The Hayle harbour and the estuary supports a number of habitats and species of local and national importance, writes Peter Haddock, Hayle Harbour Master.
In particular it is renowned for its bird populations with more than 18,000 birds recorded in cold winters, meaning much of the estuary is notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). To honour this, a significant area was bought by the RSPB in 1992 and has acted as an important bird reserve since.
In addition, the estuary is surrounded by dynamic beaches and sand dunes which are also Sites of Special Scientific Interest, meaning both the harbour authority here in Hayle and RSPB have responsibilities under the Wildlife and Countryside Act for the conservation of the estuary.
Hayle is a privately owned harbour and, managed by my Deputy and I, we are responsible for its tidal waters, harbour premises, the enforcement of the harbour bylaws which are informed by the Hayle Harbour Act 1989 and also national legislation.
On the estuary itself, there are many recreational user groups with the harbour supporting more than 137 boats, a number of which are commercial operators such as fishermen and coastal tours. We are looking forward to seeing additional pontoons installed in the near future to accommodate both the leisure and commercial vessels that are currently on the mooring waiting list.
The use of the estuary by residents and visitors alike is extremely popular and numbers will undoubtedly continue to increase as the harbour and its lands are developed by its owners. Without a coordinated approach to leisure use of the estuary, there is a possibility of conflict arising between different user groups and the natural and historic environment may also suffer. However, co-operation between the various stakeholder groups is helping to create a workable relationship between conservation, tourism and leisure activities contributing to a viable future for Hayle and its harbour.
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