European Marine Sites
The Solent European Marine Site (SEMS) is one of a number of European marine sites in the UK which are designated as internationally important sites for their habitats and species. SEMS covers the harbours, estuaries, areas of open coast and inshore water around the Solent. The site stretches from Hurst Spit in the west to Chichester Harbour in the east and includes areas along the north coast of the Isle of Wight from Yarmouth to Bembridge Harbour, as well as the mainland shores.
For more information please visit the SEMS Website.
To the South of the Isle of Wight there is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) known as the South Wight European Marine Site. The marine part of this site has been designated as the South Wight Maritime European Marine Site (SWMEMS) following the implementation of the Habitats (92/43/EEC) and Birds (79/409/EEC) Directives.
SEMS Review
ABP Marine Environmental Research Ltd (ABPmer), has been commissioned by Hampshire County Council to undertake a review of the Solent European Marine Site (SEMS) Management Scheme. The original Management Scheme was produced in 2004 to ensure that the European site is managed in line with the Habitats and Birds Directive and to prevent damage or deterioration to the habitats and species for which it is designated. The key objectives of the review process are:
- To ensure the conservation objectives of the SEMS continue to be met;
- To ensure that changes in site usage are updated;
- To ensure that improvements in knowledge and information are taken into account;
- To identify whether an action plan is required and if so how this could be produced; and
- To provide an improved method for annual monitoring and reporting.
