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It is interesting to look back through
our records to discover how many years
we have been pressing relevant authorities on such topics as marine pollution and
the management of waste both of which, today, have a high profile. Back in 2005, after a long crusade, SPS was successful
in persuading the oil companies using
the Solent waters to use only double
hull tankers, significantly diminishing the possibility of an oil spoil in the Solent, which would of course, have had devastating consequences.
Pollution remains high on our list of priorities particularly to ensure that foul water discharge does not contaminate our rivers and coasts.We are pleased to see that Planning Authorities are now required to pay particular attention to this in regard to new housing developments, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
From our own observations and reports made to us, there has been a notable improvement in water clarity since the
Erosion of Hurst Spit, undercutting the foundations of Hurst Castle
Covid-19 pandemic and following the closure of harbours and marinas and a reduction in commercial traffic.We are awaiting the result of tests measuring water quality itself to see if this has improved during “lockdown”.This may present some guidance as to how water quality can be improved and a consequential enhancement of the prospects for marine life.
New proposals have been submitted for the redevelopment of Fawley Power Station. This is a major scheme and, although we
still have some reservations, we are pleased to see that some of the observations we have made on the earlier application have been addressed.This project will take many years to complete and will have a longstanding impact on the shoreline.
Another potentially long running saga will be the work needed to address the erosion on Hurst Spit and consequent damage to
the Castle.The Society has been invited to join a discussion group that is intended to develop proposals for the future of Hurst
Spit together with the coastline through to Lymington.This is of great importance, not only for the Spit but also for the protection of the salt marshes and birdlife.We are pleased to see that essential preservation work to secure the Castle is now well under way.
Two other concerns that have been drawn to our attention within the last couple of months; firstly, the use, or misuse, of the shore line by commercial shellfish diggers, reports have been made to the Environmental Health teams at Portsmouth and Farnham.
The second is the increasing use of recreational craft, such as jetskis and paddleboards which enable easy access
to previously undisturbed shores with consequent disturbance to bird and other wildlife. Of particular concern is Gull Island at the entrance to the Beaulieu River.
Income raised by SPS is used for such recent causes as supporting PhD students
in their maritime research, the restoration ofYarmouth Pier and the Maritime Archaeology Trust, who have discovered two areas of Mesolithic Settlement dating from 8,000 years ago at Bouldnor Cliff on the Isle of Wight.This incredible discovery was made following an inspection along the eroding edge of the drowned forest at Bouldnor Cliff which now lies 11m underwater.
Society Members are invited to hear monthly talks on subjects of interest within the Solent area; these have recently included the development of Fawley New Town, Bembridge Harbour and re-establishment of our Native Solent oyster fisheries by the Blue Marine Foundation.
We are dependent on our members for the continuation of our work, so should you wish to learn more about, or join the Solent Protection Society, please visit our website https://solentprotection.org/
FEATURE 45