the activities in the context of the conservation objectives and the condition status in the context of the regulation 33 advise.
From Qu. 710
EA - New byelaws are in place to protect seagrass and rocky reef habitats from red risk commercial fishing activities. http://www.southern-ifca.gov.uk/ These are specific to the marine protected areas. Southern IFCA is now looking at the amber risk activities. EA rep sits on the byelaw working group so commented on the byelaws and discussions around which areas to incorporate. The seagrass element of this byelaw replaces the voluntary code of conduct to protect seagrass habitats which is good as there were some concerns.
224. Given the increase in fishing activity and any management measures introduced, do you believe that there is any residual impact on the Solent European marine site? Yes 1
No 1
Total 2
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268. Do you believe that this may cause the condition of the Solent European marine site to change? Yes 1
No 0
Total 1
290. Please give details: GBC - The issue needs to be considered further with input from SoIFCA and Natural England
From Qu. 706
LHB - FISHING - Commercial: The number of vessels recorded in Langstone Harbour went up to 27 in 2013 (compared with 19 in 2012). This increase is a result of increased and better observance of registered fishing vessels, rather than a true increase. FISHING - Recreational: Reports of the capture and collection of undersized or illegal fish and shellfish in the harbour have increased. During the summer of 2013 numerous individuals were seen hand gathering shellfish around the Oyster beds and Binness Islands in Langstone Harbour (both important nesting colonies for terns), causing great disturbance. We worked with sIFCA and RSPB to inform individuals of the repercussions of these actions.
From Qu. 708 NE - Commercial fishing activities may be displaced as a result of the introduction of management measures through Defra’s revised approach to managing fisheries in European marine sites. This could shift fishing pressures to other areas of the Solent EMS considered to be "less sensitive".
Level Remains Elevated
488. For fishing activities that remain elevated, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. CHC - No change but activity still high NE - Concerns remain high regarding levels of commercial fishing within MPAs, particularly with respect to sensitive habitats.
510. In your opinion, has the risk category within which fishing falls changed since 2013? Yes 0
No 2
Total 2
598. What management measures, if any, have you introduced to influence fishing activity since the last report? CHC - Working on the CHOPI group to implement measure for the protection of the native oyster population NE - Natural England has not introduced any new management measures but has provided advice to SIFCA regarding the new byelaws for towed gear and hand gathering to protect sea grass and reef features in the Solent EMS.
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620. Given the level of fishing activity that remains elevated and any management measures introduced, do you believe that there is any residual impact on the Solent European marine site? Yes 1
No 1
Total 2
642. Please give details NE - Natural England continues to work with SIFCA to assess ‘amber risk’ activity/feature combinations in the Solent. These include shellfish dredging and bait collection in soft sediment habitats.
664. Do you believe this may cause the condition of the Solent European marine site to change? Yes 1
No 0
Total 1
686. Please give details NE - This will be assessed through Defra's revised approach to managing fishing in European Marine Sites. Natural England continues to work with SIFCA to assess ‘amber risk’ activity/feature combinations in the Solent. These include shellfish dredging and bait collection in soft sediment habitats.
Decrease
312. For the decreased fishing (commercial including shellfisheries) activities, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. RHHA - No dredging for oysters during winter of 2013/2014. Southampton beds (which include area within entrance to Hamble Estuary) have been closed this winter. SoIFCA - Anecdotally, the weather towards at the beginning of the year as well as in the latter part of the year reduced fishing activity. Furthermore byelaws introduced by the IFCA have had a restrictive effect on the areas fished.
SoIFCA - We have observed that the unclassified shellfish beds in the Southampton Water are subject to fishing activity, we continue to pass this information to the relevant authorities.
334. In your opinion, has the risk category within which fishing falls changed since 2013? Yes 1
No 1
Total 2
355. Please state if the risk category has changed to low, medium or high? High 0
Medium 1
Low 0
Total 1
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378. Please give details SoIFCA - In accordance with the revised approach to the management of commercial fisheries, high risk activities which are not compatible with the conservation objectives of the EMS features and sub features have been restricted by means of IFCA byelaws. in the Solent the IFCA has introduced byelaws to restrict bottom towed fishing gear on seagrass and furthermore has introduced regulation to prohibit the hand gathering of sea fisheries resources from these same beds so as to ensure that the features, sub features and supporting features are adequately protected in accordance with the the IFCAs Habitats Directives Article 6(2) duties.
400. What information/evidence is available to confirm the decrease in fishing activities? SoIFCA - Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officers conducted extensive patrols throughout the area gathering intelligence, working with partner agencies to enforce these restrictions.
422. What Management Measures, if any, have you introduced to influence fishing since the last report? RHHA - None, not applicable SoIFCA - BYELAW Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw BYELAW Prohibition of Gathering Sea Fisheries Resources in Seagrass beds byelaw BYELAW Temporary Closure of Shellfish Beds
444. In your opinion, given the decrease in fishing and any management measures introduced, has fishing activity returned to a level that is unlikely to cause damage to the Solent European marine site? Yes 0
No 2
Total 2
From Qu. 706 LHB - FISHING - Commercial: Despite the closure of the oyster fishery in the wider Solent, few vessels were seen oystering in Langstone Harbour. Additionally, since the MMO Emergency byelaw prohibiting towed gear of Langstone Harbour's seagrass was brought in during April 2013 (now replaced by a sIFCA byelaw), no vessels have been observed towing gear over seagrass beds.
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Bait Digging
Level remains No No. of Activity and Tier Increase Decrease Unknown elevated change Responses Bait digging 0 2 9 0 1 12
Level Remains Elevated
489. For bait digging activities that remain elevated, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. CHC - The activity is fairly scattered, but with a major concentration at Dell Quay. NE - Bait digging activities remain widespread across the Solent, with Natural England receiving the highest number of reports for Portsmouth Harbour, Eling foreshore, Chichester Harbour and the Ryde foreshore.
511. In your opinion, has the risk category within which bait digging falls changed since 2013? Yes 0
No 2
Total 2
599. What management measures, if any, have you introduced to influence bait digging activity since the last report? CHC - We have been working with SxIFCA and have jointly been enforcing byelaws and challenging possible commercial bait digging activity. NE - Natural England has not introduced any new management measures but is a member of the SIFCA bait digging working group looking at managing effort across the Solent.
621. Given the level of bait digging activity that remains elevated and any management measures introduced, do you believe that there is any residual impact on the Solent European marine site? Yes 2
No 0
Total 2
643. Please give details CHC - If it remains contained to the Dell Quay area, but if intensive digging spreads from this core area there is potential for greater impact NE - This will be assessed through Defra's revised approach to managing fishing in European Marine Sites. Natural England continues to work with SIFCA to assess ‘amber risk’ activity/feature combinations in the Solent. These include shellfish dredging and bait collection in soft sediment habitats.
665. Do you believe this may cause the condition of the Solent European marine site to change? Yes 1
No 1
Total 2
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687. Please give details NE - This will be assessed through Defra's revised approach to managing fishing in European Marine Sites. Natural England continues to work with SIFCA to assess ‘amber risk’ activity/feature combinations in the Solent. These include shellfish dredging and bait collection in soft sediment habitats.
From Qu. 706 EBC - Some work has been done historically with bait diggers.
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Water Sport (e.g. hovercraft, kayaking and kite surfing)
Level remains No No. of Activity and Tier Increase Decrease Unknown elevated change Responses Water sports (eg. hovercraft, kayaking 2 1 6 1 2 12 and kite surfing)
Increase
94. For the water sports (e.g. hovercraft, kayaking and kite surfing) activities that increased, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why have changes occurred? CHC - Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding is becoming more popular as a year around activity, across most of the harbour. The main focus is the summer, but increasing it is a year around with individuals and groups since in all months of the year. GBC - There appears to be an increase in popularity of kayaking within Portsmouth Harbour and its creeks. This occurs largely on calm bright days throughout the year (more so in warmer weather). This information is anecdotal as we do not have any recorded data and is being flagged as such. We will maintain a watching brief.
116. In your opinion, has the risk category within which water sports (e.g. hovercraft, kayaking and kite surfing) falls changed since 2013? Yes 1
No 1
Total 2
138. Having answered ‘Yes’ to the previous question, please state if the risk category has changed to low, medium or high. High 1
Medium 0
Low 0
Total 1
160. Please give details CHC - The study undertaken through the student/NEG/SEMS project highlighted there was potential for a problem and suggested some management measures that could be introduced
182. What information/evidence is available to confirm the increase in water sport activities? CHC - The student project by Sara Mendez, including a desktop study, a questionnaire etc.
204. What Management Measures, if any, have you introduced to influence water sport activity since the last report? CHC - None have been introduced but were suggested in the Mendez report. GBC - None introduced
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226. Given the increase in water sport activity and any management measures introduced, do you believe that there is any residual impact on the Solent European marine site? Yes 1
No 1
Total 2
248. Please give details CHC - The activity without management has the potential to disturb roosting and feeding birds.
270. Do you believe that this may cause the condition of the Solent European marine site to change? Yes 1
No 0
Total 1
292. Please give details CHC - In combination with other disturbance
Level Remains Elevated
490. For water sport activities that remain elevated, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. NE - Natural England continues to receive a number of requests for SSSI consents/assents for kite surfing, windsurfing and kayaking schools/operations in particular within the Solent. Generally it is becoming easier and cheaper to purchase the equipment required for watersports making them more accessible and usage likely to increase further in future. Widespread across the Solent, weather/seasonally dependent.
512. In your opinion, has the risk category within which water sports falls changed since 2013? Yes 0
No 1
Total 1
600. What management measures, if any, have you introduced to influence water sports activity since the last report? NE - Conditions have been applied to assents / notices for consents to minimise impacts on the EMS and NE works with Local Planning Authorities to advise on codes of conducts etc for local clubs.
622. Given the level of water sports activity that remains elevated and any management measures introduced, do you believe that there is any residual impact on the Solent European marine site? Yes 1
No 0
Total 1
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644. Please give details NE - It is difficult to provide evidence of usage/numbers of users for watersports activities. However, there may be a residual impact due to the widespread nature of the activities and their potential to have significant disturbance impacts on bird features of the EMS.
666. Do you believe this may cause the condition of the Solent European marine site to change? Yes 1
No 0
Total 1
688. Please give details NE - The high levels of watersports activities has the potential to impact on SPA features due to disturbance.
Decrease
314. For the decreased water sport (e.g. hovercraft kayaking and kite surfing) activities, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. LHB - Individuals require a permit to Waterski in Langstone Harbour. Permits sold decreased from 30 in 2012 to 25 in 2013. Jet skis also require a permit, and numbers sold decreased from 184 in 2012 to 173 in 2013. Kayaking and Paddleboarding do not require permits and so no figures are available, however general observation indicates that these watersports continue to gain in popularity in Langstone Harbour, the hot sunny weather during summer 2013 seems likely to have contributed to this increase. Recreational hovercraft will be mentioned later in this monitoring form.
336. In your opinion, has the risk category within which water sports falls changed since 2013? Yes 0
No 1
Total 1
424. What Management Measures, if any, have you introduced to influence water sports since the last report? LHB - None
447. In your opinion, given the decrease in water sports and any management measures introduced, has water sports activity returned to a level that is unlikely to cause damage to the Solent European marine site? Yes 0
No 1
Total 1
From Qu. 706
LHB - HOVERCRAFT: The Department for Transport (DfT) responded to a complaint from the Hovercraft Club of Great Britain (HCGB) against LHB. DfT decided that LHB had not been unreasonable or unfair in exercising its byelaw which states that hovercraft require permission from the Harbourmaster to operate in Langstone Harbour. DfT went on to say that requests to operate by recreational hovercraft should be considered on a case by case basis taking into account Natural 18
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England's advice. HCGB are unhappy with both the DfT decision and NE advice, and have indicated their intention to take the case to judicial review. Since the DfT decision, further requests for permission to undertake recreational hovercraft activity have been received by LHB. Meanwhile the EA are planning an intertidal survey using a hovercraft in Langstone Harbour for which permission has been granted. With assistance from CHC we will be monitoring the response of wildlife to the EA hovercraft during this rare survey to help inform future management decisions. KAYAKS: LHB is working with RSPB to produce a waterproof chart of Langstone Harbour for kayakers, suggesting routes, pointing out sights and amenities, while also encouraging participants to keep their distance from sensitive wildlife. This chart should be available in early summer 2014.
RHHA - First (and only, to date) kite surfer seen in Hamble by RHHA staff in March 2014. An activity which is seeing growth on the Hamble is stand-up paddleboarding, particularly in the Upper Hamble where a new club has established at one of the yards. The club is very conscientious regarding minimising disturbance to wildlife. Although this one activity has seen some localised increase, it is not deemed sufficient to alter the overall level of activity for 'recreational watersports', hence the response of 'no change' for this category.
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Medium Risk Activities
Agricultural run-off
Level remains No No. of Activity and Tier Increase Decrease Unknown elevated change Responses Agricultural run-off 1 2 3 0 2 8
Increased
96. For the agricultural run-off activities that increased, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why have changes occurred? NFNPA - The Authority has no official jurisdiction over this activity, however as part of New Forest Catchment hosting work we and our partners have been carrying out liaison with stakeholders and undertaking water testing this winter. Due to flood events we are aware there have been numerous flood discharges from sewage treatment works (e.g. Beaulieu and Lymington) which we believe would have resulted in elevated levels within estuaries, however the majority of our work has been upstream.
This change could be due to the exceptionally wet conditions at the start of 2014, and the effects could be positive or negative, we do not have data but are extrapolating from evidence we have collected upstream. Further discussion by the Management Group could be useful, depending on EA evidence for nutrient levels in the Solent and evidence from other authorities. This observation may also be worth discussing in light of the EA’s work on WFD TraC waterbodies.
118. In your opinion, has the risk category within which agricultural run-off falls changed since 2013? Yes 0
No 1
Total 1
206. What Management Measures, if any, have you introduced to influence this activity since the last report? (Agricultural run-off) NFNPA - We do not have direct management measures as we have no regulatory controls but are working with partners such as EA and stakeholders such as local communities and water companies to try to address issues voluntarily within the catchment. We are planning trialing practical land management measures within the New Forest catchment this year (e.g. interception ponds) as well as assisting through land management advice to landowners (e.g. New Forest Land Advice Service)
228. Given the increase in activity and any Management Measures introduced, do you believe that there is any residual impact on the Solent European marine site? (Agricultural run-off) Yes 1
No 0 Total 1
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
250. Please give details: (Agricultural run-off) NFNPA - Temporary impact which cannot be addressed with measures currently available. The significance of the impact is likely to be cumulative and we do not have sufficient knowledge through our own work to understand bigger picture. Our work is looking at diffuse sources which could act in combination with point sources.
272. Do you believe that this may cause the condition of the Solent European marine site to change? (Agricultural run-off) Yes 0
No 1
Total 1
Level Remains Elevated
492. For the agricultural run-off activities that remain elevated, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. CHC – No change, but still a substantial level of nitrogen input is arriving in the harbour due to run off, an increase in field scale vegetables could be increased losses of nutrients and soil NE - Diffuse pollution remains an issue particularly in the Harbours and estuaries.
514. In your opinion, has the risk category within which agricultural run-off falls changed since 2013? Yes 0
No 2
Total 2
602. What management measures, if any, have you introduced to influence agricultural run-off activity since the last report? CHC - None NE - Natural England is working with the Environment Agency to review and implement actions in the Solent Diffuse Water Pollution Plan and continue to work with the Downs and Harbours Clean Water Partnership. We are part of the steering group for the EA project to tackle fecal contamination from boats in Solent harbours and continue to support the RYA Green-Blue campaign. We work with land owners in the Solent catchments to promote the uptake of Higher Level Stewardship resource protection options and Catchment Sensitive Farming capital grants to reduce agricultural run-off. The South Downs Source Apportionment study is now complete. The data and information gathered and analysed will help inform and target appropriate actions to address some of the key diffuse pollution issues in the Solent. We have funding for 2014/15 for a Solent Nitrate Management project to start addressing some of the actions in the Solent DWPP.
From Qu. 710
EA - Agricultural Run-off ‘Levels remain elevated’. We have been undertaking extensive modeling of the nutrient inputs into the Solent harbours and estuaries. This modeling will identify the main sources of nutrient inputs including agricultural run-off. Initial evidence is indicating that agricultural diffuse pollution is a major source of nitrogen enrichment in coastal waters. The modeling will help identify where to target further land management measures.
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
624. Given the level of agricultural run-off activity that remains elevated and any management measures introduced, do you believe that there is any residual impact on the Solent European marine site? Yes 2
No 0
Total 2
646. Please give details CHC - Eutrophication causing opportunistic algal growth NE - Additional management measures still need to be determined and implemented using the results of the EA investigations and SDNPA source apportionment project. Furthermore, there will be a time lag from the implementation of measures to the reduction of algal mat coverage within the harbours.
668. Do you believe this may cause the condition of the Solent European marine site to change? Yes 2
No 0
Total 2
690. Please give details CHC - Much of the harbour is in unfavorable condition due to weed cover NE - The high nutrient loading and algal mat coverage is adversely affecting site condition in parts of the EMS (harbours and estuaries).
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
A irborne Sports
Level remains No No. of Activity and Tier Increase Decrease Unknown elevated change Responses Airborne Sports 0 1 3 0 1 5
Level Remains Elevated
493. For airborne sport activities that remain elevated, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. CHC - Paramotoring has decreased compared to levels noted 2 years ago. But microlights and other light aircraft have been more notable this year
515. In your opinion, has the risk category within which airborne sport falls changed since 2013? Yes 1
No 0 Total 1
537. Having selected "Yes" to the previous question, please state if the risk category has changed to low, medium or high. High 1
Medium 0
Low 0
Total 1
559. Please give details CHC - Airborne sports have such a huge potential for disturbing wildlife
581. What information/evidence is available to confirm that airborne sports activities remain elevated? CHC - Logging of flights and in particular incidents of inconsiderate flying
603. What management measures, if any, have you introduced to influence airborne sports activity since the last report? CHC - We have reported incidents to flying clubs and FAA*
625. Given the level of airborne sports activity that remains elevated and any management measures introduced, do you believe that there is any residual impact on the Solent European marine site? Yes 1
No 0
Total 1
* Solent Forum assumes FAA stands for Fleet Air Arm 23
SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
647. Please give details CHC - This activity has such great potential for disturbance, due to the footprint of disturbance, the irregular patterns and the area of the SPA that can be covered.
669. Do you believe this may cause the condition of the Solent European marine site to change? Yes 1
No 0
Total 1
691. Please give details CHC - In combination with other disturbance on over-wintering birds. With the pressure on breeding terns anyway they cannot tolerate disturbance in the breeding season from this activity
From Qu. 706
GBC - The level of remote-controlled aircraft on sites used by Brent Geese has remained the same since 2013 (but had increased since 2012). It is not known whether this is a particular issue at this stage but it may be useful to know whether this is becoming an issue in other parts of the Solent.
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
Recreational Boating (power and sail)
Level remains No No. of Activity and Tier Increase Decrease Unknown elevated change Responses Recreational boating 0 1 7 1 2 11 (power and sail)
Level Remains Elevated
496. For recreational boating activities that remain elevated, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. NE - Recreational boating activities remain high and widespread across the Solent but Natural England is not aware of any specific issues.
518. In your opinion, has the risk category within which recreational boating falls changed since 2013 ? Yes 0
No 1
Total 1
606. What management measures, if any, have you introduced to influence recreational boating activity since the last report? NE - Natural England is not aware of any changes to byelaws. We continue to work with the RYA Green-Blue campaign and are involved with the EA project to tackle faecal contamination from boats in the Solent harbours.
From Qu. 710
EA - Green Blue project in the ‘Recreational Boating’ section. ‘We are part of the project group to tackle faecal contamination from recreational boats in Solent harbours supporting the RYA Green-Blue campaign.’
628. Given the level of recreational boating activity that remains elevated and any management measures introduced, do you believe that there is any residual impact on the Solent European marine site? Yes 0 No 1
Total 1
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
Decrease
320. For the decreased recreational boating (power and sail) activities, please describe how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. Please include the nature and intensity, geographical extent, timing and frequency and what has caused or driven the change LHB - Based upon mooring occupancy and slipway launching figures (both of which have declined slightly since 2012), recreational boating has decreased slightly in Langstone Harbour. This decline may be a result of the recession.
342. In your opinion, has the risk category within which recreational boating falls changed since 2013? Yes 0
No 1
Total 1
430. What Management Measures, if any, have you introduced to influence recreational boating since the last report? (Recreational boating (power...) LHB - None
453. In your opinion, given the decrease in recreational boating and any management measures introduced, has recreational boating activity returned to a level that is unlikely to cause damage to the Solent European marine site? Yes 0
No 1
Total 1
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
Low Risk Activities
Angling
Level No No. of Activity and Tier Increase remains Decrease Unknown change Responses elevated LOW RISK ACTIVITIES (TIER 3)
Angling 0 0 11 0 1 12
From Qu. 706
CHC - While angling has not changed in intensity, a tendency to fish from boats in close proximity to seabird colonies may be having an effect on breeding success and may be an offence (disturbance to Schedule 1 birds species
From Qu. 710
EA - Low risk activity- angling- there has been a recent CEFAS survey documenting sea angling activity that assesses how widespread it is (not specific to SEMs but across the country)- actually generally a bigger activity than previously thought
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
Barrage/Slui ce Operation
Level No No. of Activity and Tier Increase remains Decrease Unknown change Responses elevated LOW RISK ACTIVITIES (TIER 3)
Barrage/Sluice operation 0 0 6 0 1 7
From Qu. 706
LHC - Sluice operation owned and controlled by Environment Agency.
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
Littering
Level No No. of Activity and Tier Increase remains Decrease Unknown change Responses elevated Littering 2 1 6 0 3 12
Increase
104. For the littering activities that increased, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why have changes occurred? GBC - The number and intensity of winter storms has had a noticeable impact on the Borough's shoreline with an increase in the density of litter being deposited. Particularly noticeable has been the level of small plastic pieces deposited on the beaches/shoreline. This has been particularly prevalent at Stokes Bay (which is not a European site) but there have been evidence of increased littering on the more exposed shores within Portsmouth Harbour itself.
If the problem is widespread, or affects nature conservation hot spots, there could be a case for further investigation as to whether it may be harmful to the designated site or species, both onshore and in the sea. LHB - Plastic litter has increased significantly as a result of unscreened sewage discharges from Southern Waters CSO at Fort Cumberland in Eastney. Renovation works at Fort Cumberland mean that the screening system at the CSO is currently not functional. Large quantities of items including female sanitary products, wet wipes and cotton bud sticks are thus released into Langstone Harbour whenever it rains heavily. Although Southern Water has employed contractors to collect this litter from the strandlines, collection has not always been timely or effective, and it is likely that a large proportion of this litter remains in the marine environment.
The problem is widespread and there is a case for further investigation as to whether it may be harmful to the designated site or species, both onshore and in the sea. There is information on plastic litter on the Marine Conservation Society web site.
126. In your opinion, has the risk category within which littering falls changed since 2013? Yes 2
No 0
Total 2
148. Having answered ‘Yes’ to the previous question, please state if the risk category has changed to low, medium or high. High 0
Medium 2
Low 0
Total 2
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
170. Please give details GBC - Whilst larger pieces of litter can be cleared relatively easily once on a beach the winter storms have highlighted the scale of small plastic pieces within the marine environment. How much this is a risk to the features of the European sites is unclear. LHB - The persistent nature of plastic means it will remain in the marine environment for hundreds of years. Plastic can cause entanglement and ingestion problems for wildlife. Over time these plastics are likely to be broken down by the mechanical action of the sea into microplastics.
192. What information/evidence is available to confirm the increased littering activities? GBC - Visual surveys after the winter storms LHB - LHB holds a large amount of photographic evidence of sewage related litter in Langstone Harbour. Southern Water produce notifications of storm water discharges, indicating location, duration and whether the discharge was within the conditions of its consent (consents provided by the Environment Agency). These notifications can be viewed on the LHB website.
215. What management measures, if any, have you introduced to influence littering activity since the last report? GBC - Litter has and is still being cleared as part of the Borough Council's beach management responsibilities LHB - LHB have produced maps for Southern Water indicating the location of sewage debris in the strandline whenever it is encountered, requesting cleaning operatives are sent to that location as soon as possible.
236. Given the increase in littering activity and any Management Measures introduced, do you believe that there is any residual impact on the Solent European marine site? Yes 2
No 0
Total 2
258. Please give details GBC - It will be difficult to clear a proportion of smaller plastic items. Also there is likely to be significant quantities still within the marine environment itself. LHB - Increased amounts of persistent synthetic waste is now present in the EMS and is unlikely to ever be completely removed.
280. Do you believe that this may cause the condition of the Solent European marine site to change? Yes 1
No 1
Total 2
302. Please give details GBC - There may be a potential that increased levels of littering, perhaps in more rural coastal areas which are not subject to routine cleaning, could affect the quality of the habitats for over-wintering birds.
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
Level Remains Elevated
500. For littering activities that remain elevated, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. CHC - All around the harbour, most of the year
522. In your opinion, has the risk category within which littering falls changed since 2013 ? Yes 0
No 1
Total 1
610. What management measures, if any, have you introduced to influence littering activity since the last report? CHC - Awareness raising and litter picking operations
632. Given the level of littering activity that remains elevated and any management measures introduced, do you believe that there is any residual impact on the Solent European marine site? Yes 0 No 1
Total 1
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
Boat Repair/Maintenance
Level No No. of Activity and Tier Increase remains Decrease Unknown change Responses elevated Boat repair/maintenance 0 1 6 0 1 8
Level Remains Elevated
501. For boat repair/maintenance activities that remain elevated, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. NE - This activity is widespread across the Solent but is usually undertaken within boatyards with the facilities to undertake works according to best practice for working in/near water.
523. In your opinion, has the risk category within which boat repair/maintenance falls changed since 2013?
Yes 0 No 1
Total 1
611. What Management Measures, if any, have you introduced to influence boat repair/maintenance activity since the last report? NE - None - Natural England continues to support the RYA Green-Blue campaign.
633. Given the level of boat repair/maintenances activity that remains elevated and any management measures introduced, do you believe that there is any residual impact on the Solent European marine site? Yes 0 No 1
Total 1
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
Education/Scientific Studies
Studiestenance Level remains No No. of Activity and Tier Increase Decrease Unknown elevated change Responses Education/Scientific 0 0 7 1 1 9 studies
Decrease
326. For the decreased education/scientific studies activities, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. YHC - Last year we had less educational groups seeking permission to study the area. Due to reduced resources and the end of a funded educational project we carried out less work last year.
348. In your opinion, has the risk category within which education/scientific studies falls changed since 2013? Yes 0
No 1
Total 1
436. What Management Measures, if any, have you introduced to influence education/scientific studies since the last report? YHC - We do not see it as a particular risk in our area; however anyone wishing to undertake studies on our land must request our permission to do so.
458. In your opinion, given the decrease in education/scientific studies and any management measures introduced, has education/scientific studies activity returned to a level that is unlikely to cause damage to the Solent European marine site? Yes 1
No 0
Total 1
480. Had the levels previously escalated? Yes 1
No 0
Total 1
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
Mooring (Management)
Level No No. of Activity and Tier Increase remains Decrease Unknown change Responses elevated Moorings (management) 0 0 8 1 0 9
Decrease
329. For the decreased moorings (management) activities, please describe the change stating how, where, when and why this change occurred, if known. LHB - Mooring occupancy has decreased from 570 occupied during 2012 to 552 occupied during 2013 in Langstone Harbour. Management activity has reduced accordingly. In addition, alterations in staffing levels at LHB have meant that a lesser amount of mooring maintenance work has been possible for those moorings remaining occupied.
351. In your opinion, has the risk category within which mooring falls changed since 2013? Yes 0
No 1
Total 1
449. What Management Measures, if any, have you introduced to influence moorings since the last report? LHB - None
461. In your opinion, given the decrease in mooring activity and any management measures introduced, has mooring activity returned to a level that is unlikely to cause damage to the Solent European marine site? Yes 0
No 2
Total 2
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
GENERAL INFORMATION ON ACTIVITIES
706. If you have any other comments on activities please give details
BRM - None CDC - None CHC - While angling has not changed in intensity, a tendency to fish from boats in close proximity to seabird colonies may be having an effect on breeding success and may be an offence (disturbance to Schedule 1 birds species CoHC - No particular change over the last year. We continue with projects to raise awareness about the designated sites. EBC - Some work has been done historically with bait diggers. EA - n/a FBC - None GBC - The level of remote-controlled aircraft on sites used by Brent Geese has remained the same since 2013 (but had increased since 2012). It is not known whether this is a particular issue at this stage but it may be useful to know whether this is becoming an issue in other parts of the Solent. HBC - None IoWC - Land recreation - Some coastal sites are heavily used. Conclusions of the SDMP suggest there is an impact on SPA bird populations. This will be exacerbated by new development. Therefore an avoidance and mitigation plan is being progressed on a Solent-wide basis. This will mitigate new pressures on the SPA but will not address existing pressures. LHB - HOVERCRAFT: The Department for Transport (DfT) responded to a complaint from the Hovercraft Club of Great Britain (HCGB) against LHB. DfT decided that LHB had not been unreasonable or unfair in exercising its byelaw which states that hovercraft require permission from the Harbourmaster to operate in Langstone Harbour. DfT went on to say that requests to operate by recreational hovercraft should be considered on a case by case basis taking into account Natural England's advice. HCGB are unhappy with both the DfT decision and NE advice, and have indicated their intention to take the case to judicial review. Since the DfT decision, further requests for permission to undertake recreational hovercraft activity have been received by LHB. Meanwhile the EA are planning an intertidal survey using a hovercraft in Langstone Harbour for which permission has been granted. With assistance from CHC we will be monitoring the response of wildlife to the EA hovercraft during this rare survey to help inform future management decisions. KAYAKS: LHB is working with RSPB to produce a waterproof chart of Langstone Harbour for kayakers, suggesting routes, pointing out sights and amenities, while also encouraging participants to keep their distance from sensitive wildlife. This chart should be available in early summer 2014. FISHING - Commercial: The number of vessels recorded in Langstone Harbour went up to 27 in 2013 (compared with 19 in 2012). This increase is a result of increased and better observance of registered fishing vessels, rather than a true increase. Despite the closure of the oyster fishery in the wider Solent, few vessels were seen oystering in Langstone Harbour. Additionally, since the MMO Emergency byelaw prohibiting towed gear of Langstone Harbour's seagrass was brought in during April 2013 (now replaced by a sIFCA byelaw), no vessels have been observed towing gear over seagrass beds. FISHING - Recreational: Reports of the capture and collection of undersized or illegal fish and shellfish in the harbour have increased. During the summer of 2013 numerous individuals were seen hand gathering shellfish around the Oysterbeds and Binness Islands in Langstone Harbour (both important nesting colonies for terns), causing great disturbance. We worked with sIFCA and RSPB to inform individuals of the repercussions of these actions. SEWAGE: The litter generated by unscreened sewage discharges has been mentioned previously, however it is also worth mentioning that it is difficult to imagine how the nutrients, bacteria, viral, pharmaceutical and other chemical content of the hundreds of hours of storm water discharges
35
SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014 released into Langstone Harbour would not have a negative impact on the SEMS. DOG WALKING: Although we do not have a mechanism to record dog walking, it is unusual to be anywhere on the harbour perimeter and not see this activity occurring. Dog walking (particularly off lead) has been shown in the SDMP to be an extremely disturbing activity for SPA birds LHC - Sluice operation owned and controlled by Environment Agency. NE - Natural England is aware that Portsmouth City Council have identified nitrate leaching from landfill at Paulsgrove - NE are working with the Environment Agency and PCC to look at options and possible management measures to deal with this issue. NFNPA - The Authority does not have direct control but does coordinate joint policy that can influence longer term work with partners through the National Park Management Plan. PCC - N/a QHMP - Nil RHHA - First (and only, to date) kite surfer seen in Hamble by RHHA staff in March 2014. An activity which is seeing growth on the Hamble is stand-up paddleboarding, particularly in the Upper Hamble where a new club has established at one of the yards. The club is very conscientious regarding minimising disturbance to wildlife. Although this one activity has seen some localised increase, it is not deemed sufficient to alter the overall level of activity for 'recreational watersports', hence the response of 'no change' for this category. SoIFCA - The revised approach to the management of commercial fishing activity will continue to be used as the vehicle to assess the extent to which fishing activities represent a risk to the site. The initial stage of this process has addressed the high risks (and we have introduced regulation) and we are now commencing a programme of work to manage further risks on a site by site, feature by feature basis, considering each of the activities in the context of the conservation objectives and the condition status in the context of the regulation 33 advise. SuIFCA - N/A SCC - No SWS - None of the named activities are applicable to Southern Water. TVBC - n/a THLS - No comment WSCC - No known changes WCC - None YHC - There has not been a particular increase in any activities over the past year.
707. Given any changes in activities you have mentioned above, do you believe that they are as a result of activity displacement?
Yes 2
No 11
Don't know 13
Total 26
708. Please give details:
NE - Commercial fishing activities may be displaced as a result of the introduction of management measures through Defra’s revised approach to managing fisheries in European marine sites. This could shift fishing pressures to other areas of the Solent EMS considered to be "less sensitive". SuIFCA - Displacement of oyster dredging fishing effort, as previously detailed.
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM PLANS AND PROJECTS
709. Have you been involved in any plans or projects in the last year that may, in your opinion, give rise to an increase in activities in the Solent European marine site?
Yes 17
No 9
Total 26
710. Please give details:
CDC - As owner of a plan - The emerging Chichester District Local Plan. However the plan has been subject to habitats regulation assessment, extensive consultation and it incorporates a policy specifically on protection of Chichester Harbour. In CDC's view a Local Plan may give rise to an increase in activities but in its present form the Local Plan will not do so. CHC - Numerous residential housing proposals have gone through recently CoHC - Consultation for Folly Reach development. Development of Outer Harbour Breakwater - construction begins in 2014 EBC - Residential development across the authorities responsible for the SPA will cause rises in visitor numbers. This will hopefully be mitigated by the measures incorporated within the SDMS Other activities that will cause increases in activities in the Solent are:- C/13/72018 Royal Southern Yacht Club Dredging and pontoon C/13/72134 The Cabin Boatyard Bursledon Repair of quay F/13/72512 Netley School Victoria Way Flood defences F/13/72657 - Riverside Boatyard Blundell Lane Bursledon Southampton SO31 1AA Café barge C/13/73388 Mooring Pile M10-M111 Hamble River, Bursledon EA - New byelaws are in place to protect seagrass and rocky reef habitats from red risk commercial fishing activities. http://www.southern-ifca.gov.uk/ These are specific to the marine protected areas. Southern IFCA is now looking at the amber risk activities. EA rep sits on the byelaw working group so commented on the byelaws and discussions around which areas to incorporate. The seagrass element of this byelaw replaces the voluntary code of conduct to protect seagrass habitats which is good as there were some concerns. Enforcement - The EA note that illegal fishing of migratory fish is an on-going issue both within and beyond EMS and they will continue to monitor this and to enforcement action if necessary (ongoing issue for salmonids and eels). EA is also working with all abstraction license holders (high priority sites first) to ensure screening is in place compliant with the Eel Regulations. Sites include Marchwood power station, incinerator, Fawley refinery, and there will be a significant number of medium priority sites. The Solent Diffuse Water Pollution Plan is currently being updated by NE. The Test & Itchen DWPP consultation has commenced. The actions within the plans should identify ways to reduce nitrates in the relevant catchments and will benefit the solent. The Southampton Dredge is underway. Procedures are in place to prevent damage to salmonids and shellfish beds. We believe this is now 40% complete. Low risk activity- angling- there has been a recent CEFAS survey documenting sea angling activity that assesses how widespread it is (not specific to SEMs but across the country)- actually generally a bigger activity than previously thought Agricultural Run-off ‘Levels remain elevated’. Under the ‘What information/evidence is available to confirm the activities remain elevated...’ I suggest adding: We have been undertaking extensive modeling of the nutrient inputs into the Solent harbours and estuaries. This modeling will identify the main sources of nutrient inputs including agricultural run-off. Initial evidence is indicating that agricultural diffuse pollution is a major source of nitrogen enrichment in coastal waters. The modeling will help identify where to target further land management measures.’ Green Blue project in the ‘Recreational Boating’ section. ‘We are part of the project group to tackle 37
SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014 faecal contamination from recreational boats in Solent harbours supporting the RYA Green-Blue campaign.’ FBC – According to SDMP evidence any residential development (including Welbourne) is likely to have an impact on the SEMS (including in-combination effects). Large scale development (i.e. Trafalgar Wharf, Welbourne could lead to direct effects on SEMS and would require on-site mitigation) Development of Daedalus for marine industry, with direct link to Solent, could put pressure on SEMS. Hamble to Portchester Castle Shoreline Management Plan. Coastal defence strategy. Fareham GI Strategy – numerous proposals with potential to increase pressure on SEMS – See Strategy document. Various residential development proposals with Borough. Limited input as consultee to proposals in neighboring authorities. GBC - All proposals for new dwellings are now required to mitigate for recreational disturbance impacts on the European sites following evidence arising from the Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project and subsequent assessment by Natural England. The Borough Council has begun to take developer contributions towards this mitigation. These are currently to be used to establish the Alver Valley Country Park to deflect recreational pressure from sensitive sites. The Borough Council is preparing the Gosport Borough Local Plan 2011-2029 which is due to be published for Pre-Submission consultation in the Summer 2014. This will include policies relating to internationally important sites and the need for appropriate mitigation. HBC - Havant Borough Council's Allocation Plan is approaching adoption. Sites are allocated for new housing development which will result in an increase in the local population and therefore in the number of local people with access to the Solent European Marine Sites. LHB - Planning Application reference number 13/01457/FUL - Extension of Kendall's Wharf - 50m extension to aggregate wharf on the western shore of Langstone Harbour. No mitigation currently proposed for intertidal loss or the displacement of a high tide wader roost. Current status: pending consideration. Planning application reference number 13/00791/FUL - Installation of 118 Beach Huts on Eastney Beach - these huts are partially situated upon a wader roost. Current status: pending consideration. MMO Marine Licence number MLA/2013/00491 - Investigation of coastal defense structures around north Portsea Island - intrusive structural works as part of a wider scheme to improve coastal defence structures (scheme is being run by the Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership). Current status: Licence granted for investigative phase. NE - Natural England is a statutory consultee on all planning applications and MMO marine licence applications, as well as EA flood defence consent applications. NFNPA - Within role of planning authority we have considered applications for residential development on the coast or within 15km which may contribute to in combination recreation impacts. PCC - Portsmouth Site Allocations Plan (http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/living/14099.html) Portsmouth and Southampton joint city deal QHMP - Portsmouth and Southsea Flood Risk Management projects SCC - The City Council, as Local Planning Authority, has granted planning consent to a number of residential development schemes within the city. The number of residential units involved is within the limits set by the City of Southampton Core Strategy which was subject to Habitats Regulations Assessment. Where necessary specific mitigation measures have been agreed. TVBC - Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan (Regulation 19) consultation document WSCC - Advised Chichester District Council on major strategic housing developments, both as part of their Local Plan & in relation to Whitehouse Farm site, West of Chichester (Potentially 1,600 new houses). Such developments are likely to result in increased recreational pressure on the SEMS. WCC - There is an allocation of approximately 3,500 dwellings at North Whiteley in the adopted Local Plan Part 1 - Joint Core Strategy. This allocation has raised concerns about possible increased recreation activity levels along the Solent. Work is underway which is looking at potential impacts and appropriate avoidance/mitigation measures.
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
711. If you have any other comments on activities that have resulted from, or may result from, plans and projects please give details:
CDC - None CoHC - These will be looked at and assessed individually. GBC - none HBC - None LHB - None NE - All plans/projects are assessed against the requirements of the Habitats Regulations. NFNPA - National Park Management Plan is currently being drafted for 2015-2020 period and provides a management tool that SEMS partners could become engaged in if they wished to influence. The plan sets out strategic vision for measure such as recreation, habitat management, coastal protection etc PCC - The Solent Special Protection Areas Supplementary Planning Document (http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/living/31158.html) implements the Solent Interim Planning Framework in Portsmouth. This is the first stage in the implementation of the Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project. This will ensure that the city council is able to continue to promote the growth and development of the city and authorise development which otherwise may have resulted in a significant effect on the Solent Special Protection Areas. QHMP - Nil SoIFCA - Southern IFCA introduced a temporary prohibition on oyster dredging, restricting the geographic location of the activity and the length of the season. Accompanying this decision was a Test of likely Significant Effect in accordance with the Habitat Regulation Assessments under article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive SCC - It is difficult to tell whether the new housing has led to an increase in recreational activity as it is unclear whether the new housing is being bought/rented by people already resident within South Hampshire or whether it is accommodating people from outside the area. SWS - For the record (and not applicable to the named activities), Southern Water has a number of ongoing projects that have or will result in water quality improvements to the Solent and associated water bodies to meet regulatory conditions. These include: Chichester Wastewater Treatment Works - provision of UV disinfection of the storm water discharge to Chichester Harbour. Completion March 2014. Eastney, Fort Cumberland storm tanks - storm tank refurbishment and replacement of storm water screens. Expected completion December 2014. Bursledon Wastewater Treatment Works - conversion of Works to Pumping Station and transfer of flows to Peel Common Wastewater Treatment Works. Expected completion by March 2015. Continuous discharge of effluent flows to River Hamble will cease. Brading Wastewater Treatment Works - conversion of Works to Pumping Station and transfer of flows to Sandown Wastewater Treatment Works. Expected completion March 2015. Continuous discharge of effluent flows to River Yar / Bembridge Harbour will cease. Woolston Wastewater Treatment Works - reconstruction of the Works to meet tighter water quality standards will commence in 2014. Other improvements, with completion dates in 2014 and 2015, are being carried out to the following wastewater treatment works to provide enhanced nutrient (nitrogen) removal - Millbrook, Peel Common, Slowhill Copse and Thornham. TVBC - This is the emerging Local Plan for Test Valley for the period up to 2029, comprising of the latest consultation document. A Habitat Regulations Assessment has been undertaken for this plan giving consideration to the potential of significant effects on the European designations. WCC - none
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
MONITORING
Monitoring table produced from answers provided within this section is included in…..
712. Are you undertaking any monitoring in the SEMS?
Yes 14
No 12
Total 26
713. Please give a short summary including whether it is ongoing or when it will be completed
CDC - Graylingwell Monitoring - See Chichester Harbour Conservancy Shellfish bed monitoring- part of public health protection work, but gives some data on levels of bacteria in the Harbour CHC - We co-ordinate annual WeBS counts, Seabird monitoring, vegetation monitoring. All of the Sussex area of Zostera was surveyed with collaboration with HIWWT and SxIFCA in 2013 CoHC - Ongoing annual photographic monitoring of saltmarsh in the Medina estuary. First 5 year review due in 2015. EA - Ongoing Environmental Monitoring of chemical, biological and ecology (including fish). For fish we only monitor estuarine waters, not coastal. EBC - Monitoring will be built into the SDMS to assess the recreational pressure. This will be ongoing throughout the plan period. Some research has been undertaken into Non native invasive species within the SAC. This was a one off research project but has provided baseline information that could be used to monitor INNS. Safeguards are being incorporated into all developments 25m from a water course that feed into the Hamble or Itchen to endeavour to halt the spread of these species from development sites. IoWC - Visitor monitoring o f sensitive sites is at an early stage. LHB - LHB monitors (to various extents): watersports, moorings, boating, commercial fishing, oil spill, airborne sports, navigation, slipway maintenance. All of this is ongoing. LHC - Yes - Bi-annual bathymetric surveys of river channel. Next survey due April 2014 NE - Natural England undertakes an ongoing programme of monitoring of features within the Solent EMS as part of its duties to report to Europe under the Habitats Directive, as well as for our national monitoring of the component SSSIs. RHHA - Monthly Hydrographic surveys being undertaken by ABPMer at our request to monitor impacts of ABP Southampton's capital dredge of Southampton Water. Occurring over a period 6 months prior to the dredge through until 6 months after the end of the dredge to establish both a baseline and any significant changes in sedimentation of the Hamble as a result of the dredge. Also, real time turbidity monitoring is ongoing throughout this period. Monitoring is at various locations in the Hamble Estuary, within the Solent Maritime SAC & Solent & Southampton Water SPA. SoIFCA - Southern IFCA continues to monitor fishing activities in the Solent recording activities and catches Southern IFCA gathers and shares intelligence with multiple agencies to detect and deter criminal activity Southern IFCA gather data on small fish utilisation of the Harbours in the Solent in partnership with other agencies Southern IFCA is conducting extensive sub tidal seagrass monitoring using side scan sonar and other remotely sensed techniques Southern IFCA will commence of a programme of work to develop a management plan for the management of the collection of bait in the Solent Southern IFCA will continue a programme of work to asses all fishing activities against the conservation objectives of the European Marine Site using a Habitat Regulations Assessment approach to deliver article 6(2) determinations. Southern IFCA have a programme of work to model the effects of shellfish collection on SPA features in the Solent (delivery through a PhD in Bournemouth University) Southern IFCA, in partnership, continues to monitor the extent and location of seagrass in the Solent. Southern IFCA, in partnership, monitors the clam population in the Solent. Southern IFCA
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014 have applied for funding to conduct oyster monitoring in the Solent Southern IFCA are co-funding a Bass Survey in the Solent Southern IFCA are a partner in the Chichester Harbour Oyster Partnership Initiative with continues to gather data on the native oyster in Chichester and recommends and delivers management. SuIFCA - Small Fish Surveys (ongoing) Monthly length-frequency and Catch Per Unit Effort surveys of oysters together with dredge contents photographs and water chemistry data collection when onboard EHO sampling surveys (ongoing) Oyster broodstock monitoring (ongoing) Grab and dredge oyster sampling to calculate dredge efficiency (completed 2013) Underwater video surveys of habitats/species (ongoing) Seagrass monitoring to map bed extents to inform EMS red risks work (2013 and support in future) THLS - We monitor Aids to General Navigation which are deployed by Trinity House and audit and inspect Local Aids to Navigation which are deployed by Local Harbour Authorities and others. Ongoing. YHC - Saltmarsh monitoring is ongoing and has been in place since 2004.
714. Do you have a template for recording the results of monitoring?
Yes 7
No 7
Total 14
715. Who will hold the data and / or monitoring report once the monitoring is complete?
CDC - CDC CHC - We hold most of the data, some is jointly held CoHC - Isle of Wight Estuaries Project EA - Environmental Monitoring - Marine and Analysis and Reporting teams. Fisheries and Biodiversity teams. Includes recording info for non-native species. EBC - No template yet the project is still being formulated. PUSH steering committee is likely to hold and act on monitoring data. IoWC - Planning LHB - LHB LHC - Bathymetric survey results held in electronic format. Also forwarded to UKHO NE - Natural England evidence database RHHA - RHHA and ABPMer/ABP SoIFCA - Southern IFCA and the identified partnerships SuIFCA - Sussex IFCA and MEDIN THLS - Trinity House YHC - Isle of Wight Estuaries Project and / or Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners
716. Are you coordinating with any other organisation/s on monitoring in the SEMS?
Yes 13
No 13
Total 26
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
717. Please give details:
CDC - Chichester Harbour Conservancy for the Graylingwell monitoring. Footprint ecology holds the contract for the survey work, CDC provide the funding. CHC - SxIFCA and HIWWT for Zostera WeBS partnership for WeBS Bird Prey study with NE CoHC - Working with Environment Agency on water quality project. EA - IFCA's, Natural England, Local Authorities, Langstone Harbour Authority, Chichester Conservancy Council, CEFAS, businesses such as Marchwood Power Station and Marchwood Incinerator, Wildlife Trusts, ABP, Coastal Observatory. EBC - All Local Authorities and other organisations who have an interest in the Solent Complex. FBC – SDMP and ECSP HBC - SDMP Project LHB - RSPB, HIIWT, sIFCA, CHC LHC - NFDC & CCO undertake monitoring of the extent of saltmarsh habitat. LHC co-operate with NFDC to facilitate this. NE - Natural England is working in partnership with the Environment Agency, SIFCA and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. NFNPA - Solent Bird Disturbance initiative likely to include element of monitoring (?) - we are supportive of the initiative. SoIFCA - Defra. Natural England Chichester Harbour Conservancy Langstone Harbour Board CEFAS Bournemouth University Southampton University Portsmouth University Police Hampshire County Council Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust SuIFCA - Environment Agency / Natural England / Chichester Harbour Conservancy / Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust / Southern IFCA / University of Southampton
718. Are you considering monitoring in the SEMS?
Yes 11
No 15
Total 26
719. Please give details:
CoHC - We are considering some local data gathering to identify issues associated with water quality. EA - Continuous monitoring EBC - Monitoring recreational pressure as part of the SDMS LHB - See this form LHC - Subject to being granted a marine license, LHC are planning to undertake a further beneficial use trial which will involve direct placement of sediment by barge on intertidal habitat close to the salt marsh. This will involve further bathymetric surveys being undertaken in the location of the trial. NE - As above, this is part of Natural England's ongoing monitoring programme which will continue into future years. PCC - Monitoring framework as part of the Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project SoIFCA - The programme of work to deliver the revised approach to the management of commercial fisheries in EMS will identify additional research needs as this work progresses. SuIFCA - See ongoing monitoring work outlined previously TLHS - As and when required. WCC - As part of the Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Interim Planning Framework.
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
720. Other than mentioned previously, are you aware of any new monitoring of impacts of activities?
Yes 3
No 23
Total 26
721. Please give details:
CHC - PhD study by Portsmouth University-Shannon White and Study on paramotors and hovercraft by Aniko Gaal EBC - Moorings are monitored by Hampshire County Council with maximum numbers of boats set. This information has only been gained via third party communication. SuIFCA - Conducting a programme of work which will appropriately assess fishing activity in Chichester Harbour.
Note
A spreadsheet summarising the monitoring being undertaken in the Solent has been prepared from the above questions and is available separately.
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SEMS Response Report 2014 SEMS Management Scheme 2014
OTHER ISSUES
722. Are there any other points you would like to contribute and/or additional issues to report, or any potential research ideas/opportunities that are worth mentioning?
Yes 6
No 20
Total 26
723. Please give details
LHB - When hovering over the "Risk Categories" while completing this form, "littering" is not present.... I think it has been replaced with "beach cleaning". NFNPA - Although we are not currently planning monitoring of SEMS there are some one-off projects being planned that could provide contextual information e.g. the Authority is working with others to undertake visitor study for the Park similar to that carried out by Tourism South East in 2005. However this is snap-shot data as opposed to a longer term monitoring study specifically relating to SEMS. SoIFCA - We have observed that the unclassified shellfish beds in the Southampton Water are subject to fishing activity, we continue to pass this information to the relevant authorities. SCC - A student project looking at the effects of hovercraft and paramotors will be undertaken over the summer. SWS - Major / significant pollution incidents: A multiple pump failure at Fairlee Wastewater Pumping Station, Isle of Wight, in April 2013 led to a significant discharge of untreated sewage, A further incident occurred in Seaview, Isle of Wight, in August 2013 from a leaking sewer (previously under private ownership). Environment Agency enforcement officers patrolled the beach to warn the public but the beach was not closed. YHC - We would like to understand the impact of high levels of algal growth in the Western Yar.
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