Poole Harbour is protected and recognised, both nationally and internationally, for its ecological importance. However, it has also been classified as polluted and ‘eutrophic’. These twin designations – protected yet polluted – exemplify the condition of many English estuaries, making Poole Harbour a useful case study for elucidating the circumstances behind this apparent paradox.
The outcome of a conference entitled ‘Spotlight on Poole Harbour: Environment & Economics’ organised by the Poole Harbour Study Group, this book consists of four main parts. After a short preamble, Part I, ‘Background’, provides a broad introduction to the harbour in terms of its pre-historical and historical significance for human communities and a conceptual overview of its modern character and uses. Part II, ‘Ecology’, contains chapters on subjects ranging from plankton to mammals. Insofar as they also consider anthropogenic aspects of the ecology, these contributions anticipate the remaining sections of the book, which deal specifically with aspects of the ecological service industries supported by Poole Harbour. Part III, ‘Fisheries’, covers recreational and commercial fishing and aquaculture, examining economic value and key shellfish species. Part IV, ‘Water Quality’, addresses those industries for which the harbour’s chemical and biological processes remediate various effluents, as well as some of the environmental consequences and noteworthy efforts to reduce such impacts. Part V, ‘Conclusion’, by the editors looks at certain general shortcomings of environmental legislation and regulation in the case of Poole Harbour.
A central concern throughout is the question of sustainable development in coastal estuarine and marine contexts, making this far-reaching study relevant well beyond the bounds of its primary geographical focus.

lgrsnf/Harbour Ecology - John Humphreys;Alice E. Hall; (1).pdf

Hall HUMPHREYS, Alice E. Hall, John Humphreys

Pelagic Publisging

United Kingdom and Ireland, United Kingdom

S.l, 2022

Harbour Ecology
Cover Page
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright
Contents
Contributors
Preface
Acknowledgements
Disclaimer
About Poole Harbour Study Group
Membership
Chapter 1: Introduction: Ecology and Economics in an Industrialised Harbour
Poole Harbour industries
The question of sustainability
Part I: Background
Chapter 2: An Industrial History of Poole Harbour
Abstract
Disclaimer
Chapter 3: The Archaeology of the Marine Shells of Poole Harbour
Abstract
Introduction
Archaeologists’ methods
Oysters and archaeology
Poole Harbour’s excavated shells
Next steps
Chapter 4: Developing Conceptual Ecosystem Models for Poole Harbour
Abstract
Introduction
Conceptual ecological models
The current development planning approach
Aims
Methods
Study site
Laying the foundations
Key aspects described by the models
Intertidal mudflats
Saltmarsh
Lagoon
Discussion
Acknowledgements
Appendix 4.1 Process of Identifying Key Impacts and Linked Effects
MUDFLAT
Impacts
SALTMARSH
Impacts
LAGOON
Impacts
Appendix References
Part II: Ecology
Chapter 5: The Planktonic Organisms of Poole Harbour
Abstract
Introduction
Data sources for a taxonomic assessment of the Poole Harbour plankton
Taxa lists for the planktonic organisms of Poole Harbour
Poole Harbour plankton: Interactions with economic activities
Conclusions and outlook
Chapter 6: Intertidal and Lagoon Macrofauna and Macroflora of Poole Harbour
Abstract
Introduction
Poole Harbour
Methods – Biological survey
Results
Salinity and temperature
General patterns and associations
Time series
Common Ragworm Hediste diversicolor
Catworm Nephtys hombergii
King Ragworm Alitta virens
Worms – Oligochaetes
Worms – Sedentary polychaetes
Laver Spire Shell Peringia ulvae
White Furrow Shell Abra tenuis
Cockles Cerastoderma spp.
Peppery Furrow Shell Scrobicularia plana
Sand Gaper Mya arenaria
Manila Clam Ruditapes philippinarum
Baltic Tellin Macoma balthica
European Mud Scud Corophium volutator
Other crustacea
Non-native species
Discussion
Acknowledgements
Appendix 6.1
Chapter 7: The Fishes of Poole Harbour
Abstract
An overview
Development
Pollution
Exploitation
Observation
Geography
Species list
Notes of interest
Round fish
Moronidae (bass)
Gadidae (cod family)
Clupidae (herring, sprats, anchovies)
Mugilidae (mullet)
Sparidae (bream)
Salmonidae (Salmon Salmo salar and Sea Trout Salmo trutta)
Flatfish
Pipefish and seahorses
Cartilaginous fish (sharks and rays)
Others
Acknowledgements
Chapter 8: Waterbirds of Poole Harbour: Figures and Trends
Abstract
Introduction
Protection and designations
Data sources
Overwintering populations
Population trends
Breeding populations
Recent waterbird research in Poole Harbour
Conservation management issues and future research
Acknowledgements
Chapter 9: An Overview of Seals in Poole Harbour
Abstract
Introduction
Species
Population status and distribution
Species descriptions
Dorset Seal Project
Sightings data
Tracking seal movements using photo identification
Studying haul-out behaviour
Feeding
Diet
Foraging
Threats
Boat-strike
Disturbance
Human habituation
Pollution/litter
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
Chapter 10: Holes Bay Nature Park: Ecology and Human Activity
Abstract
Introduction
Important habitats and species
Historical changes
Pollution
Fishing
Human uses
Conclusions
Part III: Fisheries
Chapter 11: Fisheries of Poole Harbour
Abstract
Introduction
Governance
Regulation
Local management
Environmental protection
Management implications
Mollusc fisheries
Native Oysters
Pacific Oyster
Manilla Clam and Cockle fisheries
Mussel fishery
Whelks
Cuttlefish
Scallops
Crustacea
Finfish fisheries
Bass
Pelagics
Diadromous and catadromous fish
European Eel
Flounder
Grey Mullet
Recreational fishery
Hand gathering and bait collection
Conclusions
Chapter 12: A Tale of Three Fisheries: The Value of the Small-scale Commercial Fishing Fleet, Aquaculture and the Recreational Charter Boat Fleet to the Local Economy of Poole
Abstract
Tourism in Dorset
Poole Harbour and tourism
Sectors considered in this study
Aquaculture in Poole Harbour
Commercial aquaculture species cultivated in Poole Harbour
The small-scale commercial fishery
The recreational charter boat fishery
Economic contribution to Poole
Chapter 13: The Manila Clam in Poole Harbour: A Journey to Sustainability
Abstract
Introduction
The Manila Clam as an invasive species
The Manila Clam in Poole Harbour
The Poole Harbour dredge fishery
Identifying the problem
The path to sustainability
An outward-facing success story
Continued growth and potential for the future
Chapter 14: Ecology and Exploitation of Poole Harbour Oysters
Abstract
Introduction
The biology of the Poole Harbour species
The rise and fall of the native oyster fishery
Causes of decline and the prospect of restoration
The arrival of the Pacific Oyster
Othniel Oysters
Pacific Oysters in the Poole Harbour ecosystem
Conclusion
Part IV: Water Quality
Chapter 15: Water Framework Directive Ecological Monitoring in Poole Harbour, 2007–2019
Abstract
Introduction
Angiosperms (saltmarsh and intertidal seagrass)
Fish
Opportunistic macroalgae
Phytoplankton
Benthic invertebrates
Water quality
Summary
Acknowledgements
Chapter 16: Wessex Water’s Environmental Improvement Work in the Poole Harbour Catchment, 2000–20
Abstract
Introduction
Poole Harbour catchment: A Wessex Water perspective
Environmental legislation
Key issue: Nitrogen
Nitrogen and sewage
Nitrogen and water supply
Future investment
Appendix 16.1: Wessex Water Investment in Poole Harbour Catchment, 2005–20
Chapter 17: Managing Poole Harbour Water Quality through a Catchment-based Approach
Abstract
Introduction
Water quality issues in Poole Harbour
Catchment-wide issues
Funding restoration
Future evolution of a natural capital approach for resolving water quality problems in Poole Harbour catchment and European marine site
Conclusions
Chapter 18: Using Drone Surveys to Assess Opportunistic Green Algae in Poole Harbour
Abstract
Introduction
Undertaking drone aerial surveys
Image processing
Example outputs
Benefits of drone surveys
Future potential for drone surveys of opportunistic green algae
Chapter 19: Nuisance Macroalgae in Poole Harbour
Abstract
Introduction
Algal monitoring in Poole Harbour
Results of algal mapping
Water quality in the harbour
Discussion
Acknowledgement
Chapter 20: The Potential Economic Exploitation of Macroalgal Mats in Poole Harbour and Other Channel Estuarine Systems
Abstract
Introduction: Defining the problem and the nature of the ecological impacts in Poole Harbour and other similar ecosystems in the channel region
Potential removal and/or harvesting of green macroalgal mats in Poole Harbour
Potential uses of green macroalgal mats
Bioenergy
Animal feed
Fertiliser
Bioprospecting
Future outlook and the blue economy
Part V: Conclusion
Chapter 21: Conservation and Regulation in an Industrialised Estuary
Abstract
Introduction
Environmental regulation in Poole Harbour and its catchment
Water quality in Poole Harbour
The case of sewage overflows
The case of salmonids
Discussion: power, politics and pollution
Index
Back Cover

With Poole Harbour as its case study, this book examines the question of sustainable development in the coastal estuarine/marine context. Key themes include historical background, ecology, fisheries, water quality, and environmental regulation and legislation. Is it possible to get a balance between the environment and socio-economic benefits?

2024-01-14