Impacts and Management of Paddlesports in the Solent (IMP Solent)
Project objective:
To develop the evidence base on the impacts of paddlesports on the Solent's designated habitats and species, in particular birds, and explore suitable management options, using Chichester Harbour as a case study.
Key work areas:
- Locations where paddlesports take place
- Incidence of paddlesports
- Bird disturbance data
- Evaluation of survey data to understand impacts
- Review potential management options
A project brief has been agreed that gives more detail.
Background
The Solent Marine Sites management group have reported on the growth of paddlesports throughout the Solent in recent years and raised concerns on the potential impact. In 2016, a small working group produced guidelines for the use of Paddlesports to assist local managers.
The Natural Environment Group (NEG) has been set an ongoing action by the SEMS Management Group to review disturbance from the participation of paddlesports. It does not include the impacts from launching of Paddlesports, as this and the associated disturbance is covered by other research on shore based disturbance to birds. A second meeting was held in September 2021 to refine and report on progress.
This work will link with a separate NEG project which seeks to map the sensitivity of the Solent's intertidal birds to disturbance. This will help prioritise areas where greater understanding of Paddlesports impacts need to be understood.
Latest News
The current focus of work is understanding the incidence of Paddlesports and a methodology has been designed by Chichester Harbour Conservancy for survey work. Surveys began in October 2021, and will continue for at least two years. The next report is expected Spring 2024.
Project Tracking
The Project Group track and report on the project progress, this document is periodically updated.
