Unique partnership plans a better future for Thames' wildlife

Last modified: 02 July 2009

An innovative audit of wildlife in the Thames is being launched at the House of Commons today, heralding a major advance in the relationship between conservation and commerce.

The project is the result of a unique collaboration between the Port of London Authority (PLA) and the RSPB. It's the first time an agreement of this kind has been signed between a port authority and an environmental charity.

The comprehensive review, the Conservation Management Framework (CMF), pulls together key information on the Thames' wildlife into an interactive website. It covers the diverse range of species found in the Thames and all its habitats. The wildlife includes dolphins, seals, fish, marine invertebrates and populations of internationally important waterbirds.

By assessing how the PLA's operations can affect these populations, both in normal circumstances and in possible emergencies like vessel collisions, the framework enables the PLA to balance the dual interests of commercial shipping and conservation.

'We now have the tool we need to bring these sometimes disparate interests closer together'

It also outlines how the statutory body can best manage the wide range of habitats that fall under its jurisdiction, which runs 95 miles from Teddington in West London, then downstream to the outer limits of the Thames Estuary.

RSPB Chief Executive Graham Wynne said: 'The framework is the culmination of years of debate between conservationists and commercial shipping. Ten years ago there would have been a very definite line between the two but we now have the tool we need to bring these sometimes disparate interests closer together.

'It's a major step forward and has been driven by the PLA's desire to marry these two crucial sides of life on the Thames.

'What's more, the project brings together all the different knowledge about the tidal Thames for everyone to see. By doing this, it shows how important the Thames Estuary is for wildlife.'

The PLA is the statutory body responsible for navigation and safety in the Thames, a stretch of water that supports some of UK's most important and sensitive wildlife, plus one of the biggest arrays of internationally protected habitats in Europe.

The PLA celebrates its centenary this year and Chief Executive Richard Everitt sees the agreement with the RSPB as part of the continuous improvement in its work to manage the tidal Thames. He said:

'The coast, estuaries and rivers are some of our most sensitive environments and are also attractive to many different users. That is certainly the case for the Thames, where we have over 10,000 sea-going vessels a year passing inter-tidal areas important to wildlife, a growing commuter trade and extensive sporting pursuits.

'Over the last few months, we have worked through the challenges of managing these differing interests with the RSPB. Their input, combined with the guidance contained in the Conservation Management Framework, will inform our thinking on how we tackle issues in the future.

'Some 15 or 20 years ago, you would have struggled to find a port authority working with an environmental group. Today there is recognition that working together, developing mutual understanding and seeking compromise is more effective than conflict. This is the start of a journey together with the RSPB. It may not always run smoothly, but we have established the foundations for debating and resolving conflicts of interest in the future.'

'Amazing resource'

Gravesham MP, Adam Holloway, is hosting today's reception at the House of Commons. He said: 'The Thames is an amazing resource for London. Just take a look at the river at Gravesend and you get a snapshot of the uses it attracts. You'll see large commercial ships, sailing barges, cruise ships, rowing boats, birds, fish and even seals.

'Making sure the river and its environment is fit to continue to support these uses is a challenge. That's why this unique link-up is so important. More than that, it signposts how others might tackle similar dilemmas in the future.'

To view the CMF visit www.pla.co.uk

What can I do?

The seas around the UK's coasts are increasingly overfished, over-trafficked and over-developed, but crucially under-protected. Your support today will help safeguard our sea life.

Donate now