Issue - meetings

To consider a report summarising recent environmental management of the Harbour.

The Board considered the report with an update on environmental matters.

It was noted that, as part of the Oyster Restoration Project, the cultch (shell and stone) had been laid in the preceding week with the intention for oysters to be added within the next couple of weeks.

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed that an American organisation had provided the $5million funding towards the Solent Seascape Project.

The Marine Director drew Members’ attention to a new Harbour Authority website which would aim to deliver essential information in a more modern and intuitive way. The site was intended to be ‘live’ from May 2023.

RESOLVED:

That the Board note and support the report.

To consider a report summarising recent environmental management of the Harbour.

The Committee considered the report with an update on environmental matters.

Members discussed the issue of water pollution and noted that the responsibility for monitoring the water quality was that of the Environment Agency (EA). It was noted that the Harbour Authority reported incidents of pollution and sewage to the EA and it was possible for members of the public to report in the same way. As part of the discussion, water pollution was recognised as a significant national issue that needed to be addressed by the appropriate authorities. Members sought to invite a representative of Southern Water to a future meeting of the Committee. Officers agreed to issue the invitation but noted that the Committee did not hold any formal powers over the company and could not insist upon their attendance.

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed that:

·         The EA monitor water quality through mandatory sampling – this was not conducted by the Harbour Authority. Occasionally Universities or other authorities conducted project work which involved some water sampling.

·         The oyster restoration project was intended to contribute to the redevelopment of ecosystems within the River, as opposed to producing oysters for consumption. Other shellfish harvested from the Solent were subject to external byelaws, appropriate treatment processes and must be from licenced areas.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee note and support the report.

That officers liaise with Southern Water to invite representation at a future meeting of the Management Committee to discuss water pollution.

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

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services with an update on environmental matters.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee note and support the report.