Archived decisions

Contact: Alison Crang tel 01489 576387 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report summarises the activities and events relating to the environment of the River in April and May 2008

2. Recommendation

2.1 That this report be noted

3. Activities and events

3.1 The River Hamble Recycling Scheme

The scheme is progressing well with continued support from all partners. Recycling bins are now available at Shore Road car park by the Harbour Master's Office. There is one bin for paper and card, one for cans and plastic bottles, and a third bin for general waste. The glass recycling bin will continue to be sited at the Passage Lane car park. These bins will be for use by the public, both those picnicking in the car park and those coming ashore at the Harbour Master's jetty. The scheme partners have produced a leaflet "Get on Board and Recycle on the River Hamble" detailing recycling facilities in the Hamble and throughout the Solent, and descriptions on what can and can't be recycled. This has just been printed and is being distributed throughout the Hamble. An article on re-cycling afloat was published in the latest RYA magazine.

3.2 The RHHA recycling trial

This has now started. Reports from participants are providing useful hints and tips about how best to managing recycling on board a variety of boats. These blogs are being entered onto our website at http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hambleharbour/hamble-environment/gobar.htm

3.3 Oil Spill Response

In May the AHM(E) attended the oil spill training course "Environmental Impacts" and the Harbour Master attended the "Oil Spill Refresher Course" as required by the relevant legislation. RHHA staff continue to respond appropriately to Tier 1 spills on the river.

3.4 Netting for mullet

2 commercial fishermen net on the River for grey mullet at certain times of the year. This activity is regulated by the Southern Sea Fisheries Committee and the Marine & Fisheries Agency, however any netting activity in the River requires written permission from the Harbour Master under byelaw 7. This "license" from the RHHA has caused some concern among recreational anglers and a meeting was held between representatives of the RHHA, the National Mullet Club, the SSFC, the MFA and the local fishermen. A compromise was reached where one of the permitted netting areas was reduced in size and boundary lines relocated.

3.5 Solent European Marine Sites (SEMS) Management Scheme

The River Hamble forms part of the SEMS which is designated as internationally important for its habitat and species. The Habitat Regulations require that relevant authorities (including the RHHA) establish a management scheme for European Marine Sites. The AHM(E) attended the annual meeting of the SEMS Management Group to discuss ongoing implementation of the scheme to ensure the RHHA's compliance with the Habitat Regulations.

3.6 Maintenance Dredging Protocol (MDP) for England.

In January 2008 Defra published the MDP. This Protocol provides assistance to operators and regulators seeking, or giving, approval for maintenance dredging activities that could potentially affect European sites around the coast of England.

The Government considers that the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EC) requires maintenance dredging proposals, which could potentially affect European sites, to be assessed in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Directive.

Whilst not endorsing this interpretation of the law, representatives of the ports and marine leisure industries agreed to work in co-operation with Defra, DfT and Natural England (NE) to develop an approach which allows the effect of maintenance dredging on European sites to be assessed without placing a disproportionate burden on those who commission or approve maintenance dredging operations. The Protocol sets out the process by which this is achieved (see Simplified Process Diagram in Annex 1).

Defra has now published a letter to relevant operators and regulators inviting their adoption of the Protocol. This explains the Protocol process in more detail and sets out how and when the Protocol will be rolled out. Defra require a decision as to whether to adopt or not by 1 August 2008. The Hamble Maintenance Dredging partnership group will take account of this regarding progression of our baseline document.

3.7 Hamble Estuary Partnership and the Hamble Estuary Management Plan

The Estuary Management Plan 2003 - 2008 is coming to the end of its current form.  The HEP will be meeting in the next month to discuss and agree a proposed process for how the services, policies and format of the HEP will be reviewed and how the future role/services will be identified and agreed. 

3.8 Hamble Environment Officers Group

This valuable annual meeting organised by the AHM(E) was attended by representatives from the RHHA, Environment Agency, Natural England, Fareham Borough Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and the Marine & Fisheries Agency. This was a valuable opportunity to discuss and set out a way forward for a variety of environmental issues on the River for which these authorities have responsibilities. The result is an improved working relationship between authorities and consistency in the communications going out to stakeholders.

4. Impact Assessments

4.1 This report provides a position statement only, therefore an Impact assessment, in terms of Race Relations (Amendment) Act, has not been undertaken.