A fragile ecosystem
Shipping is one of the most environmentally benign forms of transport when regulated and monitored appropriately. Yet shipping and maritime activities can place extraordinary pressures on fragile ecosystems. A project team from Southampton Solent University has been instrumental in protecting one vulnerable area.
The Wadden Sea, and adjacent North Sea, is one of the busiest maritime areas in the world, with several major
ports. In 2001, a study by the University led to designation of major parts of the area as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation. Designation as a PSSA offers important protection to areas that are vulnerable to shipping and maritime activity.
In 2009, Solent successfully bid to undertake another study, this time to evaluate whether the PSSA was providing enough protection for the area.
The project team first reviewed the revised guidelines for designation of PSSAs, along with other shipping regulations. They then undertook a risk assessment of the impacts of shipping, relating to both accidental and intentional pollution, operational discharges and physical damage to marine habitats and organisms. Finally, the team reviewed the results of the risk assessment to identify areas where further protective measures might be required.
At the 2010 Trilateral Wadden Sea Ministerial Conference, the findings of the University’s evaluation served as vital input to the resulting Ministerial Council’s ‘Sylt’ Declaration, which agreed to address many of the issues and recommendations identified by the project.
Solent University has since been invited to participate in a workshop of stakeholders and interested parties to help with the implementation of the recommendations. The project team for the ‘Evaluation of the Wadden Sea Particularly Sensitive Sea Area’ consists of Nickie Butt (Leader), Dr Paul Wright, Natalie Vigar, Kevin Thatcher and Dr Anthony Gallagher.