MCZS impact small harbours • Marina investment • Boatyard fire
The UK Harbour Masters’ Association (UKHMA) is warning that the increasing cost of marine licences, which are required for harbour authorities to carry out work such as dredging, could result in some navigable channels in small ports and marinas being left to silt up.
The executive officer and secretary of the UKHMA, Captain Martin Willis, said marine licences over 500m3 that are within proximity (usually 5km) of an EU designated site – such as Marine Conservation Zones (MCZS) – are now subject to a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA). This usually requires an Environmental Impact Assessment. Many smaller harbours and ports will have to employ a consultant to do the work. The HRA may be applied to existing marine licences retrospectively.
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO), which manages and advises on marine licences, is also now actively recovering 100% of its costs from harbours and ports. Capt. Willis warns many smaller ports may struggle to find the extra money.
‘These increased costs and obligations may increase the burden on small ports. In the worst-case scenario, they may have to allow areas to silt up,’ he explained.
Capt. Willis’ comments follow the announcement of 41 new MCZS around England, including Studland in Dorset and Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. He said there were more MCZS designated closer to ports and harbours than in the previous two tranches, which could restrict consents for dredging and disposal. There are 91 MCZS in English waters.
The management of the new MCZS is still being considered, although the Government has said that anchoring and mooring at Studland Bay and Bembridge will need to be managed to protect seagrass and maerl beds.
The RYA’S planning and environmental officer, Duncan Savage, said it would be pushing for no anchoring restrictions at either site, believing it can be avoided as long as sailors follow best anchoring practice. Managed anchoring hasn’t been introduced at any MCZ to date. In Studland Bay, management options being considered include replacing the 51 existing moorings with eco-moorings, the introduction of a no-anchoring zone in eelgrass areas or the removal of moorings and banning anchoring across the main extent of the eelgrass beds. Any restrictions would not impact on boats seeking refuge.
Savage said there was not enough evidence on the use and security of eco-moorings to make them a viable option in the short term, although they could be viable long-term.
The Boat Owners Response Group (BORG) promotes the right of navigation, anchoring and mooring for boaters in the context of MCZS. Spokesman Jon Reed said there was little research on the impact of anchoring in eelgrass, which is hardier than seagrass. Studland’s eelgrass is a breeding ground for the short- and long-snouted seahorse.
Reed said although anchoring does cause ‘some disturbance’, the eelgrass at Studland is in ‘good condition’ and ‘stopping anchoring will make little difference’. Studland is one of the busiest sea anchorages in the UK and Reed believes an anchoring ban would be hard to enforce.
The Government is also investigating the introduction of Highly Protected Marine Areas around the coast - the strictest level of conservation in English waters.