Know of a anchorage that we might lose?? Tell everyone here… plus if you can tell us who to write to to object, then please do so!
Know of a anchorage that we might lose?? Tell everyone here… plus if you can tell us who to write to to object, then please do so!
Rumour has it that the anchorage at Starhole bay outside of Salcomeb is under threat due to Seahorses…
By: dougmarke on June 4, 2009
at 9:20 pm
This is possibly the greatest threat to our current anchorages and has two proponants: the ecologically minded that contend that our historic anchorages should now be the sole preserve of the local flora and fauna which have co-existed with anchoring for hundreds of years and the more pecuniary minded harbour authorities that use it as an excuse to divert those that would normally anchor onto chargable moorings. The former need to have their assertions debunked scientifically and the latter need to be resisted at all costs. I have no problem in paying for services that I require and use provided that it is a reasonable charge for the service provided perhaps a modest sum for a tender park or landing pontoon but to be charged for nothing is beyond the pail and those authorities that do so the likes of Falmouth and Salcombe should understand the ill feeling that they are generating within the sailing community although I doubt that they will take notice.
Pete H-B
By: Peter Haslam-Brunt on June 5, 2009
at 2:06 pm
Pete,
whilst I understand your strong feelings and share your enthusiasm for anchoring, I think it is important to point out:
1) The seahorse trust’s assertions and their like should not be “debunked” (it is a loaded, derogatory term) but assessed. Scientifically. We, at Wanca, share their interests. So let’s see the hypotheses tested and the abide by any recommendations that may come out of the results. In the meantime we can respect any anchoring abstention (self-imposed ban?) in places where such studies may be taking place.
2) You must be fair to Salcombe: they do provide a pontoon, with water and rubbish collection. So they have a right to charge. But how much? and up to where? Why suggest they install a pay-as-you-go water meter? They would save on collection time and perhaps get more for their bucks. Maybe thei coudl also install a “parking” ticket system for the dinghies… in excange for free anchoring! Moorings may be charged for, as long as some anchorages are kept free (dream on Tigger)…
By: Tigger Too on June 8, 2009
at 1:17 pm
The Salcombe Harbour Board agenda and papers made no mention of seahorses. The current discussion is about management as there have been a few near misses and at least one accident. The report stated that Starehole is outside the harbour limits and would therefore be difficult and expensive to police. There is something in the Estuary environmental plan but it is non- statutory. I presume any threat will come from one of the Government sponsored agencies.
By: JohnP on June 9, 2009
at 7:58 am
I understand that there is also eelgrass and seshorses in Cellars Bay at the mouth of the Yealm, it is within the Harbour limits so there could potentialy be some restrictions there although hopefully the area concerned is somewhat limited.
By: TamarMike on June 19, 2009
at 2:03 pm