Research and Monitoring
Research into and monitoring of environmental and hydrographic factors (e.g. biological resources, water quality, the physical structure and functioning of the river) generates data that are essential to well-informed management of the river and terrestrial sites and as such has a positive impact on biodiversity. However, there may be negative impacts from disturbance or damage arising from the act of gathering the data. As well as environmental research and monitoring, research leading to technological advances (e.g. low wash vessels) may have positive outcomes for the environment.
This table sets out, by Department or Section, the principal potential impacts of the PLA’s research and monitoring activity
| Positive | Negative |
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ENVIRONMENT |
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| Environmental Monitoring – physical monitoring of biological and other environmental parameters, including commissioning studies by specialist consultants, in order to check the impacts of PLA activities and to feedback into and confirm regulatory decisions | |
| Data can be used to influence protection and enhancement of the river environment | Disturbance of water, foreshore or seabed and habitats/species |
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| Environmental Monitoring – physical monitoring of biological and other environmental parameters, including commissioning studies by specialist consultants, in order to check the impacts of PLA activities and to feedback into and confirm regulatory decisions | |
| Data can be used to influence protection and enhancement of terrestrial sites | Disturbance of terrestrial habitats and/or species |
|
HYDROGRAPHIC |
|
| Hydrographic Surveying – physical surveying of the river and seabed via various sonar techniques | |
| Data can be used to influence protection of the river environment via regulatory process | Disturbance of habitats/species resulting from noise/vibrations from sonar equipment |
| Effects of emissions from sonar equipment | |
| Environmental Surveying – physical monitoring of river sediment | |
| Data can be used to influence protection of the river environment | Disturbance of habitats/species resulting from noise/vibrations from sonar equipment |
| Effects of emissions from sonar equipment | |
|
MARINE SERVICES AND MARINE ENGINEERING |
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| Marine based research projects leading to technological advances that help protect the river environment, for example hull design to reduce wash | |
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Recommendations The potentially negative impacts associated with Research and Monitoring are considered to be relatively minor and of short term effect, and are far outweighed by the positive benefits. Where activity is proposed to take place in or near sensitive locations (e.g. high tide wader roosts) appropriate working practices should be in place to minimise disturbance and/or (if consistent with the nature of the research/monitoring) carry out the activity at the least disturbing time of the year or state of the tide. |
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