Latest news with #AreaofConservation
ITV News
23-05-2025
- Science
- ITV News
Maerl beds: the irreplaceable fish nurseries under threat from sewage and pollution in Cornwall
Marine experts have warned that Cornwall's ancient coral beds are being damaged by pollution. Divers have found that the previously "purple and beautiful" maerl beds off St Mawes are now covered in a brown algae caused by sewage and to Cornwall Wildlife Trust, this development is a "massive concern" for the essential ecosystems. What are maerl beds? Maerl is a purple-pink seaweed that forms a hard layer on the seabed over thousands of years. This spiky surface is an irreplaceable marine habitat which acts as a nursery for commercial fish and shellfish species, as well as being a vital carbon store. Maerl beds are fragile structures which can easily be damaged by human activities such as towed fishing gear, anchor damage and commercial extraction. Protections like the EU Special Area of Conservation apply within the Fal estuary, meaning mobile fishing gear and maerl extraction are both now banned. What has happened to the maerl beds in Falmouth Bay? However, water quality is also a key threat to the habitat, and an organised dive at the recent UK Maerl Forum found that the ancient maerl beds off St Mawes had suffered a serious deterioration. Sewage and agricultural run-off cause raised nutrient levels in the water, which can lead to this algae now covering the beds. Speaking to ITV News West Country, a Marine Conservation Officer at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Matt Slater, explained: 'We were all absolutely shocked to find that instead of seeing a beautiful purple carpet of living mearl, it was absolutely smothered in brown algae, and you could tell that there was virtually no light getting through that seaweed." He added: "We really hope that it's going to survive, but we know from experience that was shared at the Maerl Forum, that in other parts of Europe where this has been witnessed, it has been really bad news." What can be done? According to Mr Slater, this deterioration should be "a wake up call that something needs to be done about water quality in the Fal". He noted: "It's great that there is work going on but we would love to see more of it, and quicker." Cornwall Wildlife Trust is working with farmers to reduce agricultural run-off and is encouraging sustainable fishing practises. South West Water has said it is working with the Environment Agency and Natural England to understand the sources and distribution of nutrients and chemicals. In a statement, the utility company added: "We are also planning to reduce the nutrient load at a number of wastewater treatment plants across our region, including at North Fal (St Stephen) and St Dennis, both within the wider Fal/Helford catchments, which will improve the quality of the water in the rivers that flow into the estuary. "We are reducing levels of phosphate in the treated wastewater that we return to the environment. We are serious about reducing the use of storm overflows and our plan is working, but there is more to do. We will be carrying out improvements at 16 Storm Overflows closest to the Fal Estuary area by 2030."
Western Telegraph
29-04-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
25 years of woman protecting Pembrokeshire's coast
Sue Burton was one of the first officer appointees, and the first in Wales, to work for a multi-agency partnership to act as a focal point for a European Marine Site at the turn of the new millennium in 2000. She was tasked with protecting the marine wildlife along the coastline and up the Cleddau estuary, working to improve understanding and identify threats and challenges to managing this environmentally important area. The role is hosted by the Port of Milford Haven and supported financially by the Port, Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. Ms Burton said: "I have loved this job… I still love this job. "I have been working with so many different groups on different topics… I've really enjoyed that variety. "Our role was to do the more proactive work, working with other bodies and the public to identify what could be done above and beyond the routine statutory protections at the time. "We had to look for the gaps, for what we could do to improve the wildlife of the site. "That included joint projects, raising awareness and education." "The Port of Milford Haven has always been a fantastic support, and I always felt part of the Port family. "It has also become a big supporter regarding sustainability." Ms Burton's post relied on financial and in-kind support from the other organisations in the Relevant Authority Group partnership too, who continue to demonstrate their commitment to the marine protected area by maintaining their contributions. Partner funding importantly allows Ms Burton to apply for grants to deliver improvement work. "Highlights for me are probably the opportunities for engagement where I remember what it is all about – the wonderful wildlife. "Sharing that with people and opening their eyes to the hidden world beneath the sea is special. "The annual school snorkel safari is probably my best workday of the year." "Sadly, external pressures, including climate change, continue to take their toll on habitats across Wales. "Many species remain under threat and the status of some are more at risk than they were in 2000. "But what I have seen in recent years is the emergence of citizen power, with volunteer initiatives such as 'The Cleddau Project' fighting hard for marine wildlife and their habitats. "This gives me hope that we can make changes before it is too late." She said that she is grateful to the people and bodies who have helped her supporting the marine Special Area of Conservation and 'done so much to highlight the extraordinarily special and beautiful area we live in.' She highlighted how she's been 'very lucky' to have worked in the area over the years. Congratulating Ms Burton on this incredible milestone, chief executive at the Port of Milford Haven, Tom Sawyer, said: "We're truly inspired by Sue for leading the way in this vital work."
