The shoreline of Yarmouth harbour, just off the yacht basin. 2004
Not much joy for wading Birds here!
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The
previous page reflected on the serious environmental decline of the waters
of Newtown Creek, in the Isle of Wight. Here we move just a few miles
west to Yarmouth Harbour. It is difficult to say anything more positive
about Yarmouth than Newtown. Quite honestly, ecologically, Yarmouth harbour
is declining fast, do the reasons suggested for the eutrophication of
Newtown still apply here? One difference is that DEFRA recognize Yarmouth
as a Nitrate Sensitive Zone and therefore afford it greater attention.
Unfortunately this has not so far shown to be making any improvement as
the water quality continues to decline.
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The shoreline of Yarmouth harbour, just off the yacht basin. 2004 Not much joy for wading Birds here! |
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Another
nasty effect from eutrophic pollution is that horrid brown scum that floats
on the water surface, this is mostly "Diatom bloom" a form of
plant life enjoying the over-fertilised waters.
Along with this mats of Algae float on the surface joining forces to create an unsightly and unhealthy mass. Where Diatom is broken down it floats suspended rendering the water as clear as mud! |
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Diatom
and Algae in Yarmouth harbour,
not a pretty sight. |
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As highlighted in my Poole Harbour pages, eutrophic pollution is a very serious matter, Newtown and Yarmouth\Yar harbours are well on the way to becoming devoid of all marine life, choked with Algae and suffering from the added stench of rotting vegetation. Please note that once this pollution takes hold it kills off the native good oxygenating plants essential for healthy, clean and clear water, so hastening the demise. It is up to everyone who enjoys our Creeks and Harbours, whether as a spectator or user to do everything possible to protect this environment and the wildlife who depend on it. Of course wherever possible we must avoid adding our Nitrate loaded sewerage to the waters. Make sure the Harbour you use has onshore toilet facilities available 24 hrs a day and within easy reach, if not patronize harbours with better facilities. How bad does it have to get! |
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Although
at last the Government is showing concern at the increase in eutrophic
pollution a vast amount of money and effort is required simply to halt
the decline. Contact your MP to convey your concern, if you are a boat
owner, consider installing a holding tank - it's going to have to come
one day. Teach your children that seeing harbours going green around the
shoreline where mud or sand used to be is not pretty - it is devastating.
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Site written and published by Ron Kyte. Email ronkyte2@kyteweb.net Last updated July 2007. Now suffering from Mesothelioma I will shortly be closiong this site but I hope many other people will continue to care for our environment. June 2009. |