Marine Protected Areas
CHC is a competent authority and a relevant authority as set out in Regulation 6 of the Conservation of Species and Habitats Regulations
2010. This means that CHC has responsibilities for the sites that are designated for nature conservation within and, to some extent, adjacent
to its jurisdiction.
There are two marine protected areas with components within CHC’s jurisdiction: ‘The Solent & Southampton Water Special Protection Area
(SPA) / Ramsar’ (which recognises the importance of the intertidal and estuarine areas for overwintering and breeding waterfowl) and, ‘The
Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC)’, which forms a complex of interlinked sites of importance for a range of marine, coastal
and maritime habitats.
The Management Scheme for the Solent sites is referred to as the ‘Solent European Marine Sites’ (or SEMS) Management Scheme. As a
relevant authority, CHC is part of the management group with the secretariat being provided by the Solent Forum (a Coastal Partnership). CHC
has to monitor activity within its jurisdiction and report back to the management group. The group then looks at any potentially damaging
activities, either new or increasing, and if necessary refers them to the SEMS Natural Environment Group to develop management measures.
Aside from any regulations, CHC is keen to see the quality of our local environment maintained and enhanced so that it can be enjoyed for
many years to come.
Working in Partnership
Throughout 2016 CHC has continued to work with the Isle of Wight Estuaries Project on ongoing projects such as the high water wader roost
site at Chawton. The site is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and the works follow a seven-year plan to improve
the area for the use of the estuary’s visiting and resident birds and other wildlife.
CHC is also supporting the work to upgrade the footpa th from Island Harbour to East Cowes to make it suitable for a wider range of users
and help to improve the link between the communities of East Cowes and Newport. Previous work has delivered improvements to the path
south from Island Harbour to Newport, which is now an attractive ‘Greenway’ for shared use.
To find out more, visit: cowesharbourcommission.co.uk/environment
Annual Report 2016 - 2017
17