Medina Estuary Management Plan

A Strategic Framework


Second Edition March 2000

First edition printed in May 1997



Preface

Who is this plan for?

The Medina Estuary Management Plan (MEMP) is for everyone who cares about the Medina Estuary. It is of prime importance to people who live and work in the area, but will also be of concern to those who visit or have an interest in the estuary. This includes the many organisations and agencies concerned with the estuary. It has been written for a public audience as well as for professionals.

Why has this plan been produced?

The MEMP was produced in response to Government guidance which outlined the need for improved management of estuaries and the coast. It is a non-statutory initiative which seeks to provide support for:

  • an integrated approach to the management of the estuary resources and activities which take place on and around the Medina; and
  • consistency and co-ordination in decision-making.

Who has produced this plan?

The plan was prepared by the Medina Estuary Project Officer under the guidance of:

  • a Steering Committee comprising representatives of the key statutory organisations (see Appendix A1); and
  • key organisations and individuals with an interest in the estuary.

Its preparation was assisted by a public meeting and workshop, and the preparation of a series of Topic Reports produced by Topic Groups, consisting of representatives from key organisations and individuals. Funding was provided by the organisations listed in Appendix A2.

What does the plan contain?

The plan provides a framework which draws together the range of issues which need to be considered for the future management of the estuary. It provides a base from which issues can be resolved in the best interests of all parties.

  • Section I provides a background to the Management Plan. It describes the study area and the aims of the strategy.
  • Section II outlines the activities which require management in the estuary. It identifies objectives for management, sets out an action plan to achieve the objectives and identifies the lead bodies responsible for each recommendation.
  • Section III provides the framework for the implementation of the strategy.

The Second Edition

The first edition of the Medina EMP was produced in May 1997. In February 1999 an Estuaries Officer was appointed to implement this plan (section 3.7) and the Western Yar EMP. It was decided that a second edition of the Medina plan was needed to provide more specific guidance to aid the implementation stage. The second edition includes:
  • incorporating amendments to any recent changes in the stated Issues and Policies,
  • incorporating a revision of the timescales for the Action Plans to be achieved
  • listing the Lead Bodies responsible for each recommendation


At the time of production of this edition of the MEMP, the Management Committee decided that a fundamental revision of the plan was needed to provide a mechanism to answer questions identified in the plan. Due to the time this is likely to take the preparation of the current document has been undertaken as an interim measure.



Acknowledgements

The Medina Estuary Management Plan (MEMP) was prepared with the co-operation and involvement of many individuals and organisations.

The Steering Committee have contributed a large amount of time and effort to the project. Their guidance and constructive help has been invaluable

The Topic Group members responsible for producing and informing the Topic Reports provided considerable input into the plan preparation process.

I would also like to acknowledge all the individuals who provided advice or comment throughout its preparation.

Caroline Davis
Medina Estuary Project Officer



I would like to acknowledge the Medina Estuary Management Committee for their support and guidance in producing the second edition of the Medina Estuary Management Plan.

Jess Pennington
Isle of Wight Estuaries Officer (1999-2000)



Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
Vision for the Medina Estuary
Abbreviations

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 Coastal and Estuarine Management in Britain
1.3 Medina Estuary Management Plan
1.4 Area to be included in the Management Plan
1.5 Format

2.0 Topic Chapters
2.1 Agriculture
2.2 Commercial and Economic Use
2.3 Fisheries
2.4 Historical and Cultural Resources
2.5 Landscape
2.6 Nature Conservation
2.7 Physical Processes
2.8 Recreation and Leisure
2.9 Water Management
2.10 Public Awareness and Education
2.11 Research and Monitoring

3.0 Implementation
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Framework for implementing the Medina Estuary Management Plan
3.3 Resources
3.4 Mechanisms for implementing the action plans
3.5 Public and political support
3.6 Monitoring and review

Appendices
A1 Steering Committee
A2 Funding
A3 Medina Estuary Management Plan Objectives

Glossary

References
Maps
Map 1: Medina Estuary Management Plan Boundary
Map 2: Commercial and Economic Use of the Estuary
Map 3: Landscape Features
Map 4: National and International Nature Conservation Designations
Map 5: Local Nature Conservation Designations
Map 6: Areas of Importance for Birds
Map 7: Recreational Provision
Map 8: Public Access
Map 9: Discharges into the estuary

Tables
Table 1: Cross reference of issues
Table 2: Landscape features of the Medina Estuary



Note:
As a result of the resources required to update the maps found in this plan, we have used the maps from the 1997 edition of the MEMP. If you would like further information about any of the maps please contact the Isle of Wight Estuaries Officer, 01983 823863.




Vision for the Medina Estuary

To achieve the sustainable use of the Medina Estuary through the integrated management of its resources by ensuring that a balance is secured between the protection and enhancement of the natural and man-made environment and the continued development of the local economy.

To develop appropriate management of the resource through co-operation and liaison between estuary managers, user groups, the voluntary sector and the community.



Abbreviations

BMIF
British Marine Industries Federation
BTO
British Trust for Ornithology
CA
Countryside Agency
CC
Countryside Commission
CHC
Cowes Harbour Commissioners
CM
Coastal Management
CPRE
Council for the Protection of Rural England
cSAC
candidate Special Area of Conservation
EA
Environment Agency
EH
English Heritage
EMP
Estuary Management Plan
EN
English Nature
EO
Estuaries Officer
EU
European Union
HWTMA
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust for Marine Archaeology
HWWT
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
IAG
Isle of Wight Industrial Archaeology Group
IWNHAS
Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society
IWC
Isle of Wight Council
IWCFA
Isle of Wight Commercial Fisherman’s Association
IWOG
Isle of Wight Ornithological Group
IWS
Isle of Wight Society
LEAP
Local Environment Action Plan
LNR
Local Nature Reserve
MAFF
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
MEMP
Medina Estuary Management Plan
MMA
Medina Mariners Association
MROC
Medina River Oyster Company Ltd
MVC
Medina Valley Centre
NFSA
National Federation of Sea Anglers
NHA
Newport Harbour Authority
NFU
National Farmers Union
PPG
Planning Policy Guidance
RA
Ramblers Association
RSPB
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
RYA
Royal Yachting Association
SC
Sports Council
SINC
Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
SMR
Sites and Monuments Record
SPA
Special Protection Area
SSFC
Southern Sea Fisheries Committee
SSSI
Site of Special Scientific Interest
STW
Sewage Treatment Works
SW
Southern Water
TBT
Tri Butyl Tin
UDP
Unitary Development Plan





Page last updated on: 20/10/2004