Cowes Harbour Commission Annual Report 2017-2018 | Page 24

Water quality : Encourage the Environment Agency and Southern Water to meet their objectives and statutory responsibilities for river and estuarine water quality and encourage responsible waste disposal by all stakeholders . 2016-2021

CHC continues to work with the Newport Rivers Group via the Isle of Wight Estuaries Partnership . The group includes the Environment Agency and Southern Water as well as other organisations such as Town and Parish Councils , the Hants and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust , and the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority ( SIFCA ). Activities of the group include the development of projects that identify and address issues of water quality throughout the Medina catchment .

Saltmarsh project : Ensure annual photographic monitoring of the saltmarsh and review every 5 years . 2016-2021

Annual monitoring of the saltmarsh in the Medina is undertaken in June and the small-scale scheme has been in place since 2010 . Over the past year , the work on sediment management has highlighted the need for more information about the condition of the saltmarsh to inform the update of the Medina Estuary Baseline Document . The monitoring scheme measures and records the extent of saltmarsh in each area with the relative location of the bank edge , any change in the level of sediment and an indication of saltmarsh composition . The recent review of data has shown changes in the different locations throughout the central estuary and provides valuable information to help manage activities in order to meet CHC ’ s responsibilities for the designated sites .

Environmental audit : Undertake biennial environmental audit of CHC ’ s own operations and implement internal environmental performance action plans and KPIs . 2016-2017

CHC is currently reviewing its use of plastics within the organisation and working with others to identify positive projects for the reduction of plastics use across the Isle of Wight . Attendance at a recent event organised by Surfers Against Sewage and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce highlighted a positive drive towards a partnership of small-scale improvements for the benefit of the Island ’ s coast and coastal waters . The review will lead to a new policy for CHC , which will be rolled out across the organisation . In partnership with Sunsail , CHC has already installed a water fountain at Shepards Marina to encourage the use of refillable bottles and is considering additional locations .

Medina Greenway : Support in partnership the Medina Greenway plan and promote informed sustainable public estuary access . 2018

CHC has been actively engaged in the advancement of the Greenway along the eastern side of the Medina estuary .

Coastal defence strategy : Support the Isle of Wight Council to develop a long-term coastal defence strategy for Cowes and East Cowes . 2017

Although no further action has been undertaken on this objective over the past year , CHC maintains contact with the Council ’ s Planning Policy team and will be part of discussions for Cowes and East Cowes when specific plans come forward from the Coastal Defence Strategy .

High water wader roost : Continue to work with the Wildlife Trust on long-term habitat management in Chawton field to ensure stability as a high water wader roost site . 2017

CHC has been working closely with the Wildlife Trust on the enhancement of a wader roost site .