Working in Partnership
The dynamic nature of the marine and coastal environment requires a partnership approach to management, both locally and
regionally. CHC has been an active member of the Solent Forum and the Isle of Wight Estuaries Project for over 20 years and
continues to work with harbour users and statutory authorities to ensure that the balance between activities and the quality of the
estuarine environment is maintained.
Benefi cial Use of Dredging in the Solent
Together with other members of the Solent Forum, CHC is keen to fi nd solutions to the many barriers associated with the benefi cial
use of dredged material, including the enhancement of intertidal sites and coastal protection. This joint acknowledgement of the issue
led to a collaborative project on the Benefi cial Use of Dredging in the Solent (BUDS). The fi rst phase of the project was completed
in early 2018 and included a review of previous work, issues, challenges and constraints. It created a strategic GIS map of Solent
dredge locations, disposal sites and potential locations for re-charge work. The next phase of the project will get underway later in
2018 and will focus on understanding the costs and benefi ts of the re-use of dredged material. The project will only be progressed in
the Solent if these benefi ts are properly understood, costed and aligned to the objectives of regulatory bodies and coastal managers.
More information about the project can be found on the Solent Forum’s website at: solentforum.org/services/buds/
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. These sites form a network across the Solent, which is important for a range of marine,
coastal and maritime habitats and associated species.
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. CHC has to
monitor activity within its jurisdiction and report back to the management group every year. The group then looks at any potentially
damaging activities, either new or increasing, and if necessary works together to develop management measures.
Aside from any regulations and responsibilities, 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.
To fi nd out more, visit: cowesharbourcommission.co.uk/environment
Annual Report 2017 - 2018
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