Preface

Who is this plan for?

The Medina Estuary Management Plan (MEMP) is for everyone who cares about the Medina Estuary. It is of prime importance to people who live and work in the area, but will also be of concern to those who visit or have an interest in the estuary. This includes the many organisations and agencies concerned with the estuary. It has been written for a public audience as well as for professionals.

Why has this plan been produced?

The MEMP was produced in response to Government guidance which outlined the need for improved management of estuaries and the coast. It is a non-statutory initiative which seeks to provide support for:

Who has produced this plan?

The plan was prepared by the Medina Estuary Project Officer under the guidance of:

Its preparation was assisted by a public meeting and workshop, and the preparation of a series of Topic Reports produced by Topic Groups, consisting of representatives from key organisations and individuals. Funding was provided by the organisations listed in Appendix A2.

What does the plan contain?

The plan provides a framework which draws together the range of issues which need to be considered for the future management of the estuary. It provides a base from which issues can be resolved in the best interests of all parties.

The Second Edition

The first edition of the Medina EMP was produced in May 1997. In February 1999 an Estuaries Officer was appointed to implement this plan (section 3.7) and the Western Yar EMP. It was decided that a second edition of the Medina plan was needed to provide more specific guidance to aid the implementation stage. The second edition includes:

At the time of production of this edition of the MEMP, the Management Committee decided that a fundamental revision of the plan was needed to provide a mechanism to answer questions identified in the plan. Due to the time this is likely to take the preparation of the current document has been undertaken as an interim measure.



Acknowledgements

The Medina Estuary Management Plan (MEMP) was prepared with the co-operation and involvement of many individuals and organisations.

The Steering Committee have contributed a large amount of time and effort to the project. Their guidance and constructive help has been invaluable

The Topic Group members responsible for producing and informing the Topic Reports provided considerable input into the plan preparation process.

I would also like to acknowledge all the individuals who provided advice or comment throughout its preparation.

Caroline Davis
Medina Estuary Project Officer



I would like to acknowledge the Medina Estuary Management Committee for their support and guidance in producing the second edition of the Medina Estuary Management Plan.

Jess Pennington
Isle of Wight Estuaries Officer (1999-2000)



Contents

Acknowledgements
Vision for the Medina Estuary
Abbreviations

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 Coastal and Estuarine Management in Britain
1.3 Medina Estuary Management Plan
1.4 Area to be included in the Management Plan
1.5 Format

2.0 Topic Chapters
2.1 Agriculture
2.2 Commercial and Economic Use
2.3 Fisheries
2.4 Historical and Cultural Resources
2.5 Landscape
2.6 Nature Conservation
2.7 Physical Processes
2.8 Recreation and Leisure
2.9 Water Management
2.10 Public Awareness and Education
2.11 Research and Monitoring

3.0 Implementation
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Framework for implementing the Medina Estuary Management Plan
3.3 Resources
3.4 Mechanisms for implementing the action plans
3.5 Public and political support
3.6 Monitoring and review

Appendices
A1 Steering Committee
A2 Funding
A3 Medina Estuary Management Plan Objectives

Glossary

References
Maps
Map 1: Medina Estuary Management Plan Boundary
Map 2: Commercial and Economic Use of the Estuary
Map 3: Landscape Features
Map 4: National and International Nature Conservation Designations
Map 5: Local Nature Conservation Designations
Map 6: Areas of Importance for Birds
Map 7: Recreational Provision
Map 8: Public Access
Map 9: Discharges into the estuary

Tables
Table 1: Cross reference of issues
Table 2: Landscape features of the Medina Estuary



Note:
As a result of the resources required to update the maps found in this plan, we have used the maps from the 1997 edition of the MEMP. If you would like further information about any of the maps please contact the Isle of Wight Estuaries Officer, 01983 823863.




Vision for the Medina Estuary

To achieve the sustainable use of the Medina Estuary through the integrated management of its resources by ensuring that a balance is secured between the protection and enhancement of the natural and man-made environment and the continued development of the local economy.

To develop appropriate management of the resource through co-operation and liaison between estuary managers, user groups, the voluntary sector and the community.



Abbreviations