The review is being conducted independently by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), formed recently under the Marine and Coastal Access Act to oversee marine management, including licensing for commercial activities.
Historically licences have been granted to the MoD for the disposal of spoil from the River Tamar, and to civil contractors which dredge Plymouth’s harbour areas.
The MMO has stated that, at the request of Richard Benyon MP, the Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries, it aims to determine “whether the original conditions under which the licences for disposal were granted [by the Marine and Fisheries Agency] remain valid and environmental effects remain tolerable”.
The review will be welcomed by local anti-dumping campaigners, who have long alleged that dredge spoil, which has been disposed of in Whitsand Bay for decades, creates lasting harm to the marine environment.
Examination will include an assessment of conditions in and around the designated dumping area near Rame Head, which lies close to the wreck of the decommissioned frigate Scylla, sunk in 2004 as an artificial reef and diving attraction.
The MMO is inviting feedback from stakeholders including recreational users and businesses, which clearly will feature diving interests, local residents and environmental groups.
“It is understandable and welcome that people take a passionate interest in their local offshore area and we welcome evidence and views from anyone who has an interest in the use of the sea in the vicinity of the Rame Head site,” Chris Parry, Chair of the MMO, has said.
“Our roles here are to establish the facts, based on the best available evidence, and to make decisions that ensure the maintenance of a reasonable and sustainable balance of economic, social, environmental and recreational activity.”
The MMO plans a local meeting “later in the autumn” and to publish the results of its review “at the end of the year”.
The MMO has said that anecdotal statements will be considered, but evidence should ideally be “photographic, scientific or the results of analysis undertaken on physical samples”, with verifiable proof of authenticity.
Sampling and analysis should have involved a “tamper-proof, sealed and certified container to avoid contamination or third-party interference”.
Enquiries/statements/samples to: ramehead@marinemanagement.org.uk; MMO Enquiry Line 0300 123 1032; Rame Head Review, PO Box 1275, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE99 5BN.
Related links
Whitsand takes dredge spoil
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