IN ACTION
Environment Efforts restoring marine habitats
The RYA’s Sustainability Team continue to play a part in protecting seabeds in the south of England. The Solent Seascape Project is a long-term initiative focused on restoring a variety of marine and coastal habitats around the Solent. As part of this vital work, the team remains involved in the project’s planning and engagement efforts, representing the interests of the boating community. The project encourages boaters to play a part in protecting habitats with simple actions to minimise disturbance. Eighteen months on from the installation of 87 Advanced Eco- Mooring Systems (AMS) at Studland Bay, we continue to work with the Studland Bay Marine Partnership to ensure the systems are working effectively. In order to moor without damaging the seabed, each AMS features a helical screw anchor driven into the seabed, connected to the mooring buoy with an elastic rode that stretches and contracts with the tide, avoiding scouring of the seabed caused by traditional anchoring. We’re also working with Studland Watersports Centre to raise awareness among boaters to the need to protect this vital habitat. A donation from the mooring fee is used to maintain AMS, and enables mooring and access to the bay to continue.
News Reset of water sector
Clean Water Sports Alliance evidence used in Ofwat reforms
T
he government plans to scrap Ofwat as part of a major overhaul of the water industry in England and Wales.
A new, powerful regulator will replace it, combining responsibilities from Ofwat, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Drinking Water Inspectorate. The changes follow an independently commissioned report that makes 88 recommendations to improve public health, tackle pollution and restore waterways. Evidence from the Clean Water Sports Alliance (CWSA) was cited in the report, highlighting the need for stronger protections for recreational water users.
Key public health recommendations include: strengthened regional water authorities, action to stop pollutants such as wet wipes entering rivers, a review by chief ˠ˘˗˜˖˔ ˙Ѓ˖˘˥˦ ˜˧˘˚˥˔˧˜˚ ˛˘˔˧˛ ˜˧ water law, better protection for water bodies used for recreation and a new National Water Strategy.
The government has committed to fast-tracking the removal of Ofwat. A plan for a new Water Bill is expected in the autumn. The RYA and CWSA welcomed the report but urged swift action. Kate Fortnam, RYA Sustainability Manager, said, ‘This is a positive step, but action must follow words.’ Find out more about the Clean Water Sports Alliance and the RYA’s work on water quality at
www.rya.org.uk/knowledge/environment/ water-quality
rya.org.uk AUTUMN 2025 45
Photo: Boatfolk
Photo: Alamy
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