Author: Anthony Fletcher

Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has approved a scheme that allows for two trial dredging disposal operations at a new site, which is five miles closer to shore that the current site. The trial will require an enhanced programme of monitoring.

Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) has been in discussion with the MMO since January 2011 regarding the possibility of approving a new site to reduce the significant dredge cost and CO2 emissions. The current site is a 49-mile round trip from the harbour – around 80% of the total dredge time is spent sailing to and from the disposal site.

To determine whether a new site could be approved, HHA held initial discussions with the MMO and carried out a range of studies and public consultations. Local fishermen expressed concerns, and although the studies predicted very small changes that are unlikely to have a negative effect on fisheries, a revised monitoring programme was developed to track whether these changes occur.

Once trial disposal operations have been completed at the new site, further disposals will return to the existing site. A report will be submitted to the MMO, including the results of the monitoring and any evidence provided by fishermen or other local stakeholders.

If the changes are more extensive, disposal will remain at the existing site and further assessment will be undertaken. HHA aims to be using the new site and monitoring disposal operations in June and August.

“HHA is delighted to finally receive approval for this trial from the MMO, and following this monitoring exercise we look forward to them granting permission to use the alternative site.”

Neil Glendinning, CEO of Harwich Haven Authority

Over the past 15 years Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) has been carrying out bird counts to monitor the wintering birds feeding on the mudflats and saltmarshes of the estuaries.

Recently, HHA has worked with Natural England in a joint-funded project to review the numbers and study the changes in the distribution of birds across the estuaries. The project represents the first steps towards pinpointing areas of concern low waters of the rivers Stour and Orwell, and to find and address the potential cause of changes in the distribution of species.

The data has since been published and will be used by the Stour and Orwell Estuary Management Group to consider the next steps.

“HHA takes great pride in its contribution to the environmental stewardship of the Stour and Orwell estuaries,” said Neil Glendinning, CEO, Harwich Haven Authority. “It is gratifying to be able to offer the results of our studies to assist the estuaries management group in their work to protect these important habitats.”

Sarah Dawkins, Norfolk & Suffolk Area Manager, Natural England, commented:

“The Stour and Orwell estuaries are home to some of England’s most important ports and wildlife sites. Natural England recognises the importance of balancing these needs. We welcomed the exciting opportunity to work with Harwich Haven Authority on this report. We look forward to working collaboratively with the local Estuary Group to collectively use this information to enable sustainable growth alongside the sensitive management and enjoyment of the wonderful wildlife of these estuaries.”

Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) is getting ahead of forthcoming environmental legislation by carrying out a new marine study.

A convention under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is due to come into force during 2016 regarding the management of a ship’s ballast water. Since it could require new surveys and studies on marine invasive non-native species, HHA is implementing research based on extensive data that it has already collated in this area.

Marine non-native species are animals and plants that have been introduced to UK marine waters, sometimes on the hulls or in the ballast tanks of commercial vessels. Some species such as the Chinese Mitten Crab and ‘Killer Shrimps’ are fairly well known whilst others are less so, such as Slipper Limpets, Japanese Wire Weed and Carpet Sea Squirts.

HHA has appointed Thomson Ecology to review all the biological surveys carried out in the past five years by HHA and other local organisations such as the Environment Agency and Natural England. The review will look into the range and number of identified non-native species, and advise on the likely impact on the local environment. The results will enable HAA to consider what further survey and analysis might be required in the future.

John Brien, Harbour Engineer of Harwich Haven Authority, said:

“There is growing interest in monitoring non-native species in our waters, and legislation has been introduced to identify the species that pose a particular threat and introduce measures to control their spread, if possible. We are carrying out the first stage of what may become a wider scale study in collaboration with other regulators and conservation bodies in the area.”

 Neil Glendinning, CEO, Harwich Haven Authority, added:

“We recognise we are tasked with the important responsibility to ensure the protection of the environmentally critical habitats in the haven’s ports whilst, at the same time, preserving and improving vessel access to our nationally significant ports. This study is just another example of how we balance the needs of both the environment and the commercial activity in our area of jurisdiction.”