Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Characterisation of the European Marine Sites in South West England: The Fal and Helford Candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC)

  • Review Paper
  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994 which implement the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) and Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) in the UK include a number of provisions for the protection of European Marine Sites (marine candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs)), including the requirement for competent authorities to assess the effects of new and existing consents, permissions and authorisations to ensure that they are not having an adverse effect on the integrity of the site (Regulations 48 and 50). In England and Wales site characterisation, a process which involves the collation, integration and critical evaluation of existing site knowledge, is seen by the Environment Agency (EA) and the nature conservation bodies (English Nature – EN, and the Countryside Council for Wales – CCW) as an important step towards evaluating the effects of consented discharges and activities on the interest features of EMS, and is fundamental to the development of ecosystem-based management. An on-going project, led by the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom (part of the Plymouth Marine Science Partnership) in collaboration with EA, EN and CCW, sets out to characterise the impacts and risks associated with water and sediment quality in relation to the integrity and interest features of selected European Marine Sites in southwest England and Wales. Using published information and unpublished data-sets from regulatory agencies, conservation bodies, and research institutes, evidence is compiled on the links between potentially harmful activities, environmental quality and resultant biological effects, and includes an evaluation of long-term change. An overview of results is presented here for one of the UK marine sites studied, The Fal and Helford candidate SAC, highlighting the threats to biota from point-source and diffuse pollutants, together with major gaps in our understanding. Some of the priorities for new research and better integrated monitoring to address nature conservation objectives (to maintain and restore the system) are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Y. T. Allen V. Hurrell J. Reed P. Matthiesson (2003) ArticleTitleEndocrine Disruptors and European Marine Sites in England English Nature Research Reports 531 131

    Google Scholar 

  • A. C. Birchenough S. M. Evans C. Moss R. Welch (2002) ArticleTitleRe-colonisation and recovery of populations of dogwhelks Nucella lapillus (L.) on shores formerly subject to severe TBT contamination Marine Pollution Bulletin 44 652–659 Occurrence Handle12222888 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XlsVKgtLs%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Birkett C. A., C. A. Maggs & M. J. Dring, 1998. Maerl (Volume V). An overview of dynamic and sensitivity characteristics for conservation management of marine SACs. Scottish Association of Marine Science. (UK Marine SACs Project): 116 (http://www.ukmarinesac.org.uk/pdfs/maerl.pdf)

  • G. W. Bryan W. J. Langston (1992) ArticleTitleBioavailability, accumulation and effects of heavy metals in sediments with special reference to United Kingdom estuaries: a review Environmental Pollution 76 89–131 Occurrence Handle15091993 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0269-7491(92)90099-V Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK38XhvVSmsbs%3D

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • CCME. 1999. Canadian sediment quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life: Summary tables. In: Canadian environmental quality guidelines, 1999, Canadian Council of Ministers for the Environment, Winnipeg

  • Covey, R. & S. Hocking, 1987. Helford River survey Heinz Guardians of the Countryside and World Wildlife Fund: 121 pp

  • Fraser, A. I., D. Butterfield, R. Uncles, P. Johnes & T. R.Harrod, 2000. Fal and Helford special areas of conservation (cSAC) and the Tamar Estuaries complex cSAC/special protection area (SPA): Estimation of diffuse and point-source nutrient inputs SSLRC report to the EA: 89 pp

  • J. Grall J. M. Hall-Spencer (2003) ArticleTitleProblems facing maerl conservation in Brittany Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 13 55–64 Occurrence Handle10.1002/aqc.568

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • A. Grant J. G. Hately N. V. Jones (1989) ArticleTitleMapping the ecological impact of heavy metals on the estuarine polychaete Nereis diversicolor using inherited metal tolerance Marine Pollution Bulletin 20 235–238 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0025-326X(89)90438-4 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaL1MXlvVSgsLo%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holliday, R. J. & R. M. Bell, 1981. The ecology of Restronguet Creek and the Fal Estuary, Cornwall, 92 pp. University of Liverpool Environmental Advisory Unit, and Billington Minerals, 1981. (unpublished report)

  • L. E. Hunt A. G. Howard (1994) ArticleTitleArsenic speciation and distribution in the Carnon estuary following the acute discharge of contaminated water from a disused mine Marine Pollution Bulletin 28 33–38 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0025-326X(94)90183-X Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2cXisFalu70%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Langston, W. J., G. W. Bryan, G. R. Burt & N. D. Pope, 1994. Effects of sediment metals on estuarine benthic organisms, R&D Note 203. National Rivers Authority: 141 pp.

  • Langston, W. J., M. J. Bebianno & G. R. Burt, 1998. Metal handling strategies in molluscs. In Langston W. J. & M. J. Bebianno, (eds), Metal Metabolism in Aquatic Environments Kluwer Academic Publishers: 219–283

  • M. Martin K. E. Osborn P. Billig N. Glickstein (1981) ArticleTitleToxicities of ten metals to Crassostrea gigas and Mytilus edulis embryos and Cancer magister larvae Marine Pollution Bulletin 12 305–308 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0025-326X(81)90081-3 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaL3MXlvFymtLs%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Perrins J. M., F. Bunker & G. M. Bishop, 1995. A comparison of the maerl beds of the Fal Estuary between 1982 and 1992. Report to English Nature

  • D. Pirrie M. R. Power G. Rollinson G. S. Camm S. H. Hughes A. R. Butcher P. Hughes (2003) ArticleTitleThe spatial distribution and source of arsenic, copper, tin and zinc within the surface sediments of the Fal Estuary, Cornwall, UK Sedimentology 50 579–595 Occurrence Handle10.1046/j.1365-3091.2003.00566.x Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXmtVajt7s%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J. W. Rijstenbil A. G. A. Merks J. Peene T. C. W. Poortvliet J. A. Wijnholds (1991) ArticleTitlePhytoplankton composition and spatial distribution of copper and zinc in the Fal Estuary (Cornwall, UK) Hydrobiological Bulletin 25 37–44 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF02259587 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK38XhtFeit78%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rostron, D., 1985. Surveys of harbours, rias and estuaries in southern Britain: Falmouth. Vol. 1. A report to the NCC by the Field Studies Council Oil Pollution Research Unit, Orielton Field Centre, Pembroke, Dyfed: 109. Peterborough: Nature Conservancy Council, 1985

  • J. G. Sanders P. S. Vermersch (1982) ArticleTitleResponse of marine phytoplankton to low levels of arsenate Journal of Plankton Research 4 881–893 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaL3sXms1KisQ%3D%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • P. J. Somerfield J. M. Gee R. M. Warwick (1994) ArticleTitleSoft sediment meiofaunal community structure in relation to a long-term heavy metal gradient in the Fal Estuary system Marine Ecology Progress Series 105 79–88 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2cXksVaitr4%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • R. M. Warwick (2001) ArticleTitleEvidence for the effects of metal contamination on the intertidal macrobenthic assemblages of the Fal estuary Marine Pollution Bulletin 42 145–148 Occurrence Handle11381885 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0025-326X(00)00120-X Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXit1aku7c%3D

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Warwick, R. M., W. J. Langston, P. J. Somerfield, J. R. W. Harris, N. D. Pope, G. R. Burt & B. S. Chesman, 1998. Wheal Jane Minewater Project. Consultancy studies 1996–1999. Final biological assessment Environment Agency, 91 pp

  • T. P. Williams J. M. Bubb J. N. Lester (1994) ArticleTitleMetal accumulation within saltmarsh environments: a review Marine Pollution Bulletin 28 277–290 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0025-326X(94)90152-X Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2cXltFKrtLw%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Marine Biological Association, Citadel Hill, PL1 2PB, Plymouth, Devon, UK

    W. J. Langston, B. S. Chesman, G. R. Burt & S. J. Hawkins

  2. English Nature, Roughmoor, Bishop’s Hull, TA1 5AA, Taunton, Somerset, UK

    M. Taylor

  3. English Nature, Trevint House, TR1 2PA, Strangways, Truro

    R. Covey

  4. Environment Agency, Manley House, Kestrel Way, EX2 7LQ, Exeter, Devon, UK

    N. Cunningham & P. Jonas

Authors
  1. W. J. Langston
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. B. S. Chesman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. G. R. Burt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. M. Taylor
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. R. Covey
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. N. Cunningham
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. P. Jonas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. S. J. Hawkins
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to B. S. Chesman.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Langston, W.J., Chesman, B.S., Burt, G.R. et al. Characterisation of the European Marine Sites in South West England: The Fal and Helford Candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC). Hydrobiologia 555, 321–333 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-005-1128-y

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-005-1128-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation