Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services summarising recent environmental management of the Hamble Estuary.

The Committee received a report from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services which summarised activities relating to the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s (RHHA) environmental management of the Hamble Estuary between mid-November 2021 and mid-February 2022.

The officer provided a general overview of the areas covered as part of the report, which included statutory duties, habitat regulations, authority related activities (e.g. salt the salt marshes and mud flats) and various projects and research with partners.

The Committee further discussed the ongoing M27 bridge issue and impacts on the river, noting the letter that had been sent to the Secretary of State by the Chairman of the River Hamble Harbour Board in the appendix, asking for support. Members discussed many ways forward, including raising more awareness with local Parish Councils, a joint letter on behalf of the Board and partners invested in the river and also lobbying local MP’s as a collective. It was unanimously agreed that further action be included as a recommendation to the Board.

The officer also confirmed that Natural England had been monitoring the impacts of dredging along the Solent on the River Hamble, which were closely scrutinised.

RESOLVED:

a) The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee recommended that the River Hamble Harbour Board look at alternative ways to apply pressure and find a solution to the ongoing M27 bridge issues;

b) The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee noted and supported the report.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services summarising recent environmental management of the Hamble Estuary.

The Board received a report from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services (item 9 in the minute book), which summarised activities relating to the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s (RHHA) environmental management of the Hamble Estuary between May and mid-November 2021.

It was highlighted that whilst many activities were regulated, it was important to identify activities that had impacts on the river such as bait-digging, littering and paddle boarding that there was less control over.

A lot of work had been done to try and educate paddle-boarders on protected areas for nesting and try and guide them on where it was best to enter the water. Work also continued in monitoring nitrates and water quality and a partnership group including the Environment Agency focussed on this.

The Board welcomed the work that had been done and its national relevance.

RESOLVED

The River Hamble Harbour Board noted and supported the report.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services summarising recent environmental management of the Hamble Estuary.

The Committee received a report from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services (item 8 in the minute book), which summarised activities relating to the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s (RHHA) environmental management of the Hamble Estuary between May and mid-November 2021.

It was highlighted that whilst many activities were regulated, it was important to identify activities that had impacts on the river such as bait-digging, littering and paddle boarding that there was less control over.

A lot of work had been done to try and educate paddle-boarders on protected areas for nesting and try and guide them on where it was best to enter the water. Work also continued in monitoring nitrates and water quality and a partnership group led by the Environment Agency focussed on this.

It was confirmed that a recent deceased swan that had been found had been discovered as being over 20years old via reporting its leg ring, which was a fantastic testament to the environment it had been living in around the River Hamble.

RESOLVED

The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee noted and supported the report.