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  • 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and
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4. CONDITION OF THE REGION – CLEAN AND SAFE 43 4. Condion of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE Monitor Inner Firth, Loch Long, Loch Goil and south Bute to east of Arran ‘corridor’ for connued Good status 4.1 Water Framework Directive – Classification of transitional and coastal waters Introducon The European Union (EU) Water Framework Direcve (WFD) was adopted in 2000, for the protecon, improvement and sustainable use of rivers, lochs, ground, transional 58 and coastal waters across Europe. The WFD was transposed into Scosh law as the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 (WEWS Act), 59 the Water Environment (Controlled Acvies) (Scotland) Regulaons 2011 (CAR) and their amendments. 60 CAR applies regulatory controls over acvies which may affect Scotland’s water environment such as discharges, diffuse polluon, abstracons, impoundments and engineering works on inland waters and they also protect groundwater. The Scosh Environment Protecon Agency (SEPA) is the lead naonal authority responsible for implemenng the WEWS Act, in partnership with other responsible organisaons such as Scosh Natural Heritage (SNH), Scosh Water, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scosh Canals, Local Authories, District Salmon fisheries board and Naonal park authories. SEPA is also responsible for the enforcements of CAR. 61 River Basin Management Water management in the UK is carried out based on the geographical and hydrological unit of river basins. The WFD requires the producon of the Scotland river Basin District (all of the CMR’s water bodies are within the Scotland River Basin District) and Solway Tweed river basin district River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs). They will idenfy the current condion of water bodies, where acvies are reducing the quality of water bodies, and will describe and carry out acons required to ensure waters meet the necessary standards. The RBMPs set out statutory objecves needed to deliver environmental improvements over a six yearly cycle up unl 2027. 62, 63 Within the Scotland River Basin District, river basin catchment areas are organised into nine Area Advisory Groups (AAGs) which contribute to the development and the delivery of the River Basin Management Plan. These groups provide a plaorm for disseminang informaon on the river basin management process and help idenfy opportunies for joint working. In addion, acve engagement and partnership working will be targeted at the appropriate scale; this may involve small delivery groups at a single water body level or at a catchment level. There are two AAGs in the Clyde Marine Region (CMR) – Argyll and Lochaber, and Clyde. 64 The River Basin Management Plan for the Scotland River Basin District idenfies priories for environmental improvements and protecon and set objecves for water bodies in these two areas. The Clyde AAG area includes all of the land that drains into the Rivers Clyde, Ayr, Irvine, Leven, White and Black Cart Waters and Kelvin. The area covers 58. Areas of water found at river mouths and estuaries which are partly saline, but are also affected by freshwater flows from upstream 59. Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 60. Scosh Environment Protecon Agency, g 61. Scosh Environment Protecon Agency, d 62. Natural Scotland, 2015 63. Scosh Natural Heritage, 2016b 64. Scosh Environment Protecon Agency, a Colours are explained in the key at the beginning of the document KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCE SEPA first (2009) and second (2015) River Basin Management Plans SEPA Water Environment Hub www.sepa.org.uk/data- visualisaon/water-environment-hub/ SEPA Water body informaon sheets hp://apps.sepa.org. uk/waterbodydatasheets/ Scotland’s Marine Atlas Clyde: no score included

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Page 1: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

43

4ConditionoftheRegionCLEAN AND SAFE

Monitor Inner Firth Loch Long Loch Goil and south Bute to east of Arran lsquocorridorrsquo for continued Good status

41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters

IntroductionTheEuropeanUnion(EU)WaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)wasadoptedin2000fortheprotectionimprovementandsustainableuseofriverslochsgroundtransitional58andcoastalwatersacrossEuropeTheWFDwastransposedintoScottishlawastheWaterEnvironmentandWaterServices(Scotland)Act2003(WEWSAct)59theWaterEnvironment(ControlledActivities)(Scotland)Regulations2011(CAR)andtheiramendments60 CARappliesregulatorycontrolsoveractivitieswhichmayaffectScotlandrsquoswaterenvironment

suchasdischargesdiffusepollutionabstractionsimpoundmentsandengineeringworksoninlandwatersandtheyalsoprotectgroundwater

TheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)istheleadnationalauthorityresponsibleforimplementingtheWEWSActinpartnershipwithotherresponsibleorganisationssuchasScottishNaturalHeritage(SNH)ScottishWaterForestryCommissionScotlandScottishCanalsLocalAuthoritiesDistrictSalmonfisheriesboardandNationalparkauthoritiesSEPAisalsoresponsiblefortheenforcementsofCAR61

River Basin Management WatermanagementintheUKiscarriedoutbasedonthegeographicalandhydrologicalunitofriverbasinsTheWFDrequirestheproductionoftheScotlandriverBasinDistrict(alloftheCMRrsquoswaterbodiesarewithintheScotlandRiverBasinDistrict)andSolwayTweedriverbasindistrictRiverBasinManagementPlans(RBMPs)TheywillidentifythecurrentconditionofwaterbodieswhereactivitiesarereducingthequalityofwaterbodiesandwilldescribeandcarryoutactionsrequiredtoensurewatersmeetthenecessarystandardsTheRBMPssetoutstatutoryobjectivesneededtodeliverenvironmentalimprovementsoverasixyearlycycleupuntil20276263

WithintheScotlandRiverBasinDistrictriverbasincatchmentareasareorganisedintonineAreaAdvisoryGroups(AAGs)whichcontributetothedevelopmentandthedeliveryoftheRiverBasinManagementPlanThesegroupsprovideaplatformfordisseminatinginformationontheriverbasinmanagementprocessandhelpidentifyopportunitiesforjointworkingInadditionactiveengagementandpartnershipworkingwillbetargetedattheappropriatescalethismayinvolvesmalldeliverygroupsatasinglewaterbodyleveloratacatchmentlevelTherearetwoAAGsintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)ndashArgyllandLochaberandClyde64TheRiverBasinManagementPlanfortheScotlandRiverBasinDistrictidentifiesprioritiesforenvironmentalimprovementsandprotectionandsetobjectivesforwaterbodiesinthesetwoareas

TheClydeAAGareaincludesallofthelandthatdrainsintotheRiversClydeAyrIrvineLevenWhiteandBlackCartWatersandKelvinTheareacovers

58Areasofwaterfoundatrivermouthsandestuarieswhicharepartlysalinebutarealsoaffectedbyfreshwaterflowsfromupstream59WaterEnvironmentandWaterServices(Scotland)Act200360ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyg61ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyd62NaturalScotland201563ScottishNaturalHeritage2016b64ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencya

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAfirst(2009)andsecond(2015)RiverBasinManagementPlansSEPAWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hub SEPAWaterbodyinformationsheetshttpappssepaorgukwaterbodydatasheetsScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydenoscoreincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

44

11139km2andismadeupof28catchmentareas17ofwhichincludetransitionalorcoastalwaterbodiesThesoutheastoftheMullofKintyreLochFyneCampbeltownlochandtheKilbrannanSoundwaterbodiesmakeupthesmallareaoftheArgyllandLochaberadvisoryareathatispartoftheCMRTakingforwardlessonslearnedinthefirstRBMPphaseSEPAintendtoworkflexiblywithAAGsandotherpartnersduringthesecondRBMPThismeansnotnecessarilyimplementingtheobjectivesoftheplanthroughtheAAGsbutworkingadaptablyineachareadependingonissuesfacedandlocalinvolvement

Classification of water body statusEachwaterbodyisclassifiedaccordingtoitsecologicalconditionfromBadtoHighThestatusofawaterbodyisdeterminedbythelowest-classedqualityelementWaterbodiesachievinglessthanModeratestatusrequireactiontobetakenonthepressuresaffectingthewaterbodySEPArsquosaimisforwaterbodiestobeatGoodorhigherstatus

SomeofthesurfacewaterbodieshavebeensubstantiallymodifiedovertimeforsocialandeconomicpurposesincludingfloodprotectionhydropowergenerationnavigationdrainageandwaterstoragefordrinkingwatersupplyOthers

65TheScottishGovernment2014a

Figure 41 WFD Decision tree for classification of surface water bodies

maybetotallyman-madesuchascanalsTheformerarereferredtoasHeavilyModifiedWaterBodies(HMWB)canalsareanexampleofartificialwaterbodies(AWB)SuchwaterbodiesmaynotbeabletoachieveGoodstatusandarenotsubjecttotheconventionalclassificationsystemTheprincipalobjectiveinthesecasesistoachieveGood Ecological Potential(GEcP)65GEcPcanbeachievedwhenalleffortsaremadetomitigateman-madephysicalconditionssotheyimpactaslittleaspossibleonecologicalorchemicalconditionsItiscalledalsquopotentialrsquostatusasGoodEcologicalStatuscannotbeachievedundertheconditionscreatedbymanndashmadefeatures

Water bodies of the Clyde Marine Region and their classification statusThereareninetransitionaland26coastalwaterbodiesintheCMRTable41listsall37waterbodiesandshowstheircurrentandhistoricalclassificationsTable42outlinesthepressuresaffectingwaterbodiesclassifiedasModeratebasedonthe2014classificationresults(atthetimeofwritingpressuresrelatedtothe2015classificationarenotavailable)

copySourceSEPA

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

45

66ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyF67ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyF

Theinformationintable41istakenfromSEPAsWaterClassificationHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-classification-hubndashSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThissiteprovidesinformationonwaterbodystatusPleasecheckthissiteforupdatedinformation

From2014to2015eightwaterbodiesimprovedconditionoverallnonedeterioratedSevenwaterbodiesEastArranFirthofClydeMiddle(Offshore)LochGoilSeamillandArdrossansoundofButeLochLongNorthandLochLongSouthimprovedfromModeratetoGoodstatusCampbeltownLochimprovedfromGoodtoHighStatusOftheremainingthreewaterbodieswhichareatModeratestatustwotheClydeEstuaryInnerandOuterareHMWBsandthethirdIrvineBayisaffectedbymorphologicalpressuresSEPAwillworkwithrelevantpartnerstoimprovetheconditionofwaterbodiesatlessthangoodstatusandtomaintaintheGoodorHighconditionoftheremainingwaterbodies

TwooftheHMWBsintheClydeareaarethoseoftheClyderiverestuaryTheinnerandouterClydeestuaryhasbeenchangedbydredgingtocreatechannelizationtoimprovewaterwaysfortrafficandalsobythebuildingofweirsanddamsInadditiontothesephysicalchangestheinnerEstuaryisexposed

topointsourcepollutionfromsewageandindustrialwastedisposalTheClydeestuarywaterbodieshaveconsistentlyreceivedModerate Ecological Potential67TheothertwoHMWBsareAyrestuaryandGirvanestuarybothofthesewaterbodieshaveGood Ecological Potential

Map 10 WFD classification of water bodies in the Clyde Marine Region 2015

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2017copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

46

68ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyF69DuetoimprovementsindatacollectionandreviewsofclassificationmethodsstandardsformeasuringthestatusofawaterbodychangefromyeartoyearAsaresultthetablemayindicatethatwaterbodieshavedegradedinclassificationThismaynotnecessarilybeduetofailuretopreventdeteriorationinsuchwaterbodiesbutasaresultofclassificationstandardsbecomingstricterthisisindicatedwhereitisthecasePressuresalsochangefromyeartoyearbasedonupdatedinformation

Table 41 Classification status of transitional and coastal water bodies in the Clyde Marine Region from 2008-2014 and the pressures (2014) affecting these water bodies6869

WATER BODY TYPE

SUB BASIN WATER BODY 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

TRAN

SITI

ON

AL

CLYD

E

AyrEstuary GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP

BallantraeLagoonNorth High High High High High High High HighBallantraeLagoonSouth High High High High High High High HighClydeEstuaryndashInner (inclCart)

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ClydeEstuaryndashOuter ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

GareLoch Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodGirvanEstuary GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP

GarnockIrvineEstuary Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

StincharEstuary High High High High High Good Good Good

COAS

TAL

CLYD

E

AyrBay Good Good High High High Good Good GoodBallantrae Good Good High High High Good Good GoodCulzean Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodEastArran Moderate Good Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodFirthofClydeinner-DunoonandWemyssBay

Good Good Good Good Moderate Moderate Good Good

FirthofClydeinnerCumbraes Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good Good

FirthofClydeMiddle(offshore) Moderate Good Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good

FirthofClydeOuter(offshore) Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good

Girvan Good Good High High High Good Good GoodHolyLoch Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodIrvineBay Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate ModerateKylesofBute Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good Good GoodLargsChannel (FairlieRoads) Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

LochGoil Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodLochStriven Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodRothesay Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodSeamillandArdrossan Moderate Good Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodSoundofBute Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodSouthArran Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good GoodLochLongNorth Good Good Good Good Good Moderate Moderate GoodLochLongSouth Good Good Good Good Good Moderate Moderate GoodLochRiddon Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

ARGY

LL A

ND

LOCH

ABER

CampbeltownLoch Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good HighKilbrannanSound Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good GoodLochFyneMiddle Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodLochFyneOuter Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodLochFyneUpper Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodMullofKintyrendash SouthEast Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

47

Table 42 Pressures on water bodies classified at less than Good status NBPressuresrelatedtothe2014classificationarenotedhereasthepressuresrelatedtothe2015classificationswerenotavailableattimeofwriting

WATER BODY STATUS PRESSURES (2014)70

ClydeEstuary-Inner(inclCart) ModerateEcP

bull Pointsourcedischargesfromwastewater(sewage)disposaltobedealtwith2021-2027

bull Unknownpressureonwaterqualitytobedealtwith2015-2021

ClydeEstuary-Outer ModerateEcP

bull ModificationstobedbanksandshoresasaresultoflandusesandnavigationThiswillbeaddressedfrom2021-27throughpartnershipworkbySEPAotherpublicbodiesvoluntaryorganisationsandlandmanagers

IrvineBay Moderatebull ModificationstobedbanksandshoresasaresultoflandusesandnavigationSEPAhavephasedcompletionoftheworktoimprovethephysicalconditionofthewaterbodyfor2021-2027

70ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi71UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

WhenawaterbodyshowsadowngradeinclassificationthiscouldbeduetothereviewofthemethodologyusedinclassificationratherthananyactualenvironmentalchangeThisisthecaseforStincharEstuarywhenthestatusofthewaterbodywentfromHighin2012toGoodin2013andthiswasduetothefactthatin2013theclassificationassessmentstartedtoconsiderfishintransitionalwatersFortheclassificationtoachieveHighstatusfishfaunahastohaveecologicalelements(suchasspeciescompositionabundancepresenceofindicatorspeciesnumberoftaxaandnumberofestuarineresidenttaxa)consistentwithundisturbedconditionsThetoolusedtoaccessthefishelement

(andalsootherelements)inwaterbodiesshowswhentherearepressuresaffectinganelementbutitisnotknownatthistimewhatthosepressuresmaybe

OneoftheobjectivesoftheWFDisforwaterbodiestoattainGEcSandGEcPSEPAisresponsibleforworkingwithpartnerstosetoutmeasurestodealwiththepressuresaffectingwaterbodiesThisisacollaborativeprocessassometimesimprovingmeasuresaretheresponsibilityofexternalauthoritiessuchasScottishWaterorcanonlybeachievedthroughpartnershipworkwithvariousstakeholdersOverallSEPAseekstomakesustainableimprovementswherepossible

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES71

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PoorwaterqualitycouldimpactonthesystemrsquosabilitytoprovidefoodthatissafetoeatHealthyhabitatssupportafunctioningecosystemandstocksofcommerciallyimportantspeciesthroughprovisionofspawningandnurseryareas

Regulating Wasteprocessingandassimilation

EnhancingthecapacityfortheecosystemtoprovidewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationserviceswillensurethatprovisioningandculturalservicescanbeprovidedSomepartsoftheCMRareimpactedbywastewaterandpollutionLocalcontaminationcanexceedthecapacityinparticularofanestuarineecosystemtoremediateorassimilateit

CulturalRecreationalactivitiesandsenseofplace

CleanandsafewaterisessentialforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsImprovementintheconditionofwaterbodiescanpotentiallyleadtoincreasedbiodiversityandproductivityresultinginagreatersenseofplaceandincreasingaplacersquoseducationalandinspirationalcapacity

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

SupportingservicesunderpintheprovisionofotherservicesCoastalandtransitionalwaterbodiesintheCMRsupportprimaryproductionnutrientcyclingandphotosynthesisNutrientprocessinginsedimentsdependsoninvertebratesdisturbingandirrigatingthesedimentandisfundamentaltothesurvivalofothermarineorganismsWheresupportingecosystemservicesarefunctioningfullytheysupportstocksofcommerciallyimportantspeciesImprovingtheecologicalandchemicalclassificationofthesewaterbodies(includingsediments)willoptimisethesesupportingservicesandhelpimproveoverallecosystemresilience

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

48

industrialfuelcombustionPAHsareknowntobemutagenicandcarcinogenic

Polychlorinatedbiphenylhydrocarbons(PCBs)werewidelyusedintransformerscapacitorshydraulicfluidsandasplasticisersinpaintsplasticsandsealantsandcancauseendocrinedisruptionimmunosuppressionandVitaminAdeficiencyProductioninWesternEuropeceasedinthe1970sbutcontinuedinclosedsystemsintheUKuntil1986

Polybrominateddiphenylethers(PBDEs)areanorganobrominecompoundandwereusedintheproductionofflameretardantsThesewerehistoricallyreleasedintotheenvironmentduringmanufacturingandthroughatmospherictransportationTheycontinuetoleakfromtreatedmaterialsthrougheverydayuseofhouseholdproductsWhileeffectsonhumansarenotknownanimalstudiesshowthattheyareendocrinedisruptorsandcanaffectthecentralnervoussystemandthebrain73Althoughheavymetalscanbefoundnaturallyintheenvironmentatlowlevelsatelevatedlevelscadmiumforexamplehaslongtermeffectsonhealthandmercuryishighlytoxic74

Tri-Butyl-Tin(TBT)wasextensivelyusedinthepasttoprotecthullsfromfoulingbutcauseddamagetomanyspeciesinthemarineenvironmentitsusewasphasedoutforboatsunder25mfrom1988andthenforallboatsandshipsby2008

Historic legacy of hazardous substances in the Clyde Marine RegionHazardoussubstancesarefoundinhighconcentrationsintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)duetotheClydersquosindustrialhistoryandlargepopulationHigherconcentrationsofcontaminantsareusuallyfoundinestuariesratherthanontheopencoastFurthermoreClydesiteshaveagreaterpotentialtoaccumulatecontaminantsduetothehydrophobicnatureofPCBsandPAHsThismeanstheyaccumulateinsedimentandaccumulatemorereadilyinsedimenttypeswhichhaveahighorganiccontentandsmallerparticlesize(largersurfacevolumeratio)sohigherlevelscanbefoundinmuddyratherthansandysediments75(SeeChapter53ShallowandShelfSubtidalSedimentsforamapofsedimenttypesintheCMR)

IntermsofhistoricinputstherearethreeareasintheCMRwhichareknownpointsourcesthesewagesludgedumpsiteatGarrochHeadthedredgespoildumpsiteatClochpointandtheformernavalbaseatHolyLochAllarelocatedintheinnerFirthAnnually1500000tonnesofsewagesludge(industrialanddomesticwaste)fromthegreaterGlasgowareawasdumpedatGarrochheadfrom1904-1998resultinginahighlyconcentratedareaofcontaminationThiswasstoppedaspartoftheUKrsquosobligationundertheECUrbanWasteWaterTreatmentDirective(seeChapter610WasteWaterTreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)

72Websteret al201073Websteret al201074Websteret al201075Websteretal2005

IntroductionHazardoussubstancesaretoxicsubstancesmetalsandchemicalswhichaccumulateintheenvironmentandinorganismsandhaveanegativeimpactonthemHazardoussubstancescanbioaccumulate(gradualbuild-upofsubstancesinanorganismovertime)andarebiomagnified(pollutantsbecomeconcentratedinorganismsastheymoveupfoodchainsandwebs)72 Specificbiologicaleffectsarediscussedfurtheroninthischapter

Types of hazardous substancesPolycyclicaromatichydrocarbons(PAHs)arewidespreadpollutantswhichenterthemarineenvironmentthroughatmosphericdepositionroadrun-offandindustrialdischargesCaremissionscontributemorethan50ofPAHinputstotheatmosphereand28arefromresidentialand

Clyde estuary and inner Firth

Other Lochs and Outer Firth

42Hazardoussubstancesandtheirbiologicaleffects

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCECleanSafeSeasEnvironmentalMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)data wwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempMarineScotlandScienceRegionalAssessmentofHazardousSubstancesinCoastalandOffshoreMarineEnvironments1999-2009marinedatascotlandgovukdatasetregional-assessment-hazardous-substances-coastal-and-offshore-marine-environments-1999-2009ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallysomeconcernsbutimprovingwithmanylocalconcernsrsquoRegionalscoringisconsistentwiththis

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

49

OrganicenrichmentofthesedimentfromthesludgehascausedlevelsofheavymetalsPCBsandPAHstobecomeelevated(duetosedimenttypeswithhigherorganiccontenthavingagreaterpotentialtoaccumulatethesepollutants)ConcentrationsoforganiccompoundsremainhighintheseareasinbothbiotaandsedimentfollowingthecessationofdumpingAstudypublishedin2005foundthatPCBconcentrationswerenotfoundtohavedecreasedsignificantlysincedumpingceasedin1998HowevertheywerelesspersistentinplaiceliversampledfromGarrochHeadafterdumpinghadceased76

HolyLochwasusedasaUnitedStatesNavySubmarinebasefrom196177untilclosureofthisbasein199278VideosurveysofthesitefollowingclosureshowedalargeamountofdebrisontheseabedndashmainlyscrapmetalfurnitureelectricalequipmentandsmallvesselsTheMinistryofDefenceledaworkinggroupandSEPAcarriedoutastudytoanalysecontaminantsinthesediment

andinmusselstoexaminethepotentialforbioaccumulationinthelochSamplesofsedimentweretakenfromseveralsitesaroundthelochandelevatedlevelsofheavymetalsandPCBswerefoundatdepthsof5-10cmsuggestingthatcontaminationhadbeenhigherinthepastThecontaminationofPCBsandsomesomemetalswasdescribedaslsquoseverebutlocalisedrsquoBodyburdensinmusselsforPCBsandheavymetalsexaminedbeforeandafterdebriswereremoved(whichmayhavecausedthereleaseofsediment-boundcontaminants)showednosignificantchangesinconcentrations79

NaturalandanthropogenicactivitiescarriedoutinthemarineenvironmenthavethepotentialtoremobilisecontaminatedsedimentsandreleasecontaminantsfromsedimentsintothewatercolumnDesorptionratesandtimesdependonthetypeofcontaminantsizeofsedimentparticlesandenvironmentalfactorssuchasexposuretooxygen80

CreelboatcopyPETERSANDGROUND

76Websteret al200577Baxter201178Milleret al200079Milleret al200080EggletonandThomas2004

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

50

Regulating and monitoring hazardous substancesSomecontaminantscannotbephysicallyremovedoncetheyhaveenteredasystemsomecanonlyreducebydegradingorbecomingmoredispersedovertime81RegularmonitoringensuresthatconcentrationsdonotposearisktohumanhealthandwheretheydoactioncanbetakenThereispotentialtouseshellfishmacroalgaeseagrassandsaltmarshtobio-remediateenvironmentswithexcesschemicals82

Mosteffectsfelttodayareduetohistoricinputsandthepersistentandsemi-volatilecharacterofsomecontaminantsmeaningthattheyarestillpresentintheenvironmentInthemarineenvironmentmanyareconsideredubiquitouspartlyduetotheirwideusageabilitytotravellong-rangesthroughatmospherictransportationandrunofffromlandItisacknowledgedthatthemarineenvironmentactsasasinkforcontaminantsIncreasingknowledgeandawarenessoftheharmfuleffectofsuchchemicalsovertimehasledtotheirproductionbeingstoppedandtheirusebanned83

TheStockholmConventionenteredintoforcein2004andisaglobaltreatydesignedtoprotecthumanhealthbyeliminating12ofthemostharmfulpersistentorganicpollutants(POPsndashorganicchemicals)fromtheenvironmentItalsoworkstowardssupportingthetransitiontosaferalternativestargetingadditionalPOPsforactionandcleaningupstockpiles84

DescriptorseightandnineoftheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)seektoensurethatconcentrationsofcontaminantscausenoeffectandcontaminantsinseafoodarebelowsafelevelsinordertoachieveGoodEnvironmentalStatus(GEnvS)OSPAR(themechanismbywhich15GovernmentsandtheEUcooperatetoprotectthemarineenvironmentoftheNorth-EastAtlanticnamedfortheOsloandParisconventions)monitorssubstanceswhichmaybeofpossibleconcernandhasdevelopedastrategytopreventfurtherpollutionoftheOSPARCommissionmaritimeareaThisstrategyaimstoreducedischargesofhazardoussubstanceswiththeoverallobjectiveofensuringconcentrationsarenearbackgroundvaluesfornaturallyoccurringsubstancesandclosetozeroforman-madesyntheticsubstancesinthemarineenvironment

TheWaterFrameworkDirective(2000)(seeChapter41formoreinformationontheWFDclassificationofwaterbodiesintheCMR)setsoutstrategiesagainstpollutioninwateroutliningstepstobetakenandproducingafirstlistofprioritysubstanceswhichposeathreattotheaquaticenvironmentThiswasupdatedwiththeWFD

daughterdirectivendashtheDirectiveonEnvironmentalQualityStandards(2008)alsoknownasthePrioritySubstancesDirectiveThissetsenvironmentalqualitystandardsforsubstancesinriverlakescoastalandtransitionalwaters

ThemainmonitoringprogrammeintheUKistheUKCleanSeasEnvironmentMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)ThisprogrammefulfilsthemonitoringrequirementssetbyOSPARandEUdirectivesacrosstheUKandhasbeenestablishedunderadvicefromtheInternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea(ICES)85MonitoringforthisprogrammeinScotlandiscarriedoutincooperationbetweenMarineScotlandandScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)AsthecentralprogrammeexaminingcontaminantstheCESMPprovidesspatialandsometemporaldatawhenavailableformonitoringconductedacrosstheCMR

UK Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme resultsCSEMPassessmentresultsdiscussedbelowareavailabletoviewfromthiswebsitewwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempwheretheyaremappedandmoredetailsareavailableforspecificcontaminantsacrossallsitesTheyarealsoavailabletoviewonNMPimarinescotlandatkinsgeospatialcomnmpi

Monitoringforhazardoussubstancesiscarriedoutacross34sitesintheClydeMarineRegionforsedimentsAdditionallymonitoringforhazardoussubstancesandforbiologicaleffects(suchasimposex)inbiotaiscarriedoutacross32sitesandin5speciesndashEuropeanplaice(Pleuronectes platessa)Europeanflounder(Platichthys flesus)dogwhelk(Nucella lapillus)bluemussel(Mytilus edulis)andcommondab(Limanda limanda)DependingonhowlongasitehasbeenmonitoredtrendscanbedeterminedThefollowingassessmentcriteriaareusedbull BackgroundAssessmentConcentration(BAC)

MeanconcentrationssignificantlybelowtheBACaresaidtobenearbackgroundconcentrationsofacontaminantatapristineorremotesiretobeconsideredofnoconcern86

bull EnvironmentalAssessmentCriteria(EAC)ConcentrationsaboveEACcancauseadverseeffectsonmarinelife

bull EffectsRangeLow(ERL)ConcentrationsbelowtheERLrarelycauseadverseeffectsinmarineorganisms

bull InassessinghazardoussubstancesinbiotaEuropeanCommissionfoodstandard(EC)is

81Websteret al201082MarineMaritimeOrganisation83Websteret al201084SecreteriatoftheStockholdConventionhttpchmpopsintdefaultaspx85Websteret al201086Baxteret al2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

51

alsousedwhenEACsarenotavailableECsarethemaximumacceptableconcentrationsinfoodfortheprotectionofpublichealth87

ForalkylatedPAHsandorganobrominesinsedimentandinorganibrominesinbiotanoassessmentcriteriahasbeendevelopedsonoindicationofcontaminationlevelsisgivenbutwherepossibleatrendis88

Assessment of sedimentsOveralltheassessmentforhazardoussubstancesinsedimentsintheCMRshowedthatthereisahighproportionofresultswhichareaboveERL(couldcauseadverseeffectsonmarineorganisms)atmonitoringstationsintheinnerFirthcomparedtoothersitesintheCMRHoweveracrosstheCMRthechlorobiphenyscongenerCB118wasshowntobeaboveEACat23outof29monitoringstationsandoneparticularPAHBenzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof34monitoringsitesMoredetailsoftheassessmentareprovidedbelowOfallthemonitoringsitesNorthofAilsaCraigshowedaconsistentpictureofconcentrationsdecreasingover10yearsacrossallhazardoussubstancesmeasured29ofthe46hadadownwardtrend89

Metalsbull AllmonitoringsitesintheCMRhavelevelsof

chromiumwhichareaboveERLexceptforatPladda(offthesouthofArran)whichwasbelowERL TherearenoresultsformonitoringofmetalsatGarrochhead

bull LeadwasaboveERLat12outof17monitoringsitesbull ZincwasaboveERLat9outof17siteswithan

upwardtrend(concentrationsgoingupinthelast10years)indicatedat2sitesoffClochpointandatLunderstonBay

bull Anupwardtrend(concentrationsincreasing)wasalsoseenoffClochpointandatLunderstonBayforarsenicallsitesintheinnerFirthwereaboveBACforarsenic

bull MetalsacrossallinnerFirthsiteswereassessedataboveERLorBACexceptforcadmiumwhichwasbelowBACorERLatallsites

PCBs bull MajorityofsiteswerebelowBACorEACforallPCBs

exceptforCB118whichwasaboveEACat23outof29sites

PAH (parents) bull ResultsweremixedforPAH(parents)intheinner

Firthanumberofmonitoringsitesacrossarange ofcontaminantsinthisgroupwereaboveERL

bull Benzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof 34monitoringsites

Assessment of BiotaCSEMPmonitoringinbiotaincludessitesintheouterClydeestuarywhereasmonitoringinsedimentdoesnotIntheouterestuarythereareahighnumberofresultsaboveEAC(inPAHsandPCBs)orECfoodlimits(formetals)andBACinbiotacomparedtoothersitesacrosstheCMR90

Metals bull LeadwasabovetheECfoodlimitinbluemussels

atWoodhallandinFlounderatBowlingbull CadmiuminflounderwasabovetheECfoodlimit

atBowlingAtArdrossancadmiumwasbelowBACanddecreasinginthelast10yearsAtallothersitescadmiumwasbelowtheECfoodlimit

bull ZincwasaboveBACinbluemusselat13outof18monitoringsitesthroughouttheCMR

bull CopperwasaboveBACinbluemusselat9outof18monitoringsitesallofwhichwereintheClydeestuaryinnerFirthandLochsGoilRiddonandStriven

PCBsbull AhighnumberofresultsforPCBswereaboveEAC

oraboveBACintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthcomparedtotherestoftheCMR

bull CB105wasaboveBACall14sitesmonitoredacrosstheCMRAllspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretested

bull CB118wasaboveEACforallmonitoringsitesacrosstheCMR(allspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretestedacross24sites)exceptinbluemusselsatStronePointwhichwerebelowEAC

PAH (parents)bull PAH(parents)weremeasuredinbluemusselsand

weregenerallybelowEACacrossthemajorityofsites

bull AnexceptiontothisisChryseneandIdeno[123-cd]pyrenewhichwereaboveBACateverysitemonitored

bull Benzo[a]anthraceneandPyrenewereaboveEACinallsitesmonitoredintheinnerFirthandouterestuary

bull FluroanthenewasalsoaboveEACatallsitesmonitoredintheouterestuaryandinnerFirthaswellasatSeamillBoydstonLochStrivenLochGoilandattheLochRyanmonitoringsite(thelatterisoutwiththeCMR)

ForavisualrepresentationofCSEMPmonitoringresultspleaserefertotheNationalMarinePlaninteractive91ortheCSEMPassessmentresultspage httpswwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsemp

87BritishOceanographicDataCentre201488BritishOceanographicDataCentre201489BritishOceanographicDataCentre201490BritishOceanographicDataCentre201491MarineScotland2016a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

52

ConcentrationsofcontaminantsintheClydeweredescribedina2009studyaslsquogenerally at levels such that there is an unacceptable risk of chronic effects occurring in marine species This is mainly due to historic industrial inputs However downward trends were detected for Pb and PAHs in Clyde sediment indicating that the implementation of relevant regulations is beginning to have a positive environmental impactrsquo92ItisworthnotingthatdredginganddisposalareregulatedactivitieswithintheCMRandthatdisposalinmarinewaterswillonlybelicensedbyMarineScotlandifitcanbedemonstratedthatthereisnounacceptablerisktoaquaticlife

Biological effects of hazardous substancesScotlandrsquosMarineAtlashighlightsseveralexamplesofbiologicaleffectsonlivingmarineorganismsTheseincludeimposex(adisorderwhichcausesfemalestodevelopmalereproductiveorgans)indogwhelkswhichiscausedbyexposuretothechemicalTBTananti-foulingpaintusedonboatsandshipssincethe1970sThishasshownasignificantdownwardtrendreducingtobackgroundlevelsinsomeareassincethebanontheuseofTBTinpaintsusedonbothcommercialandrecreationalvehicles93

Imposex resultsbull MeasurementswerebelowEACatallsites(15

weresampled)AtBallantraeresultswerebelowBACMeasurementsatLochRyanwereaboveEAC

EROD resultsTheenzyme7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase(EROD)isexpressedinfishliverswhencertaincontaminantsaremetabolisedMeasuringthiscanshowwhetherorganismsarebeingexposedtocontaminantsthroughthefoodtheyeatbull ERODwastestedforinfemaleflounderdab

andplaiceat6monitoringsitesThereisnoassessmentcriteriaavailableforsomespeciesandfordabatHolyLochconcentrationswerebelowBAC

bull ResultsinmalesacrossthesamespecieswereallaboveBACatallsitesagainexceptfordabatHolyLochwhichwasbelowBAC

Geneticanalysisofmusselshasrevealedtheextentofadaptivestressresponsetocontaminants94FoodStandardsScotlandmanagestheOfficialControlschemicalcontaminantsmonitoringprogrammewherebyshellfishfromClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHA)areanalysedforhazardoussubstancestoensuretheyaresafeforconsumption95FormoreinformationonCSHAsseeChapter43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

92Websteret al201093Baxteret al201194Baxteret al201195FoodStandardsScotland2015b

StarfishcopySUESCOTTSNHMNCR

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

53

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES96

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

ThepresenceofhazardoussubstancesinseabedsedimentcancausechroniceffectsonlivingmarineorganismsThiscanimpactnegativelyoncommunitystructuresandinturnimpactonfoodwebsandchainsHazardoussubstancescanalsohaveageneticeffectanddisrupthormonesoforganismsaffectingtheircapacitytoreproduceManyhazardoussubstancesinbiotaareabovetheECfoodlimitintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthWherelevelsofhazardoussubstancesexceedsetlimitsintheCMRbivalveshellfisharenotconsideredfitforhumanconsumption

Regulating Wasteprocessinganddetoxification

Hazardoussubstancescanaffecttheecosystemrsquosabilitytoprovidewaterpurificationservicesandcanlimitthecapacityforprovisioningandculturalservicestobeprovided

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinesedimentcanactasasinkforhazardoussubstanceswherethesesubstancescanthendetoxifyanddegradeovertimeThereareconcernsthatcertainpartsoftheClydeestuaryandinnerFirthhavebeenhistoricallyoverloadedwithcontaminantsandthatthiswillimpacttheabilityofthesedimentstoperformthisessentialecosystemservice

96UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

54

IntroductionHarmfultoxinsandmicroorganismscanbecomeconcentratedinshellfishfleshandareharmfultohumansonceconsumedTheseincludeEscherichia coli(bacteriarelatedtofaecalcontamination)phytoplanktonandtoxinsproducedbyphytoplanktonincludingparalyticshellfishpoisoningtoxinsamnesicshellfishpoisoningtoxinsandlipophilicshellfishtoxinsandchemicalcontaminants97TherearetwolevelsofprotectiontopublichealthShellfishWaterProtectedAreas(SWPAs)andClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)

Shellfish Water Protected AreasThedesignationorder(ThewaterEnvironment(ShellfishWaterProtectedAreasDesignation)(Scotland)Order2013)identifiesthe84areasaroundScotlandasShellfishWaterProtectedAreasTheshellfishgrowingwaterareasareprotectedandwherenecessaryimprovedbyapackageofmeasuresintegratedwiththeriverbasinmanagementprocess98

TheseareashavebeendesignatedbyScottishGovernmentbasedontheexistingShellfishGrowingWaters(whichwerecreatedundertheShellfish

WatersDirectivewhichwasmanagedbySEPAandrepealedin2013)andattemptedtooverlapwiththeexistingCSHAs(whicharemanagedbyFoodStandardsScotlandformerlyFoodStandardsAgencyScotland)whilealsotakingintoconsiderationpotentialgrowthoftheindustryTheseareasarereviewedeverysixyearsTherearesixSWPAswithintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)accountingfor7ofalltheSWPAsinScotlandandtheyincludeFairlieKylesofButeLamlashLochLongLochStrivenandLochFyne99 TheseareshowninMap11Thislegislationdoesnotpreventsitesbeingdevelopedinzonesoutsideofthedesignatedareas

SWPAsareclassifiedaslsquogoodrsquolsquofairrsquoorlsquoinsufficientrsquoaccordingtotheamountofE ColipresentinshellfishsamplestakenfromSWPAs100TheobjectiveundertheSWPADesignationisfortheSWPArsquostoreachlsquogoodrsquoresultshighlightedonSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubshowthatnoneoftheSWPAsintheCMRhavereachedtargetobjectiveAllwereclassifiedaslsquofairrsquofrom2011-2014exceptLochLongwhichwasclassifiedaslsquoinsufficientrsquoforthatperiod

SEPAhassetatimelinefortheSWPAstoreachtargetobjectiveorlsquogoodrsquoby2027exceptforFairlieSWPAwherethetargetis2021SEPAgivesthereasonforthefailurestomeettheobjectiveasdiffusepollutionfromaruralsourceaffectingwaterqualityThetargetobjectiveatFairlieSWPAwillbemetthroughprioritycatchmentactionLochFyneLochLongLamlashandLochStrivenprotectedareaswillbeaddressedbyfocussedareaactionbypublicbodiesandlandmanagersworkingtogetherItisstilltobedeterminedhowtoaddressthestatusoftheprotectedareaatKylesofBute101AsthisinformationbecomesknownitwillbeaddedtoSEPArsquosWaterEnvironmentHub wwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubriverbasindistrict=Scotland

Figure 46 Oyster farming

copyJOHNCHARITYSNH

97FoodStandardsScotland2015b98TheScottishGovernment2016d99TheScottishGovernment2016e100TheScotlandRiverBasinDistrict(QualityofShellfishWaterProtectedAreas)(Scotland)Directions2015101DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction

43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubFoodStandardsScotlandwwwfoodstandardsgovscotfood-safety-standardsadvice-business-and-industryshellfishScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallyfewconcernsandnotrendbutwithsomelocalconcernsrsquoRegionalassessmentconsidersmorerecentSWPAdesignationandstatus

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

55

Classified Shellfish Harvesting AreasFoodStandardsScotland(FSS)classifiesandmonitorsClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)asafoodhygienecontrolmeasuretoprotectpublichealthInthisprocessshellfishharvestersapplytotheirLocalAuthoritytohaveasiteclassifiedforharvestingHoweverCSHAsdonotalwaysliewithindesignatedSWPAsSamplesfromCSHAsaremonitoredforbiotoxinsandE colipresenceofeitherwouldresultinaninterventiontoensurethatasafeproductreachestheconsumermarketDependingontheamountofE colifoundtheFSSprovidesanumberofdifferentoptionstoaharvesterndasheithersubmittingshellfishproductto

102FoodStandardsScotland2015b103FoodStandardsScotland2015b104Baxteret al2011

purificationorheattreatmentcookingofshellfishproductbyanapprovedmethodWhenlevelsreachover46000E coli100goffleshharvestingisnotpermitted102Table44showstheactiontakendependingonthelevelofE colifoundinsamplesDiscoveryofbiotoxinsinharvestingareasismorereactiveandresultsinatemporaryclosureofsitesuntilbiotoxinlevelsreturntonormal103MoreinformationonbiotoxinmonitoringisavailableinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas104

TheFSSclassificationfor2015-2016identifies20shellfishharvestingareaswithintheCMRAllweregivenaclassificationratingofAorBapartfromtheCampbeltownLochproductionareawhichwasgivenaclassificationratingofCfortheperiodJune-OctoberTwositesStevensonSandsRazors

CATEGORY RESULT ACTION

A Lessthanorequalto230Ecoli100goftheflesh Maygodirectlyforhumanconsumptionifendproductstandardmet

B Notexceeding4600Ecoli100goftheflesh

MustbesubjecttopurificationrelayinginClassAarea(tomeetCategoryArequirements)orcookedbyanapprovedmethod

C Notexceeding46000Ecoli100goftheflesh

Mustbesubjecttorelayingforaperiodofatleast2monthsorcookedbyanapprovedmethod

Above46000Ecoli100goftheflesh Harvestingnotpermitted

Table 44 Shellfish Harvesting Area classification (Food Standards Scotland) categories and permitted levels of Ecoli100g flesh and required treatments

Map 11 Shellfish Water Protected Areas in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

56

NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

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asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

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ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 2: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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11139km2andismadeupof28catchmentareas17ofwhichincludetransitionalorcoastalwaterbodiesThesoutheastoftheMullofKintyreLochFyneCampbeltownlochandtheKilbrannanSoundwaterbodiesmakeupthesmallareaoftheArgyllandLochaberadvisoryareathatispartoftheCMRTakingforwardlessonslearnedinthefirstRBMPphaseSEPAintendtoworkflexiblywithAAGsandotherpartnersduringthesecondRBMPThismeansnotnecessarilyimplementingtheobjectivesoftheplanthroughtheAAGsbutworkingadaptablyineachareadependingonissuesfacedandlocalinvolvement

Classification of water body statusEachwaterbodyisclassifiedaccordingtoitsecologicalconditionfromBadtoHighThestatusofawaterbodyisdeterminedbythelowest-classedqualityelementWaterbodiesachievinglessthanModeratestatusrequireactiontobetakenonthepressuresaffectingthewaterbodySEPArsquosaimisforwaterbodiestobeatGoodorhigherstatus

SomeofthesurfacewaterbodieshavebeensubstantiallymodifiedovertimeforsocialandeconomicpurposesincludingfloodprotectionhydropowergenerationnavigationdrainageandwaterstoragefordrinkingwatersupplyOthers

65TheScottishGovernment2014a

Figure 41 WFD Decision tree for classification of surface water bodies

maybetotallyman-madesuchascanalsTheformerarereferredtoasHeavilyModifiedWaterBodies(HMWB)canalsareanexampleofartificialwaterbodies(AWB)SuchwaterbodiesmaynotbeabletoachieveGoodstatusandarenotsubjecttotheconventionalclassificationsystemTheprincipalobjectiveinthesecasesistoachieveGood Ecological Potential(GEcP)65GEcPcanbeachievedwhenalleffortsaremadetomitigateman-madephysicalconditionssotheyimpactaslittleaspossibleonecologicalorchemicalconditionsItiscalledalsquopotentialrsquostatusasGoodEcologicalStatuscannotbeachievedundertheconditionscreatedbymanndashmadefeatures

Water bodies of the Clyde Marine Region and their classification statusThereareninetransitionaland26coastalwaterbodiesintheCMRTable41listsall37waterbodiesandshowstheircurrentandhistoricalclassificationsTable42outlinesthepressuresaffectingwaterbodiesclassifiedasModeratebasedonthe2014classificationresults(atthetimeofwritingpressuresrelatedtothe2015classificationarenotavailable)

copySourceSEPA

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

45

66ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyF67ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyF

Theinformationintable41istakenfromSEPAsWaterClassificationHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-classification-hubndashSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThissiteprovidesinformationonwaterbodystatusPleasecheckthissiteforupdatedinformation

From2014to2015eightwaterbodiesimprovedconditionoverallnonedeterioratedSevenwaterbodiesEastArranFirthofClydeMiddle(Offshore)LochGoilSeamillandArdrossansoundofButeLochLongNorthandLochLongSouthimprovedfromModeratetoGoodstatusCampbeltownLochimprovedfromGoodtoHighStatusOftheremainingthreewaterbodieswhichareatModeratestatustwotheClydeEstuaryInnerandOuterareHMWBsandthethirdIrvineBayisaffectedbymorphologicalpressuresSEPAwillworkwithrelevantpartnerstoimprovetheconditionofwaterbodiesatlessthangoodstatusandtomaintaintheGoodorHighconditionoftheremainingwaterbodies

TwooftheHMWBsintheClydeareaarethoseoftheClyderiverestuaryTheinnerandouterClydeestuaryhasbeenchangedbydredgingtocreatechannelizationtoimprovewaterwaysfortrafficandalsobythebuildingofweirsanddamsInadditiontothesephysicalchangestheinnerEstuaryisexposed

topointsourcepollutionfromsewageandindustrialwastedisposalTheClydeestuarywaterbodieshaveconsistentlyreceivedModerate Ecological Potential67TheothertwoHMWBsareAyrestuaryandGirvanestuarybothofthesewaterbodieshaveGood Ecological Potential

Map 10 WFD classification of water bodies in the Clyde Marine Region 2015

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2017copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

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68ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyF69DuetoimprovementsindatacollectionandreviewsofclassificationmethodsstandardsformeasuringthestatusofawaterbodychangefromyeartoyearAsaresultthetablemayindicatethatwaterbodieshavedegradedinclassificationThismaynotnecessarilybeduetofailuretopreventdeteriorationinsuchwaterbodiesbutasaresultofclassificationstandardsbecomingstricterthisisindicatedwhereitisthecasePressuresalsochangefromyeartoyearbasedonupdatedinformation

Table 41 Classification status of transitional and coastal water bodies in the Clyde Marine Region from 2008-2014 and the pressures (2014) affecting these water bodies6869

WATER BODY TYPE

SUB BASIN WATER BODY 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

TRAN

SITI

ON

AL

CLYD

E

AyrEstuary GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP

BallantraeLagoonNorth High High High High High High High HighBallantraeLagoonSouth High High High High High High High HighClydeEstuaryndashInner (inclCart)

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ClydeEstuaryndashOuter ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

GareLoch Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodGirvanEstuary GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP

GarnockIrvineEstuary Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

StincharEstuary High High High High High Good Good Good

COAS

TAL

CLYD

E

AyrBay Good Good High High High Good Good GoodBallantrae Good Good High High High Good Good GoodCulzean Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodEastArran Moderate Good Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodFirthofClydeinner-DunoonandWemyssBay

Good Good Good Good Moderate Moderate Good Good

FirthofClydeinnerCumbraes Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good Good

FirthofClydeMiddle(offshore) Moderate Good Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good

FirthofClydeOuter(offshore) Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good

Girvan Good Good High High High Good Good GoodHolyLoch Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodIrvineBay Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate ModerateKylesofBute Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good Good GoodLargsChannel (FairlieRoads) Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

LochGoil Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodLochStriven Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodRothesay Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodSeamillandArdrossan Moderate Good Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodSoundofBute Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodSouthArran Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good GoodLochLongNorth Good Good Good Good Good Moderate Moderate GoodLochLongSouth Good Good Good Good Good Moderate Moderate GoodLochRiddon Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

ARGY

LL A

ND

LOCH

ABER

CampbeltownLoch Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good HighKilbrannanSound Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good GoodLochFyneMiddle Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodLochFyneOuter Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodLochFyneUpper Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodMullofKintyrendash SouthEast Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

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Table 42 Pressures on water bodies classified at less than Good status NBPressuresrelatedtothe2014classificationarenotedhereasthepressuresrelatedtothe2015classificationswerenotavailableattimeofwriting

WATER BODY STATUS PRESSURES (2014)70

ClydeEstuary-Inner(inclCart) ModerateEcP

bull Pointsourcedischargesfromwastewater(sewage)disposaltobedealtwith2021-2027

bull Unknownpressureonwaterqualitytobedealtwith2015-2021

ClydeEstuary-Outer ModerateEcP

bull ModificationstobedbanksandshoresasaresultoflandusesandnavigationThiswillbeaddressedfrom2021-27throughpartnershipworkbySEPAotherpublicbodiesvoluntaryorganisationsandlandmanagers

IrvineBay Moderatebull ModificationstobedbanksandshoresasaresultoflandusesandnavigationSEPAhavephasedcompletionoftheworktoimprovethephysicalconditionofthewaterbodyfor2021-2027

70ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi71UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

WhenawaterbodyshowsadowngradeinclassificationthiscouldbeduetothereviewofthemethodologyusedinclassificationratherthananyactualenvironmentalchangeThisisthecaseforStincharEstuarywhenthestatusofthewaterbodywentfromHighin2012toGoodin2013andthiswasduetothefactthatin2013theclassificationassessmentstartedtoconsiderfishintransitionalwatersFortheclassificationtoachieveHighstatusfishfaunahastohaveecologicalelements(suchasspeciescompositionabundancepresenceofindicatorspeciesnumberoftaxaandnumberofestuarineresidenttaxa)consistentwithundisturbedconditionsThetoolusedtoaccessthefishelement

(andalsootherelements)inwaterbodiesshowswhentherearepressuresaffectinganelementbutitisnotknownatthistimewhatthosepressuresmaybe

OneoftheobjectivesoftheWFDisforwaterbodiestoattainGEcSandGEcPSEPAisresponsibleforworkingwithpartnerstosetoutmeasurestodealwiththepressuresaffectingwaterbodiesThisisacollaborativeprocessassometimesimprovingmeasuresaretheresponsibilityofexternalauthoritiessuchasScottishWaterorcanonlybeachievedthroughpartnershipworkwithvariousstakeholdersOverallSEPAseekstomakesustainableimprovementswherepossible

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES71

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PoorwaterqualitycouldimpactonthesystemrsquosabilitytoprovidefoodthatissafetoeatHealthyhabitatssupportafunctioningecosystemandstocksofcommerciallyimportantspeciesthroughprovisionofspawningandnurseryareas

Regulating Wasteprocessingandassimilation

EnhancingthecapacityfortheecosystemtoprovidewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationserviceswillensurethatprovisioningandculturalservicescanbeprovidedSomepartsoftheCMRareimpactedbywastewaterandpollutionLocalcontaminationcanexceedthecapacityinparticularofanestuarineecosystemtoremediateorassimilateit

CulturalRecreationalactivitiesandsenseofplace

CleanandsafewaterisessentialforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsImprovementintheconditionofwaterbodiescanpotentiallyleadtoincreasedbiodiversityandproductivityresultinginagreatersenseofplaceandincreasingaplacersquoseducationalandinspirationalcapacity

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

SupportingservicesunderpintheprovisionofotherservicesCoastalandtransitionalwaterbodiesintheCMRsupportprimaryproductionnutrientcyclingandphotosynthesisNutrientprocessinginsedimentsdependsoninvertebratesdisturbingandirrigatingthesedimentandisfundamentaltothesurvivalofothermarineorganismsWheresupportingecosystemservicesarefunctioningfullytheysupportstocksofcommerciallyimportantspeciesImprovingtheecologicalandchemicalclassificationofthesewaterbodies(includingsediments)willoptimisethesesupportingservicesandhelpimproveoverallecosystemresilience

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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industrialfuelcombustionPAHsareknowntobemutagenicandcarcinogenic

Polychlorinatedbiphenylhydrocarbons(PCBs)werewidelyusedintransformerscapacitorshydraulicfluidsandasplasticisersinpaintsplasticsandsealantsandcancauseendocrinedisruptionimmunosuppressionandVitaminAdeficiencyProductioninWesternEuropeceasedinthe1970sbutcontinuedinclosedsystemsintheUKuntil1986

Polybrominateddiphenylethers(PBDEs)areanorganobrominecompoundandwereusedintheproductionofflameretardantsThesewerehistoricallyreleasedintotheenvironmentduringmanufacturingandthroughatmospherictransportationTheycontinuetoleakfromtreatedmaterialsthrougheverydayuseofhouseholdproductsWhileeffectsonhumansarenotknownanimalstudiesshowthattheyareendocrinedisruptorsandcanaffectthecentralnervoussystemandthebrain73Althoughheavymetalscanbefoundnaturallyintheenvironmentatlowlevelsatelevatedlevelscadmiumforexamplehaslongtermeffectsonhealthandmercuryishighlytoxic74

Tri-Butyl-Tin(TBT)wasextensivelyusedinthepasttoprotecthullsfromfoulingbutcauseddamagetomanyspeciesinthemarineenvironmentitsusewasphasedoutforboatsunder25mfrom1988andthenforallboatsandshipsby2008

Historic legacy of hazardous substances in the Clyde Marine RegionHazardoussubstancesarefoundinhighconcentrationsintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)duetotheClydersquosindustrialhistoryandlargepopulationHigherconcentrationsofcontaminantsareusuallyfoundinestuariesratherthanontheopencoastFurthermoreClydesiteshaveagreaterpotentialtoaccumulatecontaminantsduetothehydrophobicnatureofPCBsandPAHsThismeanstheyaccumulateinsedimentandaccumulatemorereadilyinsedimenttypeswhichhaveahighorganiccontentandsmallerparticlesize(largersurfacevolumeratio)sohigherlevelscanbefoundinmuddyratherthansandysediments75(SeeChapter53ShallowandShelfSubtidalSedimentsforamapofsedimenttypesintheCMR)

IntermsofhistoricinputstherearethreeareasintheCMRwhichareknownpointsourcesthesewagesludgedumpsiteatGarrochHeadthedredgespoildumpsiteatClochpointandtheformernavalbaseatHolyLochAllarelocatedintheinnerFirthAnnually1500000tonnesofsewagesludge(industrialanddomesticwaste)fromthegreaterGlasgowareawasdumpedatGarrochheadfrom1904-1998resultinginahighlyconcentratedareaofcontaminationThiswasstoppedaspartoftheUKrsquosobligationundertheECUrbanWasteWaterTreatmentDirective(seeChapter610WasteWaterTreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)

72Websteret al201073Websteret al201074Websteret al201075Websteretal2005

IntroductionHazardoussubstancesaretoxicsubstancesmetalsandchemicalswhichaccumulateintheenvironmentandinorganismsandhaveanegativeimpactonthemHazardoussubstancescanbioaccumulate(gradualbuild-upofsubstancesinanorganismovertime)andarebiomagnified(pollutantsbecomeconcentratedinorganismsastheymoveupfoodchainsandwebs)72 Specificbiologicaleffectsarediscussedfurtheroninthischapter

Types of hazardous substancesPolycyclicaromatichydrocarbons(PAHs)arewidespreadpollutantswhichenterthemarineenvironmentthroughatmosphericdepositionroadrun-offandindustrialdischargesCaremissionscontributemorethan50ofPAHinputstotheatmosphereand28arefromresidentialand

Clyde estuary and inner Firth

Other Lochs and Outer Firth

42Hazardoussubstancesandtheirbiologicaleffects

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCECleanSafeSeasEnvironmentalMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)data wwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempMarineScotlandScienceRegionalAssessmentofHazardousSubstancesinCoastalandOffshoreMarineEnvironments1999-2009marinedatascotlandgovukdatasetregional-assessment-hazardous-substances-coastal-and-offshore-marine-environments-1999-2009ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallysomeconcernsbutimprovingwithmanylocalconcernsrsquoRegionalscoringisconsistentwiththis

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

49

OrganicenrichmentofthesedimentfromthesludgehascausedlevelsofheavymetalsPCBsandPAHstobecomeelevated(duetosedimenttypeswithhigherorganiccontenthavingagreaterpotentialtoaccumulatethesepollutants)ConcentrationsoforganiccompoundsremainhighintheseareasinbothbiotaandsedimentfollowingthecessationofdumpingAstudypublishedin2005foundthatPCBconcentrationswerenotfoundtohavedecreasedsignificantlysincedumpingceasedin1998HowevertheywerelesspersistentinplaiceliversampledfromGarrochHeadafterdumpinghadceased76

HolyLochwasusedasaUnitedStatesNavySubmarinebasefrom196177untilclosureofthisbasein199278VideosurveysofthesitefollowingclosureshowedalargeamountofdebrisontheseabedndashmainlyscrapmetalfurnitureelectricalequipmentandsmallvesselsTheMinistryofDefenceledaworkinggroupandSEPAcarriedoutastudytoanalysecontaminantsinthesediment

andinmusselstoexaminethepotentialforbioaccumulationinthelochSamplesofsedimentweretakenfromseveralsitesaroundthelochandelevatedlevelsofheavymetalsandPCBswerefoundatdepthsof5-10cmsuggestingthatcontaminationhadbeenhigherinthepastThecontaminationofPCBsandsomesomemetalswasdescribedaslsquoseverebutlocalisedrsquoBodyburdensinmusselsforPCBsandheavymetalsexaminedbeforeandafterdebriswereremoved(whichmayhavecausedthereleaseofsediment-boundcontaminants)showednosignificantchangesinconcentrations79

NaturalandanthropogenicactivitiescarriedoutinthemarineenvironmenthavethepotentialtoremobilisecontaminatedsedimentsandreleasecontaminantsfromsedimentsintothewatercolumnDesorptionratesandtimesdependonthetypeofcontaminantsizeofsedimentparticlesandenvironmentalfactorssuchasexposuretooxygen80

CreelboatcopyPETERSANDGROUND

76Websteret al200577Baxter201178Milleret al200079Milleret al200080EggletonandThomas2004

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

50

Regulating and monitoring hazardous substancesSomecontaminantscannotbephysicallyremovedoncetheyhaveenteredasystemsomecanonlyreducebydegradingorbecomingmoredispersedovertime81RegularmonitoringensuresthatconcentrationsdonotposearisktohumanhealthandwheretheydoactioncanbetakenThereispotentialtouseshellfishmacroalgaeseagrassandsaltmarshtobio-remediateenvironmentswithexcesschemicals82

Mosteffectsfelttodayareduetohistoricinputsandthepersistentandsemi-volatilecharacterofsomecontaminantsmeaningthattheyarestillpresentintheenvironmentInthemarineenvironmentmanyareconsideredubiquitouspartlyduetotheirwideusageabilitytotravellong-rangesthroughatmospherictransportationandrunofffromlandItisacknowledgedthatthemarineenvironmentactsasasinkforcontaminantsIncreasingknowledgeandawarenessoftheharmfuleffectofsuchchemicalsovertimehasledtotheirproductionbeingstoppedandtheirusebanned83

TheStockholmConventionenteredintoforcein2004andisaglobaltreatydesignedtoprotecthumanhealthbyeliminating12ofthemostharmfulpersistentorganicpollutants(POPsndashorganicchemicals)fromtheenvironmentItalsoworkstowardssupportingthetransitiontosaferalternativestargetingadditionalPOPsforactionandcleaningupstockpiles84

DescriptorseightandnineoftheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)seektoensurethatconcentrationsofcontaminantscausenoeffectandcontaminantsinseafoodarebelowsafelevelsinordertoachieveGoodEnvironmentalStatus(GEnvS)OSPAR(themechanismbywhich15GovernmentsandtheEUcooperatetoprotectthemarineenvironmentoftheNorth-EastAtlanticnamedfortheOsloandParisconventions)monitorssubstanceswhichmaybeofpossibleconcernandhasdevelopedastrategytopreventfurtherpollutionoftheOSPARCommissionmaritimeareaThisstrategyaimstoreducedischargesofhazardoussubstanceswiththeoverallobjectiveofensuringconcentrationsarenearbackgroundvaluesfornaturallyoccurringsubstancesandclosetozeroforman-madesyntheticsubstancesinthemarineenvironment

TheWaterFrameworkDirective(2000)(seeChapter41formoreinformationontheWFDclassificationofwaterbodiesintheCMR)setsoutstrategiesagainstpollutioninwateroutliningstepstobetakenandproducingafirstlistofprioritysubstanceswhichposeathreattotheaquaticenvironmentThiswasupdatedwiththeWFD

daughterdirectivendashtheDirectiveonEnvironmentalQualityStandards(2008)alsoknownasthePrioritySubstancesDirectiveThissetsenvironmentalqualitystandardsforsubstancesinriverlakescoastalandtransitionalwaters

ThemainmonitoringprogrammeintheUKistheUKCleanSeasEnvironmentMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)ThisprogrammefulfilsthemonitoringrequirementssetbyOSPARandEUdirectivesacrosstheUKandhasbeenestablishedunderadvicefromtheInternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea(ICES)85MonitoringforthisprogrammeinScotlandiscarriedoutincooperationbetweenMarineScotlandandScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)AsthecentralprogrammeexaminingcontaminantstheCESMPprovidesspatialandsometemporaldatawhenavailableformonitoringconductedacrosstheCMR

UK Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme resultsCSEMPassessmentresultsdiscussedbelowareavailabletoviewfromthiswebsitewwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempwheretheyaremappedandmoredetailsareavailableforspecificcontaminantsacrossallsitesTheyarealsoavailabletoviewonNMPimarinescotlandatkinsgeospatialcomnmpi

Monitoringforhazardoussubstancesiscarriedoutacross34sitesintheClydeMarineRegionforsedimentsAdditionallymonitoringforhazardoussubstancesandforbiologicaleffects(suchasimposex)inbiotaiscarriedoutacross32sitesandin5speciesndashEuropeanplaice(Pleuronectes platessa)Europeanflounder(Platichthys flesus)dogwhelk(Nucella lapillus)bluemussel(Mytilus edulis)andcommondab(Limanda limanda)DependingonhowlongasitehasbeenmonitoredtrendscanbedeterminedThefollowingassessmentcriteriaareusedbull BackgroundAssessmentConcentration(BAC)

MeanconcentrationssignificantlybelowtheBACaresaidtobenearbackgroundconcentrationsofacontaminantatapristineorremotesiretobeconsideredofnoconcern86

bull EnvironmentalAssessmentCriteria(EAC)ConcentrationsaboveEACcancauseadverseeffectsonmarinelife

bull EffectsRangeLow(ERL)ConcentrationsbelowtheERLrarelycauseadverseeffectsinmarineorganisms

bull InassessinghazardoussubstancesinbiotaEuropeanCommissionfoodstandard(EC)is

81Websteret al201082MarineMaritimeOrganisation83Websteret al201084SecreteriatoftheStockholdConventionhttpchmpopsintdefaultaspx85Websteret al201086Baxteret al2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

51

alsousedwhenEACsarenotavailableECsarethemaximumacceptableconcentrationsinfoodfortheprotectionofpublichealth87

ForalkylatedPAHsandorganobrominesinsedimentandinorganibrominesinbiotanoassessmentcriteriahasbeendevelopedsonoindicationofcontaminationlevelsisgivenbutwherepossibleatrendis88

Assessment of sedimentsOveralltheassessmentforhazardoussubstancesinsedimentsintheCMRshowedthatthereisahighproportionofresultswhichareaboveERL(couldcauseadverseeffectsonmarineorganisms)atmonitoringstationsintheinnerFirthcomparedtoothersitesintheCMRHoweveracrosstheCMRthechlorobiphenyscongenerCB118wasshowntobeaboveEACat23outof29monitoringstationsandoneparticularPAHBenzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof34monitoringsitesMoredetailsoftheassessmentareprovidedbelowOfallthemonitoringsitesNorthofAilsaCraigshowedaconsistentpictureofconcentrationsdecreasingover10yearsacrossallhazardoussubstancesmeasured29ofthe46hadadownwardtrend89

Metalsbull AllmonitoringsitesintheCMRhavelevelsof

chromiumwhichareaboveERLexceptforatPladda(offthesouthofArran)whichwasbelowERL TherearenoresultsformonitoringofmetalsatGarrochhead

bull LeadwasaboveERLat12outof17monitoringsitesbull ZincwasaboveERLat9outof17siteswithan

upwardtrend(concentrationsgoingupinthelast10years)indicatedat2sitesoffClochpointandatLunderstonBay

bull Anupwardtrend(concentrationsincreasing)wasalsoseenoffClochpointandatLunderstonBayforarsenicallsitesintheinnerFirthwereaboveBACforarsenic

bull MetalsacrossallinnerFirthsiteswereassessedataboveERLorBACexceptforcadmiumwhichwasbelowBACorERLatallsites

PCBs bull MajorityofsiteswerebelowBACorEACforallPCBs

exceptforCB118whichwasaboveEACat23outof29sites

PAH (parents) bull ResultsweremixedforPAH(parents)intheinner

Firthanumberofmonitoringsitesacrossarange ofcontaminantsinthisgroupwereaboveERL

bull Benzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof 34monitoringsites

Assessment of BiotaCSEMPmonitoringinbiotaincludessitesintheouterClydeestuarywhereasmonitoringinsedimentdoesnotIntheouterestuarythereareahighnumberofresultsaboveEAC(inPAHsandPCBs)orECfoodlimits(formetals)andBACinbiotacomparedtoothersitesacrosstheCMR90

Metals bull LeadwasabovetheECfoodlimitinbluemussels

atWoodhallandinFlounderatBowlingbull CadmiuminflounderwasabovetheECfoodlimit

atBowlingAtArdrossancadmiumwasbelowBACanddecreasinginthelast10yearsAtallothersitescadmiumwasbelowtheECfoodlimit

bull ZincwasaboveBACinbluemusselat13outof18monitoringsitesthroughouttheCMR

bull CopperwasaboveBACinbluemusselat9outof18monitoringsitesallofwhichwereintheClydeestuaryinnerFirthandLochsGoilRiddonandStriven

PCBsbull AhighnumberofresultsforPCBswereaboveEAC

oraboveBACintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthcomparedtotherestoftheCMR

bull CB105wasaboveBACall14sitesmonitoredacrosstheCMRAllspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretested

bull CB118wasaboveEACforallmonitoringsitesacrosstheCMR(allspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretestedacross24sites)exceptinbluemusselsatStronePointwhichwerebelowEAC

PAH (parents)bull PAH(parents)weremeasuredinbluemusselsand

weregenerallybelowEACacrossthemajorityofsites

bull AnexceptiontothisisChryseneandIdeno[123-cd]pyrenewhichwereaboveBACateverysitemonitored

bull Benzo[a]anthraceneandPyrenewereaboveEACinallsitesmonitoredintheinnerFirthandouterestuary

bull FluroanthenewasalsoaboveEACatallsitesmonitoredintheouterestuaryandinnerFirthaswellasatSeamillBoydstonLochStrivenLochGoilandattheLochRyanmonitoringsite(thelatterisoutwiththeCMR)

ForavisualrepresentationofCSEMPmonitoringresultspleaserefertotheNationalMarinePlaninteractive91ortheCSEMPassessmentresultspage httpswwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsemp

87BritishOceanographicDataCentre201488BritishOceanographicDataCentre201489BritishOceanographicDataCentre201490BritishOceanographicDataCentre201491MarineScotland2016a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

52

ConcentrationsofcontaminantsintheClydeweredescribedina2009studyaslsquogenerally at levels such that there is an unacceptable risk of chronic effects occurring in marine species This is mainly due to historic industrial inputs However downward trends were detected for Pb and PAHs in Clyde sediment indicating that the implementation of relevant regulations is beginning to have a positive environmental impactrsquo92ItisworthnotingthatdredginganddisposalareregulatedactivitieswithintheCMRandthatdisposalinmarinewaterswillonlybelicensedbyMarineScotlandifitcanbedemonstratedthatthereisnounacceptablerisktoaquaticlife

Biological effects of hazardous substancesScotlandrsquosMarineAtlashighlightsseveralexamplesofbiologicaleffectsonlivingmarineorganismsTheseincludeimposex(adisorderwhichcausesfemalestodevelopmalereproductiveorgans)indogwhelkswhichiscausedbyexposuretothechemicalTBTananti-foulingpaintusedonboatsandshipssincethe1970sThishasshownasignificantdownwardtrendreducingtobackgroundlevelsinsomeareassincethebanontheuseofTBTinpaintsusedonbothcommercialandrecreationalvehicles93

Imposex resultsbull MeasurementswerebelowEACatallsites(15

weresampled)AtBallantraeresultswerebelowBACMeasurementsatLochRyanwereaboveEAC

EROD resultsTheenzyme7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase(EROD)isexpressedinfishliverswhencertaincontaminantsaremetabolisedMeasuringthiscanshowwhetherorganismsarebeingexposedtocontaminantsthroughthefoodtheyeatbull ERODwastestedforinfemaleflounderdab

andplaiceat6monitoringsitesThereisnoassessmentcriteriaavailableforsomespeciesandfordabatHolyLochconcentrationswerebelowBAC

bull ResultsinmalesacrossthesamespecieswereallaboveBACatallsitesagainexceptfordabatHolyLochwhichwasbelowBAC

Geneticanalysisofmusselshasrevealedtheextentofadaptivestressresponsetocontaminants94FoodStandardsScotlandmanagestheOfficialControlschemicalcontaminantsmonitoringprogrammewherebyshellfishfromClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHA)areanalysedforhazardoussubstancestoensuretheyaresafeforconsumption95FormoreinformationonCSHAsseeChapter43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

92Websteret al201093Baxteret al201194Baxteret al201195FoodStandardsScotland2015b

StarfishcopySUESCOTTSNHMNCR

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

53

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES96

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

ThepresenceofhazardoussubstancesinseabedsedimentcancausechroniceffectsonlivingmarineorganismsThiscanimpactnegativelyoncommunitystructuresandinturnimpactonfoodwebsandchainsHazardoussubstancescanalsohaveageneticeffectanddisrupthormonesoforganismsaffectingtheircapacitytoreproduceManyhazardoussubstancesinbiotaareabovetheECfoodlimitintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthWherelevelsofhazardoussubstancesexceedsetlimitsintheCMRbivalveshellfisharenotconsideredfitforhumanconsumption

Regulating Wasteprocessinganddetoxification

Hazardoussubstancescanaffecttheecosystemrsquosabilitytoprovidewaterpurificationservicesandcanlimitthecapacityforprovisioningandculturalservicestobeprovided

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinesedimentcanactasasinkforhazardoussubstanceswherethesesubstancescanthendetoxifyanddegradeovertimeThereareconcernsthatcertainpartsoftheClydeestuaryandinnerFirthhavebeenhistoricallyoverloadedwithcontaminantsandthatthiswillimpacttheabilityofthesedimentstoperformthisessentialecosystemservice

96UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

54

IntroductionHarmfultoxinsandmicroorganismscanbecomeconcentratedinshellfishfleshandareharmfultohumansonceconsumedTheseincludeEscherichia coli(bacteriarelatedtofaecalcontamination)phytoplanktonandtoxinsproducedbyphytoplanktonincludingparalyticshellfishpoisoningtoxinsamnesicshellfishpoisoningtoxinsandlipophilicshellfishtoxinsandchemicalcontaminants97TherearetwolevelsofprotectiontopublichealthShellfishWaterProtectedAreas(SWPAs)andClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)

Shellfish Water Protected AreasThedesignationorder(ThewaterEnvironment(ShellfishWaterProtectedAreasDesignation)(Scotland)Order2013)identifiesthe84areasaroundScotlandasShellfishWaterProtectedAreasTheshellfishgrowingwaterareasareprotectedandwherenecessaryimprovedbyapackageofmeasuresintegratedwiththeriverbasinmanagementprocess98

TheseareashavebeendesignatedbyScottishGovernmentbasedontheexistingShellfishGrowingWaters(whichwerecreatedundertheShellfish

WatersDirectivewhichwasmanagedbySEPAandrepealedin2013)andattemptedtooverlapwiththeexistingCSHAs(whicharemanagedbyFoodStandardsScotlandformerlyFoodStandardsAgencyScotland)whilealsotakingintoconsiderationpotentialgrowthoftheindustryTheseareasarereviewedeverysixyearsTherearesixSWPAswithintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)accountingfor7ofalltheSWPAsinScotlandandtheyincludeFairlieKylesofButeLamlashLochLongLochStrivenandLochFyne99 TheseareshowninMap11Thislegislationdoesnotpreventsitesbeingdevelopedinzonesoutsideofthedesignatedareas

SWPAsareclassifiedaslsquogoodrsquolsquofairrsquoorlsquoinsufficientrsquoaccordingtotheamountofE ColipresentinshellfishsamplestakenfromSWPAs100TheobjectiveundertheSWPADesignationisfortheSWPArsquostoreachlsquogoodrsquoresultshighlightedonSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubshowthatnoneoftheSWPAsintheCMRhavereachedtargetobjectiveAllwereclassifiedaslsquofairrsquofrom2011-2014exceptLochLongwhichwasclassifiedaslsquoinsufficientrsquoforthatperiod

SEPAhassetatimelinefortheSWPAstoreachtargetobjectiveorlsquogoodrsquoby2027exceptforFairlieSWPAwherethetargetis2021SEPAgivesthereasonforthefailurestomeettheobjectiveasdiffusepollutionfromaruralsourceaffectingwaterqualityThetargetobjectiveatFairlieSWPAwillbemetthroughprioritycatchmentactionLochFyneLochLongLamlashandLochStrivenprotectedareaswillbeaddressedbyfocussedareaactionbypublicbodiesandlandmanagersworkingtogetherItisstilltobedeterminedhowtoaddressthestatusoftheprotectedareaatKylesofBute101AsthisinformationbecomesknownitwillbeaddedtoSEPArsquosWaterEnvironmentHub wwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubriverbasindistrict=Scotland

Figure 46 Oyster farming

copyJOHNCHARITYSNH

97FoodStandardsScotland2015b98TheScottishGovernment2016d99TheScottishGovernment2016e100TheScotlandRiverBasinDistrict(QualityofShellfishWaterProtectedAreas)(Scotland)Directions2015101DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction

43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubFoodStandardsScotlandwwwfoodstandardsgovscotfood-safety-standardsadvice-business-and-industryshellfishScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallyfewconcernsandnotrendbutwithsomelocalconcernsrsquoRegionalassessmentconsidersmorerecentSWPAdesignationandstatus

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

55

Classified Shellfish Harvesting AreasFoodStandardsScotland(FSS)classifiesandmonitorsClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)asafoodhygienecontrolmeasuretoprotectpublichealthInthisprocessshellfishharvestersapplytotheirLocalAuthoritytohaveasiteclassifiedforharvestingHoweverCSHAsdonotalwaysliewithindesignatedSWPAsSamplesfromCSHAsaremonitoredforbiotoxinsandE colipresenceofeitherwouldresultinaninterventiontoensurethatasafeproductreachestheconsumermarketDependingontheamountofE colifoundtheFSSprovidesanumberofdifferentoptionstoaharvesterndasheithersubmittingshellfishproductto

102FoodStandardsScotland2015b103FoodStandardsScotland2015b104Baxteret al2011

purificationorheattreatmentcookingofshellfishproductbyanapprovedmethodWhenlevelsreachover46000E coli100goffleshharvestingisnotpermitted102Table44showstheactiontakendependingonthelevelofE colifoundinsamplesDiscoveryofbiotoxinsinharvestingareasismorereactiveandresultsinatemporaryclosureofsitesuntilbiotoxinlevelsreturntonormal103MoreinformationonbiotoxinmonitoringisavailableinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas104

TheFSSclassificationfor2015-2016identifies20shellfishharvestingareaswithintheCMRAllweregivenaclassificationratingofAorBapartfromtheCampbeltownLochproductionareawhichwasgivenaclassificationratingofCfortheperiodJune-OctoberTwositesStevensonSandsRazors

CATEGORY RESULT ACTION

A Lessthanorequalto230Ecoli100goftheflesh Maygodirectlyforhumanconsumptionifendproductstandardmet

B Notexceeding4600Ecoli100goftheflesh

MustbesubjecttopurificationrelayinginClassAarea(tomeetCategoryArequirements)orcookedbyanapprovedmethod

C Notexceeding46000Ecoli100goftheflesh

Mustbesubjecttorelayingforaperiodofatleast2monthsorcookedbyanapprovedmethod

Above46000Ecoli100goftheflesh Harvestingnotpermitted

Table 44 Shellfish Harvesting Area classification (Food Standards Scotland) categories and permitted levels of Ecoli100g flesh and required treatments

Map 11 Shellfish Water Protected Areas in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

56

NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 3: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

45

66ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyF67ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyF

Theinformationintable41istakenfromSEPAsWaterClassificationHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-classification-hubndashSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThissiteprovidesinformationonwaterbodystatusPleasecheckthissiteforupdatedinformation

From2014to2015eightwaterbodiesimprovedconditionoverallnonedeterioratedSevenwaterbodiesEastArranFirthofClydeMiddle(Offshore)LochGoilSeamillandArdrossansoundofButeLochLongNorthandLochLongSouthimprovedfromModeratetoGoodstatusCampbeltownLochimprovedfromGoodtoHighStatusOftheremainingthreewaterbodieswhichareatModeratestatustwotheClydeEstuaryInnerandOuterareHMWBsandthethirdIrvineBayisaffectedbymorphologicalpressuresSEPAwillworkwithrelevantpartnerstoimprovetheconditionofwaterbodiesatlessthangoodstatusandtomaintaintheGoodorHighconditionoftheremainingwaterbodies

TwooftheHMWBsintheClydeareaarethoseoftheClyderiverestuaryTheinnerandouterClydeestuaryhasbeenchangedbydredgingtocreatechannelizationtoimprovewaterwaysfortrafficandalsobythebuildingofweirsanddamsInadditiontothesephysicalchangestheinnerEstuaryisexposed

topointsourcepollutionfromsewageandindustrialwastedisposalTheClydeestuarywaterbodieshaveconsistentlyreceivedModerate Ecological Potential67TheothertwoHMWBsareAyrestuaryandGirvanestuarybothofthesewaterbodieshaveGood Ecological Potential

Map 10 WFD classification of water bodies in the Clyde Marine Region 2015

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2017copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

46

68ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyF69DuetoimprovementsindatacollectionandreviewsofclassificationmethodsstandardsformeasuringthestatusofawaterbodychangefromyeartoyearAsaresultthetablemayindicatethatwaterbodieshavedegradedinclassificationThismaynotnecessarilybeduetofailuretopreventdeteriorationinsuchwaterbodiesbutasaresultofclassificationstandardsbecomingstricterthisisindicatedwhereitisthecasePressuresalsochangefromyeartoyearbasedonupdatedinformation

Table 41 Classification status of transitional and coastal water bodies in the Clyde Marine Region from 2008-2014 and the pressures (2014) affecting these water bodies6869

WATER BODY TYPE

SUB BASIN WATER BODY 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

TRAN

SITI

ON

AL

CLYD

E

AyrEstuary GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP

BallantraeLagoonNorth High High High High High High High HighBallantraeLagoonSouth High High High High High High High HighClydeEstuaryndashInner (inclCart)

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ClydeEstuaryndashOuter ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

GareLoch Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodGirvanEstuary GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP

GarnockIrvineEstuary Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

StincharEstuary High High High High High Good Good Good

COAS

TAL

CLYD

E

AyrBay Good Good High High High Good Good GoodBallantrae Good Good High High High Good Good GoodCulzean Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodEastArran Moderate Good Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodFirthofClydeinner-DunoonandWemyssBay

Good Good Good Good Moderate Moderate Good Good

FirthofClydeinnerCumbraes Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good Good

FirthofClydeMiddle(offshore) Moderate Good Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good

FirthofClydeOuter(offshore) Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good

Girvan Good Good High High High Good Good GoodHolyLoch Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodIrvineBay Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate ModerateKylesofBute Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good Good GoodLargsChannel (FairlieRoads) Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

LochGoil Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodLochStriven Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodRothesay Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodSeamillandArdrossan Moderate Good Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodSoundofBute Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodSouthArran Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good GoodLochLongNorth Good Good Good Good Good Moderate Moderate GoodLochLongSouth Good Good Good Good Good Moderate Moderate GoodLochRiddon Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

ARGY

LL A

ND

LOCH

ABER

CampbeltownLoch Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good HighKilbrannanSound Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good GoodLochFyneMiddle Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodLochFyneOuter Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodLochFyneUpper Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodMullofKintyrendash SouthEast Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

47

Table 42 Pressures on water bodies classified at less than Good status NBPressuresrelatedtothe2014classificationarenotedhereasthepressuresrelatedtothe2015classificationswerenotavailableattimeofwriting

WATER BODY STATUS PRESSURES (2014)70

ClydeEstuary-Inner(inclCart) ModerateEcP

bull Pointsourcedischargesfromwastewater(sewage)disposaltobedealtwith2021-2027

bull Unknownpressureonwaterqualitytobedealtwith2015-2021

ClydeEstuary-Outer ModerateEcP

bull ModificationstobedbanksandshoresasaresultoflandusesandnavigationThiswillbeaddressedfrom2021-27throughpartnershipworkbySEPAotherpublicbodiesvoluntaryorganisationsandlandmanagers

IrvineBay Moderatebull ModificationstobedbanksandshoresasaresultoflandusesandnavigationSEPAhavephasedcompletionoftheworktoimprovethephysicalconditionofthewaterbodyfor2021-2027

70ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi71UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

WhenawaterbodyshowsadowngradeinclassificationthiscouldbeduetothereviewofthemethodologyusedinclassificationratherthananyactualenvironmentalchangeThisisthecaseforStincharEstuarywhenthestatusofthewaterbodywentfromHighin2012toGoodin2013andthiswasduetothefactthatin2013theclassificationassessmentstartedtoconsiderfishintransitionalwatersFortheclassificationtoachieveHighstatusfishfaunahastohaveecologicalelements(suchasspeciescompositionabundancepresenceofindicatorspeciesnumberoftaxaandnumberofestuarineresidenttaxa)consistentwithundisturbedconditionsThetoolusedtoaccessthefishelement

(andalsootherelements)inwaterbodiesshowswhentherearepressuresaffectinganelementbutitisnotknownatthistimewhatthosepressuresmaybe

OneoftheobjectivesoftheWFDisforwaterbodiestoattainGEcSandGEcPSEPAisresponsibleforworkingwithpartnerstosetoutmeasurestodealwiththepressuresaffectingwaterbodiesThisisacollaborativeprocessassometimesimprovingmeasuresaretheresponsibilityofexternalauthoritiessuchasScottishWaterorcanonlybeachievedthroughpartnershipworkwithvariousstakeholdersOverallSEPAseekstomakesustainableimprovementswherepossible

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES71

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PoorwaterqualitycouldimpactonthesystemrsquosabilitytoprovidefoodthatissafetoeatHealthyhabitatssupportafunctioningecosystemandstocksofcommerciallyimportantspeciesthroughprovisionofspawningandnurseryareas

Regulating Wasteprocessingandassimilation

EnhancingthecapacityfortheecosystemtoprovidewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationserviceswillensurethatprovisioningandculturalservicescanbeprovidedSomepartsoftheCMRareimpactedbywastewaterandpollutionLocalcontaminationcanexceedthecapacityinparticularofanestuarineecosystemtoremediateorassimilateit

CulturalRecreationalactivitiesandsenseofplace

CleanandsafewaterisessentialforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsImprovementintheconditionofwaterbodiescanpotentiallyleadtoincreasedbiodiversityandproductivityresultinginagreatersenseofplaceandincreasingaplacersquoseducationalandinspirationalcapacity

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

SupportingservicesunderpintheprovisionofotherservicesCoastalandtransitionalwaterbodiesintheCMRsupportprimaryproductionnutrientcyclingandphotosynthesisNutrientprocessinginsedimentsdependsoninvertebratesdisturbingandirrigatingthesedimentandisfundamentaltothesurvivalofothermarineorganismsWheresupportingecosystemservicesarefunctioningfullytheysupportstocksofcommerciallyimportantspeciesImprovingtheecologicalandchemicalclassificationofthesewaterbodies(includingsediments)willoptimisethesesupportingservicesandhelpimproveoverallecosystemresilience

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

48

industrialfuelcombustionPAHsareknowntobemutagenicandcarcinogenic

Polychlorinatedbiphenylhydrocarbons(PCBs)werewidelyusedintransformerscapacitorshydraulicfluidsandasplasticisersinpaintsplasticsandsealantsandcancauseendocrinedisruptionimmunosuppressionandVitaminAdeficiencyProductioninWesternEuropeceasedinthe1970sbutcontinuedinclosedsystemsintheUKuntil1986

Polybrominateddiphenylethers(PBDEs)areanorganobrominecompoundandwereusedintheproductionofflameretardantsThesewerehistoricallyreleasedintotheenvironmentduringmanufacturingandthroughatmospherictransportationTheycontinuetoleakfromtreatedmaterialsthrougheverydayuseofhouseholdproductsWhileeffectsonhumansarenotknownanimalstudiesshowthattheyareendocrinedisruptorsandcanaffectthecentralnervoussystemandthebrain73Althoughheavymetalscanbefoundnaturallyintheenvironmentatlowlevelsatelevatedlevelscadmiumforexamplehaslongtermeffectsonhealthandmercuryishighlytoxic74

Tri-Butyl-Tin(TBT)wasextensivelyusedinthepasttoprotecthullsfromfoulingbutcauseddamagetomanyspeciesinthemarineenvironmentitsusewasphasedoutforboatsunder25mfrom1988andthenforallboatsandshipsby2008

Historic legacy of hazardous substances in the Clyde Marine RegionHazardoussubstancesarefoundinhighconcentrationsintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)duetotheClydersquosindustrialhistoryandlargepopulationHigherconcentrationsofcontaminantsareusuallyfoundinestuariesratherthanontheopencoastFurthermoreClydesiteshaveagreaterpotentialtoaccumulatecontaminantsduetothehydrophobicnatureofPCBsandPAHsThismeanstheyaccumulateinsedimentandaccumulatemorereadilyinsedimenttypeswhichhaveahighorganiccontentandsmallerparticlesize(largersurfacevolumeratio)sohigherlevelscanbefoundinmuddyratherthansandysediments75(SeeChapter53ShallowandShelfSubtidalSedimentsforamapofsedimenttypesintheCMR)

IntermsofhistoricinputstherearethreeareasintheCMRwhichareknownpointsourcesthesewagesludgedumpsiteatGarrochHeadthedredgespoildumpsiteatClochpointandtheformernavalbaseatHolyLochAllarelocatedintheinnerFirthAnnually1500000tonnesofsewagesludge(industrialanddomesticwaste)fromthegreaterGlasgowareawasdumpedatGarrochheadfrom1904-1998resultinginahighlyconcentratedareaofcontaminationThiswasstoppedaspartoftheUKrsquosobligationundertheECUrbanWasteWaterTreatmentDirective(seeChapter610WasteWaterTreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)

72Websteret al201073Websteret al201074Websteret al201075Websteretal2005

IntroductionHazardoussubstancesaretoxicsubstancesmetalsandchemicalswhichaccumulateintheenvironmentandinorganismsandhaveanegativeimpactonthemHazardoussubstancescanbioaccumulate(gradualbuild-upofsubstancesinanorganismovertime)andarebiomagnified(pollutantsbecomeconcentratedinorganismsastheymoveupfoodchainsandwebs)72 Specificbiologicaleffectsarediscussedfurtheroninthischapter

Types of hazardous substancesPolycyclicaromatichydrocarbons(PAHs)arewidespreadpollutantswhichenterthemarineenvironmentthroughatmosphericdepositionroadrun-offandindustrialdischargesCaremissionscontributemorethan50ofPAHinputstotheatmosphereand28arefromresidentialand

Clyde estuary and inner Firth

Other Lochs and Outer Firth

42Hazardoussubstancesandtheirbiologicaleffects

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCECleanSafeSeasEnvironmentalMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)data wwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempMarineScotlandScienceRegionalAssessmentofHazardousSubstancesinCoastalandOffshoreMarineEnvironments1999-2009marinedatascotlandgovukdatasetregional-assessment-hazardous-substances-coastal-and-offshore-marine-environments-1999-2009ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallysomeconcernsbutimprovingwithmanylocalconcernsrsquoRegionalscoringisconsistentwiththis

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

49

OrganicenrichmentofthesedimentfromthesludgehascausedlevelsofheavymetalsPCBsandPAHstobecomeelevated(duetosedimenttypeswithhigherorganiccontenthavingagreaterpotentialtoaccumulatethesepollutants)ConcentrationsoforganiccompoundsremainhighintheseareasinbothbiotaandsedimentfollowingthecessationofdumpingAstudypublishedin2005foundthatPCBconcentrationswerenotfoundtohavedecreasedsignificantlysincedumpingceasedin1998HowevertheywerelesspersistentinplaiceliversampledfromGarrochHeadafterdumpinghadceased76

HolyLochwasusedasaUnitedStatesNavySubmarinebasefrom196177untilclosureofthisbasein199278VideosurveysofthesitefollowingclosureshowedalargeamountofdebrisontheseabedndashmainlyscrapmetalfurnitureelectricalequipmentandsmallvesselsTheMinistryofDefenceledaworkinggroupandSEPAcarriedoutastudytoanalysecontaminantsinthesediment

andinmusselstoexaminethepotentialforbioaccumulationinthelochSamplesofsedimentweretakenfromseveralsitesaroundthelochandelevatedlevelsofheavymetalsandPCBswerefoundatdepthsof5-10cmsuggestingthatcontaminationhadbeenhigherinthepastThecontaminationofPCBsandsomesomemetalswasdescribedaslsquoseverebutlocalisedrsquoBodyburdensinmusselsforPCBsandheavymetalsexaminedbeforeandafterdebriswereremoved(whichmayhavecausedthereleaseofsediment-boundcontaminants)showednosignificantchangesinconcentrations79

NaturalandanthropogenicactivitiescarriedoutinthemarineenvironmenthavethepotentialtoremobilisecontaminatedsedimentsandreleasecontaminantsfromsedimentsintothewatercolumnDesorptionratesandtimesdependonthetypeofcontaminantsizeofsedimentparticlesandenvironmentalfactorssuchasexposuretooxygen80

CreelboatcopyPETERSANDGROUND

76Websteret al200577Baxter201178Milleret al200079Milleret al200080EggletonandThomas2004

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

50

Regulating and monitoring hazardous substancesSomecontaminantscannotbephysicallyremovedoncetheyhaveenteredasystemsomecanonlyreducebydegradingorbecomingmoredispersedovertime81RegularmonitoringensuresthatconcentrationsdonotposearisktohumanhealthandwheretheydoactioncanbetakenThereispotentialtouseshellfishmacroalgaeseagrassandsaltmarshtobio-remediateenvironmentswithexcesschemicals82

Mosteffectsfelttodayareduetohistoricinputsandthepersistentandsemi-volatilecharacterofsomecontaminantsmeaningthattheyarestillpresentintheenvironmentInthemarineenvironmentmanyareconsideredubiquitouspartlyduetotheirwideusageabilitytotravellong-rangesthroughatmospherictransportationandrunofffromlandItisacknowledgedthatthemarineenvironmentactsasasinkforcontaminantsIncreasingknowledgeandawarenessoftheharmfuleffectofsuchchemicalsovertimehasledtotheirproductionbeingstoppedandtheirusebanned83

TheStockholmConventionenteredintoforcein2004andisaglobaltreatydesignedtoprotecthumanhealthbyeliminating12ofthemostharmfulpersistentorganicpollutants(POPsndashorganicchemicals)fromtheenvironmentItalsoworkstowardssupportingthetransitiontosaferalternativestargetingadditionalPOPsforactionandcleaningupstockpiles84

DescriptorseightandnineoftheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)seektoensurethatconcentrationsofcontaminantscausenoeffectandcontaminantsinseafoodarebelowsafelevelsinordertoachieveGoodEnvironmentalStatus(GEnvS)OSPAR(themechanismbywhich15GovernmentsandtheEUcooperatetoprotectthemarineenvironmentoftheNorth-EastAtlanticnamedfortheOsloandParisconventions)monitorssubstanceswhichmaybeofpossibleconcernandhasdevelopedastrategytopreventfurtherpollutionoftheOSPARCommissionmaritimeareaThisstrategyaimstoreducedischargesofhazardoussubstanceswiththeoverallobjectiveofensuringconcentrationsarenearbackgroundvaluesfornaturallyoccurringsubstancesandclosetozeroforman-madesyntheticsubstancesinthemarineenvironment

TheWaterFrameworkDirective(2000)(seeChapter41formoreinformationontheWFDclassificationofwaterbodiesintheCMR)setsoutstrategiesagainstpollutioninwateroutliningstepstobetakenandproducingafirstlistofprioritysubstanceswhichposeathreattotheaquaticenvironmentThiswasupdatedwiththeWFD

daughterdirectivendashtheDirectiveonEnvironmentalQualityStandards(2008)alsoknownasthePrioritySubstancesDirectiveThissetsenvironmentalqualitystandardsforsubstancesinriverlakescoastalandtransitionalwaters

ThemainmonitoringprogrammeintheUKistheUKCleanSeasEnvironmentMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)ThisprogrammefulfilsthemonitoringrequirementssetbyOSPARandEUdirectivesacrosstheUKandhasbeenestablishedunderadvicefromtheInternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea(ICES)85MonitoringforthisprogrammeinScotlandiscarriedoutincooperationbetweenMarineScotlandandScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)AsthecentralprogrammeexaminingcontaminantstheCESMPprovidesspatialandsometemporaldatawhenavailableformonitoringconductedacrosstheCMR

UK Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme resultsCSEMPassessmentresultsdiscussedbelowareavailabletoviewfromthiswebsitewwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempwheretheyaremappedandmoredetailsareavailableforspecificcontaminantsacrossallsitesTheyarealsoavailabletoviewonNMPimarinescotlandatkinsgeospatialcomnmpi

Monitoringforhazardoussubstancesiscarriedoutacross34sitesintheClydeMarineRegionforsedimentsAdditionallymonitoringforhazardoussubstancesandforbiologicaleffects(suchasimposex)inbiotaiscarriedoutacross32sitesandin5speciesndashEuropeanplaice(Pleuronectes platessa)Europeanflounder(Platichthys flesus)dogwhelk(Nucella lapillus)bluemussel(Mytilus edulis)andcommondab(Limanda limanda)DependingonhowlongasitehasbeenmonitoredtrendscanbedeterminedThefollowingassessmentcriteriaareusedbull BackgroundAssessmentConcentration(BAC)

MeanconcentrationssignificantlybelowtheBACaresaidtobenearbackgroundconcentrationsofacontaminantatapristineorremotesiretobeconsideredofnoconcern86

bull EnvironmentalAssessmentCriteria(EAC)ConcentrationsaboveEACcancauseadverseeffectsonmarinelife

bull EffectsRangeLow(ERL)ConcentrationsbelowtheERLrarelycauseadverseeffectsinmarineorganisms

bull InassessinghazardoussubstancesinbiotaEuropeanCommissionfoodstandard(EC)is

81Websteret al201082MarineMaritimeOrganisation83Websteret al201084SecreteriatoftheStockholdConventionhttpchmpopsintdefaultaspx85Websteret al201086Baxteret al2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

51

alsousedwhenEACsarenotavailableECsarethemaximumacceptableconcentrationsinfoodfortheprotectionofpublichealth87

ForalkylatedPAHsandorganobrominesinsedimentandinorganibrominesinbiotanoassessmentcriteriahasbeendevelopedsonoindicationofcontaminationlevelsisgivenbutwherepossibleatrendis88

Assessment of sedimentsOveralltheassessmentforhazardoussubstancesinsedimentsintheCMRshowedthatthereisahighproportionofresultswhichareaboveERL(couldcauseadverseeffectsonmarineorganisms)atmonitoringstationsintheinnerFirthcomparedtoothersitesintheCMRHoweveracrosstheCMRthechlorobiphenyscongenerCB118wasshowntobeaboveEACat23outof29monitoringstationsandoneparticularPAHBenzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof34monitoringsitesMoredetailsoftheassessmentareprovidedbelowOfallthemonitoringsitesNorthofAilsaCraigshowedaconsistentpictureofconcentrationsdecreasingover10yearsacrossallhazardoussubstancesmeasured29ofthe46hadadownwardtrend89

Metalsbull AllmonitoringsitesintheCMRhavelevelsof

chromiumwhichareaboveERLexceptforatPladda(offthesouthofArran)whichwasbelowERL TherearenoresultsformonitoringofmetalsatGarrochhead

bull LeadwasaboveERLat12outof17monitoringsitesbull ZincwasaboveERLat9outof17siteswithan

upwardtrend(concentrationsgoingupinthelast10years)indicatedat2sitesoffClochpointandatLunderstonBay

bull Anupwardtrend(concentrationsincreasing)wasalsoseenoffClochpointandatLunderstonBayforarsenicallsitesintheinnerFirthwereaboveBACforarsenic

bull MetalsacrossallinnerFirthsiteswereassessedataboveERLorBACexceptforcadmiumwhichwasbelowBACorERLatallsites

PCBs bull MajorityofsiteswerebelowBACorEACforallPCBs

exceptforCB118whichwasaboveEACat23outof29sites

PAH (parents) bull ResultsweremixedforPAH(parents)intheinner

Firthanumberofmonitoringsitesacrossarange ofcontaminantsinthisgroupwereaboveERL

bull Benzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof 34monitoringsites

Assessment of BiotaCSEMPmonitoringinbiotaincludessitesintheouterClydeestuarywhereasmonitoringinsedimentdoesnotIntheouterestuarythereareahighnumberofresultsaboveEAC(inPAHsandPCBs)orECfoodlimits(formetals)andBACinbiotacomparedtoothersitesacrosstheCMR90

Metals bull LeadwasabovetheECfoodlimitinbluemussels

atWoodhallandinFlounderatBowlingbull CadmiuminflounderwasabovetheECfoodlimit

atBowlingAtArdrossancadmiumwasbelowBACanddecreasinginthelast10yearsAtallothersitescadmiumwasbelowtheECfoodlimit

bull ZincwasaboveBACinbluemusselat13outof18monitoringsitesthroughouttheCMR

bull CopperwasaboveBACinbluemusselat9outof18monitoringsitesallofwhichwereintheClydeestuaryinnerFirthandLochsGoilRiddonandStriven

PCBsbull AhighnumberofresultsforPCBswereaboveEAC

oraboveBACintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthcomparedtotherestoftheCMR

bull CB105wasaboveBACall14sitesmonitoredacrosstheCMRAllspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretested

bull CB118wasaboveEACforallmonitoringsitesacrosstheCMR(allspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretestedacross24sites)exceptinbluemusselsatStronePointwhichwerebelowEAC

PAH (parents)bull PAH(parents)weremeasuredinbluemusselsand

weregenerallybelowEACacrossthemajorityofsites

bull AnexceptiontothisisChryseneandIdeno[123-cd]pyrenewhichwereaboveBACateverysitemonitored

bull Benzo[a]anthraceneandPyrenewereaboveEACinallsitesmonitoredintheinnerFirthandouterestuary

bull FluroanthenewasalsoaboveEACatallsitesmonitoredintheouterestuaryandinnerFirthaswellasatSeamillBoydstonLochStrivenLochGoilandattheLochRyanmonitoringsite(thelatterisoutwiththeCMR)

ForavisualrepresentationofCSEMPmonitoringresultspleaserefertotheNationalMarinePlaninteractive91ortheCSEMPassessmentresultspage httpswwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsemp

87BritishOceanographicDataCentre201488BritishOceanographicDataCentre201489BritishOceanographicDataCentre201490BritishOceanographicDataCentre201491MarineScotland2016a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

52

ConcentrationsofcontaminantsintheClydeweredescribedina2009studyaslsquogenerally at levels such that there is an unacceptable risk of chronic effects occurring in marine species This is mainly due to historic industrial inputs However downward trends were detected for Pb and PAHs in Clyde sediment indicating that the implementation of relevant regulations is beginning to have a positive environmental impactrsquo92ItisworthnotingthatdredginganddisposalareregulatedactivitieswithintheCMRandthatdisposalinmarinewaterswillonlybelicensedbyMarineScotlandifitcanbedemonstratedthatthereisnounacceptablerisktoaquaticlife

Biological effects of hazardous substancesScotlandrsquosMarineAtlashighlightsseveralexamplesofbiologicaleffectsonlivingmarineorganismsTheseincludeimposex(adisorderwhichcausesfemalestodevelopmalereproductiveorgans)indogwhelkswhichiscausedbyexposuretothechemicalTBTananti-foulingpaintusedonboatsandshipssincethe1970sThishasshownasignificantdownwardtrendreducingtobackgroundlevelsinsomeareassincethebanontheuseofTBTinpaintsusedonbothcommercialandrecreationalvehicles93

Imposex resultsbull MeasurementswerebelowEACatallsites(15

weresampled)AtBallantraeresultswerebelowBACMeasurementsatLochRyanwereaboveEAC

EROD resultsTheenzyme7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase(EROD)isexpressedinfishliverswhencertaincontaminantsaremetabolisedMeasuringthiscanshowwhetherorganismsarebeingexposedtocontaminantsthroughthefoodtheyeatbull ERODwastestedforinfemaleflounderdab

andplaiceat6monitoringsitesThereisnoassessmentcriteriaavailableforsomespeciesandfordabatHolyLochconcentrationswerebelowBAC

bull ResultsinmalesacrossthesamespecieswereallaboveBACatallsitesagainexceptfordabatHolyLochwhichwasbelowBAC

Geneticanalysisofmusselshasrevealedtheextentofadaptivestressresponsetocontaminants94FoodStandardsScotlandmanagestheOfficialControlschemicalcontaminantsmonitoringprogrammewherebyshellfishfromClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHA)areanalysedforhazardoussubstancestoensuretheyaresafeforconsumption95FormoreinformationonCSHAsseeChapter43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

92Websteret al201093Baxteret al201194Baxteret al201195FoodStandardsScotland2015b

StarfishcopySUESCOTTSNHMNCR

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

53

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES96

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

ThepresenceofhazardoussubstancesinseabedsedimentcancausechroniceffectsonlivingmarineorganismsThiscanimpactnegativelyoncommunitystructuresandinturnimpactonfoodwebsandchainsHazardoussubstancescanalsohaveageneticeffectanddisrupthormonesoforganismsaffectingtheircapacitytoreproduceManyhazardoussubstancesinbiotaareabovetheECfoodlimitintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthWherelevelsofhazardoussubstancesexceedsetlimitsintheCMRbivalveshellfisharenotconsideredfitforhumanconsumption

Regulating Wasteprocessinganddetoxification

Hazardoussubstancescanaffecttheecosystemrsquosabilitytoprovidewaterpurificationservicesandcanlimitthecapacityforprovisioningandculturalservicestobeprovided

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinesedimentcanactasasinkforhazardoussubstanceswherethesesubstancescanthendetoxifyanddegradeovertimeThereareconcernsthatcertainpartsoftheClydeestuaryandinnerFirthhavebeenhistoricallyoverloadedwithcontaminantsandthatthiswillimpacttheabilityofthesedimentstoperformthisessentialecosystemservice

96UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

54

IntroductionHarmfultoxinsandmicroorganismscanbecomeconcentratedinshellfishfleshandareharmfultohumansonceconsumedTheseincludeEscherichia coli(bacteriarelatedtofaecalcontamination)phytoplanktonandtoxinsproducedbyphytoplanktonincludingparalyticshellfishpoisoningtoxinsamnesicshellfishpoisoningtoxinsandlipophilicshellfishtoxinsandchemicalcontaminants97TherearetwolevelsofprotectiontopublichealthShellfishWaterProtectedAreas(SWPAs)andClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)

Shellfish Water Protected AreasThedesignationorder(ThewaterEnvironment(ShellfishWaterProtectedAreasDesignation)(Scotland)Order2013)identifiesthe84areasaroundScotlandasShellfishWaterProtectedAreasTheshellfishgrowingwaterareasareprotectedandwherenecessaryimprovedbyapackageofmeasuresintegratedwiththeriverbasinmanagementprocess98

TheseareashavebeendesignatedbyScottishGovernmentbasedontheexistingShellfishGrowingWaters(whichwerecreatedundertheShellfish

WatersDirectivewhichwasmanagedbySEPAandrepealedin2013)andattemptedtooverlapwiththeexistingCSHAs(whicharemanagedbyFoodStandardsScotlandformerlyFoodStandardsAgencyScotland)whilealsotakingintoconsiderationpotentialgrowthoftheindustryTheseareasarereviewedeverysixyearsTherearesixSWPAswithintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)accountingfor7ofalltheSWPAsinScotlandandtheyincludeFairlieKylesofButeLamlashLochLongLochStrivenandLochFyne99 TheseareshowninMap11Thislegislationdoesnotpreventsitesbeingdevelopedinzonesoutsideofthedesignatedareas

SWPAsareclassifiedaslsquogoodrsquolsquofairrsquoorlsquoinsufficientrsquoaccordingtotheamountofE ColipresentinshellfishsamplestakenfromSWPAs100TheobjectiveundertheSWPADesignationisfortheSWPArsquostoreachlsquogoodrsquoresultshighlightedonSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubshowthatnoneoftheSWPAsintheCMRhavereachedtargetobjectiveAllwereclassifiedaslsquofairrsquofrom2011-2014exceptLochLongwhichwasclassifiedaslsquoinsufficientrsquoforthatperiod

SEPAhassetatimelinefortheSWPAstoreachtargetobjectiveorlsquogoodrsquoby2027exceptforFairlieSWPAwherethetargetis2021SEPAgivesthereasonforthefailurestomeettheobjectiveasdiffusepollutionfromaruralsourceaffectingwaterqualityThetargetobjectiveatFairlieSWPAwillbemetthroughprioritycatchmentactionLochFyneLochLongLamlashandLochStrivenprotectedareaswillbeaddressedbyfocussedareaactionbypublicbodiesandlandmanagersworkingtogetherItisstilltobedeterminedhowtoaddressthestatusoftheprotectedareaatKylesofBute101AsthisinformationbecomesknownitwillbeaddedtoSEPArsquosWaterEnvironmentHub wwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubriverbasindistrict=Scotland

Figure 46 Oyster farming

copyJOHNCHARITYSNH

97FoodStandardsScotland2015b98TheScottishGovernment2016d99TheScottishGovernment2016e100TheScotlandRiverBasinDistrict(QualityofShellfishWaterProtectedAreas)(Scotland)Directions2015101DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction

43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubFoodStandardsScotlandwwwfoodstandardsgovscotfood-safety-standardsadvice-business-and-industryshellfishScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallyfewconcernsandnotrendbutwithsomelocalconcernsrsquoRegionalassessmentconsidersmorerecentSWPAdesignationandstatus

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

55

Classified Shellfish Harvesting AreasFoodStandardsScotland(FSS)classifiesandmonitorsClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)asafoodhygienecontrolmeasuretoprotectpublichealthInthisprocessshellfishharvestersapplytotheirLocalAuthoritytohaveasiteclassifiedforharvestingHoweverCSHAsdonotalwaysliewithindesignatedSWPAsSamplesfromCSHAsaremonitoredforbiotoxinsandE colipresenceofeitherwouldresultinaninterventiontoensurethatasafeproductreachestheconsumermarketDependingontheamountofE colifoundtheFSSprovidesanumberofdifferentoptionstoaharvesterndasheithersubmittingshellfishproductto

102FoodStandardsScotland2015b103FoodStandardsScotland2015b104Baxteret al2011

purificationorheattreatmentcookingofshellfishproductbyanapprovedmethodWhenlevelsreachover46000E coli100goffleshharvestingisnotpermitted102Table44showstheactiontakendependingonthelevelofE colifoundinsamplesDiscoveryofbiotoxinsinharvestingareasismorereactiveandresultsinatemporaryclosureofsitesuntilbiotoxinlevelsreturntonormal103MoreinformationonbiotoxinmonitoringisavailableinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas104

TheFSSclassificationfor2015-2016identifies20shellfishharvestingareaswithintheCMRAllweregivenaclassificationratingofAorBapartfromtheCampbeltownLochproductionareawhichwasgivenaclassificationratingofCfortheperiodJune-OctoberTwositesStevensonSandsRazors

CATEGORY RESULT ACTION

A Lessthanorequalto230Ecoli100goftheflesh Maygodirectlyforhumanconsumptionifendproductstandardmet

B Notexceeding4600Ecoli100goftheflesh

MustbesubjecttopurificationrelayinginClassAarea(tomeetCategoryArequirements)orcookedbyanapprovedmethod

C Notexceeding46000Ecoli100goftheflesh

Mustbesubjecttorelayingforaperiodofatleast2monthsorcookedbyanapprovedmethod

Above46000Ecoli100goftheflesh Harvestingnotpermitted

Table 44 Shellfish Harvesting Area classification (Food Standards Scotland) categories and permitted levels of Ecoli100g flesh and required treatments

Map 11 Shellfish Water Protected Areas in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

56

NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 4: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

46

68ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyF69DuetoimprovementsindatacollectionandreviewsofclassificationmethodsstandardsformeasuringthestatusofawaterbodychangefromyeartoyearAsaresultthetablemayindicatethatwaterbodieshavedegradedinclassificationThismaynotnecessarilybeduetofailuretopreventdeteriorationinsuchwaterbodiesbutasaresultofclassificationstandardsbecomingstricterthisisindicatedwhereitisthecasePressuresalsochangefromyeartoyearbasedonupdatedinformation

Table 41 Classification status of transitional and coastal water bodies in the Clyde Marine Region from 2008-2014 and the pressures (2014) affecting these water bodies6869

WATER BODY TYPE

SUB BASIN WATER BODY 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

TRAN

SITI

ON

AL

CLYD

E

AyrEstuary GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP

BallantraeLagoonNorth High High High High High High High HighBallantraeLagoonSouth High High High High High High High HighClydeEstuaryndashInner (inclCart)

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ClydeEstuaryndashOuter ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

ModerateEcP

GareLoch Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodGirvanEstuary GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP GoodEcP

GarnockIrvineEstuary Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

StincharEstuary High High High High High Good Good Good

COAS

TAL

CLYD

E

AyrBay Good Good High High High Good Good GoodBallantrae Good Good High High High Good Good GoodCulzean Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodEastArran Moderate Good Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodFirthofClydeinner-DunoonandWemyssBay

Good Good Good Good Moderate Moderate Good Good

FirthofClydeinnerCumbraes Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good Good

FirthofClydeMiddle(offshore) Moderate Good Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good

FirthofClydeOuter(offshore) Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good

Girvan Good Good High High High Good Good GoodHolyLoch Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodIrvineBay Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate ModerateKylesofBute Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good Good GoodLargsChannel (FairlieRoads) Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

LochGoil Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodLochStriven Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodRothesay Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodSeamillandArdrossan Moderate Good Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodSoundofBute Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate GoodSouthArran Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good GoodLochLongNorth Good Good Good Good Good Moderate Moderate GoodLochLongSouth Good Good Good Good Good Moderate Moderate GoodLochRiddon Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good

ARGY

LL A

ND

LOCH

ABER

CampbeltownLoch Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good HighKilbrannanSound Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good GoodLochFyneMiddle Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodLochFyneOuter Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodLochFyneUpper Good Good Good Good Good Good Good GoodMullofKintyrendash SouthEast Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Good Good Good Good

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

47

Table 42 Pressures on water bodies classified at less than Good status NBPressuresrelatedtothe2014classificationarenotedhereasthepressuresrelatedtothe2015classificationswerenotavailableattimeofwriting

WATER BODY STATUS PRESSURES (2014)70

ClydeEstuary-Inner(inclCart) ModerateEcP

bull Pointsourcedischargesfromwastewater(sewage)disposaltobedealtwith2021-2027

bull Unknownpressureonwaterqualitytobedealtwith2015-2021

ClydeEstuary-Outer ModerateEcP

bull ModificationstobedbanksandshoresasaresultoflandusesandnavigationThiswillbeaddressedfrom2021-27throughpartnershipworkbySEPAotherpublicbodiesvoluntaryorganisationsandlandmanagers

IrvineBay Moderatebull ModificationstobedbanksandshoresasaresultoflandusesandnavigationSEPAhavephasedcompletionoftheworktoimprovethephysicalconditionofthewaterbodyfor2021-2027

70ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi71UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

WhenawaterbodyshowsadowngradeinclassificationthiscouldbeduetothereviewofthemethodologyusedinclassificationratherthananyactualenvironmentalchangeThisisthecaseforStincharEstuarywhenthestatusofthewaterbodywentfromHighin2012toGoodin2013andthiswasduetothefactthatin2013theclassificationassessmentstartedtoconsiderfishintransitionalwatersFortheclassificationtoachieveHighstatusfishfaunahastohaveecologicalelements(suchasspeciescompositionabundancepresenceofindicatorspeciesnumberoftaxaandnumberofestuarineresidenttaxa)consistentwithundisturbedconditionsThetoolusedtoaccessthefishelement

(andalsootherelements)inwaterbodiesshowswhentherearepressuresaffectinganelementbutitisnotknownatthistimewhatthosepressuresmaybe

OneoftheobjectivesoftheWFDisforwaterbodiestoattainGEcSandGEcPSEPAisresponsibleforworkingwithpartnerstosetoutmeasurestodealwiththepressuresaffectingwaterbodiesThisisacollaborativeprocessassometimesimprovingmeasuresaretheresponsibilityofexternalauthoritiessuchasScottishWaterorcanonlybeachievedthroughpartnershipworkwithvariousstakeholdersOverallSEPAseekstomakesustainableimprovementswherepossible

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES71

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PoorwaterqualitycouldimpactonthesystemrsquosabilitytoprovidefoodthatissafetoeatHealthyhabitatssupportafunctioningecosystemandstocksofcommerciallyimportantspeciesthroughprovisionofspawningandnurseryareas

Regulating Wasteprocessingandassimilation

EnhancingthecapacityfortheecosystemtoprovidewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationserviceswillensurethatprovisioningandculturalservicescanbeprovidedSomepartsoftheCMRareimpactedbywastewaterandpollutionLocalcontaminationcanexceedthecapacityinparticularofanestuarineecosystemtoremediateorassimilateit

CulturalRecreationalactivitiesandsenseofplace

CleanandsafewaterisessentialforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsImprovementintheconditionofwaterbodiescanpotentiallyleadtoincreasedbiodiversityandproductivityresultinginagreatersenseofplaceandincreasingaplacersquoseducationalandinspirationalcapacity

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

SupportingservicesunderpintheprovisionofotherservicesCoastalandtransitionalwaterbodiesintheCMRsupportprimaryproductionnutrientcyclingandphotosynthesisNutrientprocessinginsedimentsdependsoninvertebratesdisturbingandirrigatingthesedimentandisfundamentaltothesurvivalofothermarineorganismsWheresupportingecosystemservicesarefunctioningfullytheysupportstocksofcommerciallyimportantspeciesImprovingtheecologicalandchemicalclassificationofthesewaterbodies(includingsediments)willoptimisethesesupportingservicesandhelpimproveoverallecosystemresilience

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

48

industrialfuelcombustionPAHsareknowntobemutagenicandcarcinogenic

Polychlorinatedbiphenylhydrocarbons(PCBs)werewidelyusedintransformerscapacitorshydraulicfluidsandasplasticisersinpaintsplasticsandsealantsandcancauseendocrinedisruptionimmunosuppressionandVitaminAdeficiencyProductioninWesternEuropeceasedinthe1970sbutcontinuedinclosedsystemsintheUKuntil1986

Polybrominateddiphenylethers(PBDEs)areanorganobrominecompoundandwereusedintheproductionofflameretardantsThesewerehistoricallyreleasedintotheenvironmentduringmanufacturingandthroughatmospherictransportationTheycontinuetoleakfromtreatedmaterialsthrougheverydayuseofhouseholdproductsWhileeffectsonhumansarenotknownanimalstudiesshowthattheyareendocrinedisruptorsandcanaffectthecentralnervoussystemandthebrain73Althoughheavymetalscanbefoundnaturallyintheenvironmentatlowlevelsatelevatedlevelscadmiumforexamplehaslongtermeffectsonhealthandmercuryishighlytoxic74

Tri-Butyl-Tin(TBT)wasextensivelyusedinthepasttoprotecthullsfromfoulingbutcauseddamagetomanyspeciesinthemarineenvironmentitsusewasphasedoutforboatsunder25mfrom1988andthenforallboatsandshipsby2008

Historic legacy of hazardous substances in the Clyde Marine RegionHazardoussubstancesarefoundinhighconcentrationsintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)duetotheClydersquosindustrialhistoryandlargepopulationHigherconcentrationsofcontaminantsareusuallyfoundinestuariesratherthanontheopencoastFurthermoreClydesiteshaveagreaterpotentialtoaccumulatecontaminantsduetothehydrophobicnatureofPCBsandPAHsThismeanstheyaccumulateinsedimentandaccumulatemorereadilyinsedimenttypeswhichhaveahighorganiccontentandsmallerparticlesize(largersurfacevolumeratio)sohigherlevelscanbefoundinmuddyratherthansandysediments75(SeeChapter53ShallowandShelfSubtidalSedimentsforamapofsedimenttypesintheCMR)

IntermsofhistoricinputstherearethreeareasintheCMRwhichareknownpointsourcesthesewagesludgedumpsiteatGarrochHeadthedredgespoildumpsiteatClochpointandtheformernavalbaseatHolyLochAllarelocatedintheinnerFirthAnnually1500000tonnesofsewagesludge(industrialanddomesticwaste)fromthegreaterGlasgowareawasdumpedatGarrochheadfrom1904-1998resultinginahighlyconcentratedareaofcontaminationThiswasstoppedaspartoftheUKrsquosobligationundertheECUrbanWasteWaterTreatmentDirective(seeChapter610WasteWaterTreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)

72Websteret al201073Websteret al201074Websteret al201075Websteretal2005

IntroductionHazardoussubstancesaretoxicsubstancesmetalsandchemicalswhichaccumulateintheenvironmentandinorganismsandhaveanegativeimpactonthemHazardoussubstancescanbioaccumulate(gradualbuild-upofsubstancesinanorganismovertime)andarebiomagnified(pollutantsbecomeconcentratedinorganismsastheymoveupfoodchainsandwebs)72 Specificbiologicaleffectsarediscussedfurtheroninthischapter

Types of hazardous substancesPolycyclicaromatichydrocarbons(PAHs)arewidespreadpollutantswhichenterthemarineenvironmentthroughatmosphericdepositionroadrun-offandindustrialdischargesCaremissionscontributemorethan50ofPAHinputstotheatmosphereand28arefromresidentialand

Clyde estuary and inner Firth

Other Lochs and Outer Firth

42Hazardoussubstancesandtheirbiologicaleffects

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCECleanSafeSeasEnvironmentalMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)data wwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempMarineScotlandScienceRegionalAssessmentofHazardousSubstancesinCoastalandOffshoreMarineEnvironments1999-2009marinedatascotlandgovukdatasetregional-assessment-hazardous-substances-coastal-and-offshore-marine-environments-1999-2009ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallysomeconcernsbutimprovingwithmanylocalconcernsrsquoRegionalscoringisconsistentwiththis

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

49

OrganicenrichmentofthesedimentfromthesludgehascausedlevelsofheavymetalsPCBsandPAHstobecomeelevated(duetosedimenttypeswithhigherorganiccontenthavingagreaterpotentialtoaccumulatethesepollutants)ConcentrationsoforganiccompoundsremainhighintheseareasinbothbiotaandsedimentfollowingthecessationofdumpingAstudypublishedin2005foundthatPCBconcentrationswerenotfoundtohavedecreasedsignificantlysincedumpingceasedin1998HowevertheywerelesspersistentinplaiceliversampledfromGarrochHeadafterdumpinghadceased76

HolyLochwasusedasaUnitedStatesNavySubmarinebasefrom196177untilclosureofthisbasein199278VideosurveysofthesitefollowingclosureshowedalargeamountofdebrisontheseabedndashmainlyscrapmetalfurnitureelectricalequipmentandsmallvesselsTheMinistryofDefenceledaworkinggroupandSEPAcarriedoutastudytoanalysecontaminantsinthesediment

andinmusselstoexaminethepotentialforbioaccumulationinthelochSamplesofsedimentweretakenfromseveralsitesaroundthelochandelevatedlevelsofheavymetalsandPCBswerefoundatdepthsof5-10cmsuggestingthatcontaminationhadbeenhigherinthepastThecontaminationofPCBsandsomesomemetalswasdescribedaslsquoseverebutlocalisedrsquoBodyburdensinmusselsforPCBsandheavymetalsexaminedbeforeandafterdebriswereremoved(whichmayhavecausedthereleaseofsediment-boundcontaminants)showednosignificantchangesinconcentrations79

NaturalandanthropogenicactivitiescarriedoutinthemarineenvironmenthavethepotentialtoremobilisecontaminatedsedimentsandreleasecontaminantsfromsedimentsintothewatercolumnDesorptionratesandtimesdependonthetypeofcontaminantsizeofsedimentparticlesandenvironmentalfactorssuchasexposuretooxygen80

CreelboatcopyPETERSANDGROUND

76Websteret al200577Baxter201178Milleret al200079Milleret al200080EggletonandThomas2004

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

50

Regulating and monitoring hazardous substancesSomecontaminantscannotbephysicallyremovedoncetheyhaveenteredasystemsomecanonlyreducebydegradingorbecomingmoredispersedovertime81RegularmonitoringensuresthatconcentrationsdonotposearisktohumanhealthandwheretheydoactioncanbetakenThereispotentialtouseshellfishmacroalgaeseagrassandsaltmarshtobio-remediateenvironmentswithexcesschemicals82

Mosteffectsfelttodayareduetohistoricinputsandthepersistentandsemi-volatilecharacterofsomecontaminantsmeaningthattheyarestillpresentintheenvironmentInthemarineenvironmentmanyareconsideredubiquitouspartlyduetotheirwideusageabilitytotravellong-rangesthroughatmospherictransportationandrunofffromlandItisacknowledgedthatthemarineenvironmentactsasasinkforcontaminantsIncreasingknowledgeandawarenessoftheharmfuleffectofsuchchemicalsovertimehasledtotheirproductionbeingstoppedandtheirusebanned83

TheStockholmConventionenteredintoforcein2004andisaglobaltreatydesignedtoprotecthumanhealthbyeliminating12ofthemostharmfulpersistentorganicpollutants(POPsndashorganicchemicals)fromtheenvironmentItalsoworkstowardssupportingthetransitiontosaferalternativestargetingadditionalPOPsforactionandcleaningupstockpiles84

DescriptorseightandnineoftheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)seektoensurethatconcentrationsofcontaminantscausenoeffectandcontaminantsinseafoodarebelowsafelevelsinordertoachieveGoodEnvironmentalStatus(GEnvS)OSPAR(themechanismbywhich15GovernmentsandtheEUcooperatetoprotectthemarineenvironmentoftheNorth-EastAtlanticnamedfortheOsloandParisconventions)monitorssubstanceswhichmaybeofpossibleconcernandhasdevelopedastrategytopreventfurtherpollutionoftheOSPARCommissionmaritimeareaThisstrategyaimstoreducedischargesofhazardoussubstanceswiththeoverallobjectiveofensuringconcentrationsarenearbackgroundvaluesfornaturallyoccurringsubstancesandclosetozeroforman-madesyntheticsubstancesinthemarineenvironment

TheWaterFrameworkDirective(2000)(seeChapter41formoreinformationontheWFDclassificationofwaterbodiesintheCMR)setsoutstrategiesagainstpollutioninwateroutliningstepstobetakenandproducingafirstlistofprioritysubstanceswhichposeathreattotheaquaticenvironmentThiswasupdatedwiththeWFD

daughterdirectivendashtheDirectiveonEnvironmentalQualityStandards(2008)alsoknownasthePrioritySubstancesDirectiveThissetsenvironmentalqualitystandardsforsubstancesinriverlakescoastalandtransitionalwaters

ThemainmonitoringprogrammeintheUKistheUKCleanSeasEnvironmentMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)ThisprogrammefulfilsthemonitoringrequirementssetbyOSPARandEUdirectivesacrosstheUKandhasbeenestablishedunderadvicefromtheInternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea(ICES)85MonitoringforthisprogrammeinScotlandiscarriedoutincooperationbetweenMarineScotlandandScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)AsthecentralprogrammeexaminingcontaminantstheCESMPprovidesspatialandsometemporaldatawhenavailableformonitoringconductedacrosstheCMR

UK Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme resultsCSEMPassessmentresultsdiscussedbelowareavailabletoviewfromthiswebsitewwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempwheretheyaremappedandmoredetailsareavailableforspecificcontaminantsacrossallsitesTheyarealsoavailabletoviewonNMPimarinescotlandatkinsgeospatialcomnmpi

Monitoringforhazardoussubstancesiscarriedoutacross34sitesintheClydeMarineRegionforsedimentsAdditionallymonitoringforhazardoussubstancesandforbiologicaleffects(suchasimposex)inbiotaiscarriedoutacross32sitesandin5speciesndashEuropeanplaice(Pleuronectes platessa)Europeanflounder(Platichthys flesus)dogwhelk(Nucella lapillus)bluemussel(Mytilus edulis)andcommondab(Limanda limanda)DependingonhowlongasitehasbeenmonitoredtrendscanbedeterminedThefollowingassessmentcriteriaareusedbull BackgroundAssessmentConcentration(BAC)

MeanconcentrationssignificantlybelowtheBACaresaidtobenearbackgroundconcentrationsofacontaminantatapristineorremotesiretobeconsideredofnoconcern86

bull EnvironmentalAssessmentCriteria(EAC)ConcentrationsaboveEACcancauseadverseeffectsonmarinelife

bull EffectsRangeLow(ERL)ConcentrationsbelowtheERLrarelycauseadverseeffectsinmarineorganisms

bull InassessinghazardoussubstancesinbiotaEuropeanCommissionfoodstandard(EC)is

81Websteret al201082MarineMaritimeOrganisation83Websteret al201084SecreteriatoftheStockholdConventionhttpchmpopsintdefaultaspx85Websteret al201086Baxteret al2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

51

alsousedwhenEACsarenotavailableECsarethemaximumacceptableconcentrationsinfoodfortheprotectionofpublichealth87

ForalkylatedPAHsandorganobrominesinsedimentandinorganibrominesinbiotanoassessmentcriteriahasbeendevelopedsonoindicationofcontaminationlevelsisgivenbutwherepossibleatrendis88

Assessment of sedimentsOveralltheassessmentforhazardoussubstancesinsedimentsintheCMRshowedthatthereisahighproportionofresultswhichareaboveERL(couldcauseadverseeffectsonmarineorganisms)atmonitoringstationsintheinnerFirthcomparedtoothersitesintheCMRHoweveracrosstheCMRthechlorobiphenyscongenerCB118wasshowntobeaboveEACat23outof29monitoringstationsandoneparticularPAHBenzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof34monitoringsitesMoredetailsoftheassessmentareprovidedbelowOfallthemonitoringsitesNorthofAilsaCraigshowedaconsistentpictureofconcentrationsdecreasingover10yearsacrossallhazardoussubstancesmeasured29ofthe46hadadownwardtrend89

Metalsbull AllmonitoringsitesintheCMRhavelevelsof

chromiumwhichareaboveERLexceptforatPladda(offthesouthofArran)whichwasbelowERL TherearenoresultsformonitoringofmetalsatGarrochhead

bull LeadwasaboveERLat12outof17monitoringsitesbull ZincwasaboveERLat9outof17siteswithan

upwardtrend(concentrationsgoingupinthelast10years)indicatedat2sitesoffClochpointandatLunderstonBay

bull Anupwardtrend(concentrationsincreasing)wasalsoseenoffClochpointandatLunderstonBayforarsenicallsitesintheinnerFirthwereaboveBACforarsenic

bull MetalsacrossallinnerFirthsiteswereassessedataboveERLorBACexceptforcadmiumwhichwasbelowBACorERLatallsites

PCBs bull MajorityofsiteswerebelowBACorEACforallPCBs

exceptforCB118whichwasaboveEACat23outof29sites

PAH (parents) bull ResultsweremixedforPAH(parents)intheinner

Firthanumberofmonitoringsitesacrossarange ofcontaminantsinthisgroupwereaboveERL

bull Benzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof 34monitoringsites

Assessment of BiotaCSEMPmonitoringinbiotaincludessitesintheouterClydeestuarywhereasmonitoringinsedimentdoesnotIntheouterestuarythereareahighnumberofresultsaboveEAC(inPAHsandPCBs)orECfoodlimits(formetals)andBACinbiotacomparedtoothersitesacrosstheCMR90

Metals bull LeadwasabovetheECfoodlimitinbluemussels

atWoodhallandinFlounderatBowlingbull CadmiuminflounderwasabovetheECfoodlimit

atBowlingAtArdrossancadmiumwasbelowBACanddecreasinginthelast10yearsAtallothersitescadmiumwasbelowtheECfoodlimit

bull ZincwasaboveBACinbluemusselat13outof18monitoringsitesthroughouttheCMR

bull CopperwasaboveBACinbluemusselat9outof18monitoringsitesallofwhichwereintheClydeestuaryinnerFirthandLochsGoilRiddonandStriven

PCBsbull AhighnumberofresultsforPCBswereaboveEAC

oraboveBACintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthcomparedtotherestoftheCMR

bull CB105wasaboveBACall14sitesmonitoredacrosstheCMRAllspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretested

bull CB118wasaboveEACforallmonitoringsitesacrosstheCMR(allspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretestedacross24sites)exceptinbluemusselsatStronePointwhichwerebelowEAC

PAH (parents)bull PAH(parents)weremeasuredinbluemusselsand

weregenerallybelowEACacrossthemajorityofsites

bull AnexceptiontothisisChryseneandIdeno[123-cd]pyrenewhichwereaboveBACateverysitemonitored

bull Benzo[a]anthraceneandPyrenewereaboveEACinallsitesmonitoredintheinnerFirthandouterestuary

bull FluroanthenewasalsoaboveEACatallsitesmonitoredintheouterestuaryandinnerFirthaswellasatSeamillBoydstonLochStrivenLochGoilandattheLochRyanmonitoringsite(thelatterisoutwiththeCMR)

ForavisualrepresentationofCSEMPmonitoringresultspleaserefertotheNationalMarinePlaninteractive91ortheCSEMPassessmentresultspage httpswwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsemp

87BritishOceanographicDataCentre201488BritishOceanographicDataCentre201489BritishOceanographicDataCentre201490BritishOceanographicDataCentre201491MarineScotland2016a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

52

ConcentrationsofcontaminantsintheClydeweredescribedina2009studyaslsquogenerally at levels such that there is an unacceptable risk of chronic effects occurring in marine species This is mainly due to historic industrial inputs However downward trends were detected for Pb and PAHs in Clyde sediment indicating that the implementation of relevant regulations is beginning to have a positive environmental impactrsquo92ItisworthnotingthatdredginganddisposalareregulatedactivitieswithintheCMRandthatdisposalinmarinewaterswillonlybelicensedbyMarineScotlandifitcanbedemonstratedthatthereisnounacceptablerisktoaquaticlife

Biological effects of hazardous substancesScotlandrsquosMarineAtlashighlightsseveralexamplesofbiologicaleffectsonlivingmarineorganismsTheseincludeimposex(adisorderwhichcausesfemalestodevelopmalereproductiveorgans)indogwhelkswhichiscausedbyexposuretothechemicalTBTananti-foulingpaintusedonboatsandshipssincethe1970sThishasshownasignificantdownwardtrendreducingtobackgroundlevelsinsomeareassincethebanontheuseofTBTinpaintsusedonbothcommercialandrecreationalvehicles93

Imposex resultsbull MeasurementswerebelowEACatallsites(15

weresampled)AtBallantraeresultswerebelowBACMeasurementsatLochRyanwereaboveEAC

EROD resultsTheenzyme7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase(EROD)isexpressedinfishliverswhencertaincontaminantsaremetabolisedMeasuringthiscanshowwhetherorganismsarebeingexposedtocontaminantsthroughthefoodtheyeatbull ERODwastestedforinfemaleflounderdab

andplaiceat6monitoringsitesThereisnoassessmentcriteriaavailableforsomespeciesandfordabatHolyLochconcentrationswerebelowBAC

bull ResultsinmalesacrossthesamespecieswereallaboveBACatallsitesagainexceptfordabatHolyLochwhichwasbelowBAC

Geneticanalysisofmusselshasrevealedtheextentofadaptivestressresponsetocontaminants94FoodStandardsScotlandmanagestheOfficialControlschemicalcontaminantsmonitoringprogrammewherebyshellfishfromClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHA)areanalysedforhazardoussubstancestoensuretheyaresafeforconsumption95FormoreinformationonCSHAsseeChapter43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

92Websteret al201093Baxteret al201194Baxteret al201195FoodStandardsScotland2015b

StarfishcopySUESCOTTSNHMNCR

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

53

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES96

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

ThepresenceofhazardoussubstancesinseabedsedimentcancausechroniceffectsonlivingmarineorganismsThiscanimpactnegativelyoncommunitystructuresandinturnimpactonfoodwebsandchainsHazardoussubstancescanalsohaveageneticeffectanddisrupthormonesoforganismsaffectingtheircapacitytoreproduceManyhazardoussubstancesinbiotaareabovetheECfoodlimitintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthWherelevelsofhazardoussubstancesexceedsetlimitsintheCMRbivalveshellfisharenotconsideredfitforhumanconsumption

Regulating Wasteprocessinganddetoxification

Hazardoussubstancescanaffecttheecosystemrsquosabilitytoprovidewaterpurificationservicesandcanlimitthecapacityforprovisioningandculturalservicestobeprovided

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinesedimentcanactasasinkforhazardoussubstanceswherethesesubstancescanthendetoxifyanddegradeovertimeThereareconcernsthatcertainpartsoftheClydeestuaryandinnerFirthhavebeenhistoricallyoverloadedwithcontaminantsandthatthiswillimpacttheabilityofthesedimentstoperformthisessentialecosystemservice

96UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

54

IntroductionHarmfultoxinsandmicroorganismscanbecomeconcentratedinshellfishfleshandareharmfultohumansonceconsumedTheseincludeEscherichia coli(bacteriarelatedtofaecalcontamination)phytoplanktonandtoxinsproducedbyphytoplanktonincludingparalyticshellfishpoisoningtoxinsamnesicshellfishpoisoningtoxinsandlipophilicshellfishtoxinsandchemicalcontaminants97TherearetwolevelsofprotectiontopublichealthShellfishWaterProtectedAreas(SWPAs)andClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)

Shellfish Water Protected AreasThedesignationorder(ThewaterEnvironment(ShellfishWaterProtectedAreasDesignation)(Scotland)Order2013)identifiesthe84areasaroundScotlandasShellfishWaterProtectedAreasTheshellfishgrowingwaterareasareprotectedandwherenecessaryimprovedbyapackageofmeasuresintegratedwiththeriverbasinmanagementprocess98

TheseareashavebeendesignatedbyScottishGovernmentbasedontheexistingShellfishGrowingWaters(whichwerecreatedundertheShellfish

WatersDirectivewhichwasmanagedbySEPAandrepealedin2013)andattemptedtooverlapwiththeexistingCSHAs(whicharemanagedbyFoodStandardsScotlandformerlyFoodStandardsAgencyScotland)whilealsotakingintoconsiderationpotentialgrowthoftheindustryTheseareasarereviewedeverysixyearsTherearesixSWPAswithintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)accountingfor7ofalltheSWPAsinScotlandandtheyincludeFairlieKylesofButeLamlashLochLongLochStrivenandLochFyne99 TheseareshowninMap11Thislegislationdoesnotpreventsitesbeingdevelopedinzonesoutsideofthedesignatedareas

SWPAsareclassifiedaslsquogoodrsquolsquofairrsquoorlsquoinsufficientrsquoaccordingtotheamountofE ColipresentinshellfishsamplestakenfromSWPAs100TheobjectiveundertheSWPADesignationisfortheSWPArsquostoreachlsquogoodrsquoresultshighlightedonSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubshowthatnoneoftheSWPAsintheCMRhavereachedtargetobjectiveAllwereclassifiedaslsquofairrsquofrom2011-2014exceptLochLongwhichwasclassifiedaslsquoinsufficientrsquoforthatperiod

SEPAhassetatimelinefortheSWPAstoreachtargetobjectiveorlsquogoodrsquoby2027exceptforFairlieSWPAwherethetargetis2021SEPAgivesthereasonforthefailurestomeettheobjectiveasdiffusepollutionfromaruralsourceaffectingwaterqualityThetargetobjectiveatFairlieSWPAwillbemetthroughprioritycatchmentactionLochFyneLochLongLamlashandLochStrivenprotectedareaswillbeaddressedbyfocussedareaactionbypublicbodiesandlandmanagersworkingtogetherItisstilltobedeterminedhowtoaddressthestatusoftheprotectedareaatKylesofBute101AsthisinformationbecomesknownitwillbeaddedtoSEPArsquosWaterEnvironmentHub wwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubriverbasindistrict=Scotland

Figure 46 Oyster farming

copyJOHNCHARITYSNH

97FoodStandardsScotland2015b98TheScottishGovernment2016d99TheScottishGovernment2016e100TheScotlandRiverBasinDistrict(QualityofShellfishWaterProtectedAreas)(Scotland)Directions2015101DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction

43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubFoodStandardsScotlandwwwfoodstandardsgovscotfood-safety-standardsadvice-business-and-industryshellfishScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallyfewconcernsandnotrendbutwithsomelocalconcernsrsquoRegionalassessmentconsidersmorerecentSWPAdesignationandstatus

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

55

Classified Shellfish Harvesting AreasFoodStandardsScotland(FSS)classifiesandmonitorsClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)asafoodhygienecontrolmeasuretoprotectpublichealthInthisprocessshellfishharvestersapplytotheirLocalAuthoritytohaveasiteclassifiedforharvestingHoweverCSHAsdonotalwaysliewithindesignatedSWPAsSamplesfromCSHAsaremonitoredforbiotoxinsandE colipresenceofeitherwouldresultinaninterventiontoensurethatasafeproductreachestheconsumermarketDependingontheamountofE colifoundtheFSSprovidesanumberofdifferentoptionstoaharvesterndasheithersubmittingshellfishproductto

102FoodStandardsScotland2015b103FoodStandardsScotland2015b104Baxteret al2011

purificationorheattreatmentcookingofshellfishproductbyanapprovedmethodWhenlevelsreachover46000E coli100goffleshharvestingisnotpermitted102Table44showstheactiontakendependingonthelevelofE colifoundinsamplesDiscoveryofbiotoxinsinharvestingareasismorereactiveandresultsinatemporaryclosureofsitesuntilbiotoxinlevelsreturntonormal103MoreinformationonbiotoxinmonitoringisavailableinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas104

TheFSSclassificationfor2015-2016identifies20shellfishharvestingareaswithintheCMRAllweregivenaclassificationratingofAorBapartfromtheCampbeltownLochproductionareawhichwasgivenaclassificationratingofCfortheperiodJune-OctoberTwositesStevensonSandsRazors

CATEGORY RESULT ACTION

A Lessthanorequalto230Ecoli100goftheflesh Maygodirectlyforhumanconsumptionifendproductstandardmet

B Notexceeding4600Ecoli100goftheflesh

MustbesubjecttopurificationrelayinginClassAarea(tomeetCategoryArequirements)orcookedbyanapprovedmethod

C Notexceeding46000Ecoli100goftheflesh

Mustbesubjecttorelayingforaperiodofatleast2monthsorcookedbyanapprovedmethod

Above46000Ecoli100goftheflesh Harvestingnotpermitted

Table 44 Shellfish Harvesting Area classification (Food Standards Scotland) categories and permitted levels of Ecoli100g flesh and required treatments

Map 11 Shellfish Water Protected Areas in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

56

NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 5: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

47

Table 42 Pressures on water bodies classified at less than Good status NBPressuresrelatedtothe2014classificationarenotedhereasthepressuresrelatedtothe2015classificationswerenotavailableattimeofwriting

WATER BODY STATUS PRESSURES (2014)70

ClydeEstuary-Inner(inclCart) ModerateEcP

bull Pointsourcedischargesfromwastewater(sewage)disposaltobedealtwith2021-2027

bull Unknownpressureonwaterqualitytobedealtwith2015-2021

ClydeEstuary-Outer ModerateEcP

bull ModificationstobedbanksandshoresasaresultoflandusesandnavigationThiswillbeaddressedfrom2021-27throughpartnershipworkbySEPAotherpublicbodiesvoluntaryorganisationsandlandmanagers

IrvineBay Moderatebull ModificationstobedbanksandshoresasaresultoflandusesandnavigationSEPAhavephasedcompletionoftheworktoimprovethephysicalconditionofthewaterbodyfor2021-2027

70ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi71UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

WhenawaterbodyshowsadowngradeinclassificationthiscouldbeduetothereviewofthemethodologyusedinclassificationratherthananyactualenvironmentalchangeThisisthecaseforStincharEstuarywhenthestatusofthewaterbodywentfromHighin2012toGoodin2013andthiswasduetothefactthatin2013theclassificationassessmentstartedtoconsiderfishintransitionalwatersFortheclassificationtoachieveHighstatusfishfaunahastohaveecologicalelements(suchasspeciescompositionabundancepresenceofindicatorspeciesnumberoftaxaandnumberofestuarineresidenttaxa)consistentwithundisturbedconditionsThetoolusedtoaccessthefishelement

(andalsootherelements)inwaterbodiesshowswhentherearepressuresaffectinganelementbutitisnotknownatthistimewhatthosepressuresmaybe

OneoftheobjectivesoftheWFDisforwaterbodiestoattainGEcSandGEcPSEPAisresponsibleforworkingwithpartnerstosetoutmeasurestodealwiththepressuresaffectingwaterbodiesThisisacollaborativeprocessassometimesimprovingmeasuresaretheresponsibilityofexternalauthoritiessuchasScottishWaterorcanonlybeachievedthroughpartnershipworkwithvariousstakeholdersOverallSEPAseekstomakesustainableimprovementswherepossible

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES71

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PoorwaterqualitycouldimpactonthesystemrsquosabilitytoprovidefoodthatissafetoeatHealthyhabitatssupportafunctioningecosystemandstocksofcommerciallyimportantspeciesthroughprovisionofspawningandnurseryareas

Regulating Wasteprocessingandassimilation

EnhancingthecapacityfortheecosystemtoprovidewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationserviceswillensurethatprovisioningandculturalservicescanbeprovidedSomepartsoftheCMRareimpactedbywastewaterandpollutionLocalcontaminationcanexceedthecapacityinparticularofanestuarineecosystemtoremediateorassimilateit

CulturalRecreationalactivitiesandsenseofplace

CleanandsafewaterisessentialforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsImprovementintheconditionofwaterbodiescanpotentiallyleadtoincreasedbiodiversityandproductivityresultinginagreatersenseofplaceandincreasingaplacersquoseducationalandinspirationalcapacity

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

SupportingservicesunderpintheprovisionofotherservicesCoastalandtransitionalwaterbodiesintheCMRsupportprimaryproductionnutrientcyclingandphotosynthesisNutrientprocessinginsedimentsdependsoninvertebratesdisturbingandirrigatingthesedimentandisfundamentaltothesurvivalofothermarineorganismsWheresupportingecosystemservicesarefunctioningfullytheysupportstocksofcommerciallyimportantspeciesImprovingtheecologicalandchemicalclassificationofthesewaterbodies(includingsediments)willoptimisethesesupportingservicesandhelpimproveoverallecosystemresilience

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

48

industrialfuelcombustionPAHsareknowntobemutagenicandcarcinogenic

Polychlorinatedbiphenylhydrocarbons(PCBs)werewidelyusedintransformerscapacitorshydraulicfluidsandasplasticisersinpaintsplasticsandsealantsandcancauseendocrinedisruptionimmunosuppressionandVitaminAdeficiencyProductioninWesternEuropeceasedinthe1970sbutcontinuedinclosedsystemsintheUKuntil1986

Polybrominateddiphenylethers(PBDEs)areanorganobrominecompoundandwereusedintheproductionofflameretardantsThesewerehistoricallyreleasedintotheenvironmentduringmanufacturingandthroughatmospherictransportationTheycontinuetoleakfromtreatedmaterialsthrougheverydayuseofhouseholdproductsWhileeffectsonhumansarenotknownanimalstudiesshowthattheyareendocrinedisruptorsandcanaffectthecentralnervoussystemandthebrain73Althoughheavymetalscanbefoundnaturallyintheenvironmentatlowlevelsatelevatedlevelscadmiumforexamplehaslongtermeffectsonhealthandmercuryishighlytoxic74

Tri-Butyl-Tin(TBT)wasextensivelyusedinthepasttoprotecthullsfromfoulingbutcauseddamagetomanyspeciesinthemarineenvironmentitsusewasphasedoutforboatsunder25mfrom1988andthenforallboatsandshipsby2008

Historic legacy of hazardous substances in the Clyde Marine RegionHazardoussubstancesarefoundinhighconcentrationsintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)duetotheClydersquosindustrialhistoryandlargepopulationHigherconcentrationsofcontaminantsareusuallyfoundinestuariesratherthanontheopencoastFurthermoreClydesiteshaveagreaterpotentialtoaccumulatecontaminantsduetothehydrophobicnatureofPCBsandPAHsThismeanstheyaccumulateinsedimentandaccumulatemorereadilyinsedimenttypeswhichhaveahighorganiccontentandsmallerparticlesize(largersurfacevolumeratio)sohigherlevelscanbefoundinmuddyratherthansandysediments75(SeeChapter53ShallowandShelfSubtidalSedimentsforamapofsedimenttypesintheCMR)

IntermsofhistoricinputstherearethreeareasintheCMRwhichareknownpointsourcesthesewagesludgedumpsiteatGarrochHeadthedredgespoildumpsiteatClochpointandtheformernavalbaseatHolyLochAllarelocatedintheinnerFirthAnnually1500000tonnesofsewagesludge(industrialanddomesticwaste)fromthegreaterGlasgowareawasdumpedatGarrochheadfrom1904-1998resultinginahighlyconcentratedareaofcontaminationThiswasstoppedaspartoftheUKrsquosobligationundertheECUrbanWasteWaterTreatmentDirective(seeChapter610WasteWaterTreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)

72Websteret al201073Websteret al201074Websteret al201075Websteretal2005

IntroductionHazardoussubstancesaretoxicsubstancesmetalsandchemicalswhichaccumulateintheenvironmentandinorganismsandhaveanegativeimpactonthemHazardoussubstancescanbioaccumulate(gradualbuild-upofsubstancesinanorganismovertime)andarebiomagnified(pollutantsbecomeconcentratedinorganismsastheymoveupfoodchainsandwebs)72 Specificbiologicaleffectsarediscussedfurtheroninthischapter

Types of hazardous substancesPolycyclicaromatichydrocarbons(PAHs)arewidespreadpollutantswhichenterthemarineenvironmentthroughatmosphericdepositionroadrun-offandindustrialdischargesCaremissionscontributemorethan50ofPAHinputstotheatmosphereand28arefromresidentialand

Clyde estuary and inner Firth

Other Lochs and Outer Firth

42Hazardoussubstancesandtheirbiologicaleffects

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCECleanSafeSeasEnvironmentalMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)data wwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempMarineScotlandScienceRegionalAssessmentofHazardousSubstancesinCoastalandOffshoreMarineEnvironments1999-2009marinedatascotlandgovukdatasetregional-assessment-hazardous-substances-coastal-and-offshore-marine-environments-1999-2009ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallysomeconcernsbutimprovingwithmanylocalconcernsrsquoRegionalscoringisconsistentwiththis

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

49

OrganicenrichmentofthesedimentfromthesludgehascausedlevelsofheavymetalsPCBsandPAHstobecomeelevated(duetosedimenttypeswithhigherorganiccontenthavingagreaterpotentialtoaccumulatethesepollutants)ConcentrationsoforganiccompoundsremainhighintheseareasinbothbiotaandsedimentfollowingthecessationofdumpingAstudypublishedin2005foundthatPCBconcentrationswerenotfoundtohavedecreasedsignificantlysincedumpingceasedin1998HowevertheywerelesspersistentinplaiceliversampledfromGarrochHeadafterdumpinghadceased76

HolyLochwasusedasaUnitedStatesNavySubmarinebasefrom196177untilclosureofthisbasein199278VideosurveysofthesitefollowingclosureshowedalargeamountofdebrisontheseabedndashmainlyscrapmetalfurnitureelectricalequipmentandsmallvesselsTheMinistryofDefenceledaworkinggroupandSEPAcarriedoutastudytoanalysecontaminantsinthesediment

andinmusselstoexaminethepotentialforbioaccumulationinthelochSamplesofsedimentweretakenfromseveralsitesaroundthelochandelevatedlevelsofheavymetalsandPCBswerefoundatdepthsof5-10cmsuggestingthatcontaminationhadbeenhigherinthepastThecontaminationofPCBsandsomesomemetalswasdescribedaslsquoseverebutlocalisedrsquoBodyburdensinmusselsforPCBsandheavymetalsexaminedbeforeandafterdebriswereremoved(whichmayhavecausedthereleaseofsediment-boundcontaminants)showednosignificantchangesinconcentrations79

NaturalandanthropogenicactivitiescarriedoutinthemarineenvironmenthavethepotentialtoremobilisecontaminatedsedimentsandreleasecontaminantsfromsedimentsintothewatercolumnDesorptionratesandtimesdependonthetypeofcontaminantsizeofsedimentparticlesandenvironmentalfactorssuchasexposuretooxygen80

CreelboatcopyPETERSANDGROUND

76Websteret al200577Baxter201178Milleret al200079Milleret al200080EggletonandThomas2004

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

50

Regulating and monitoring hazardous substancesSomecontaminantscannotbephysicallyremovedoncetheyhaveenteredasystemsomecanonlyreducebydegradingorbecomingmoredispersedovertime81RegularmonitoringensuresthatconcentrationsdonotposearisktohumanhealthandwheretheydoactioncanbetakenThereispotentialtouseshellfishmacroalgaeseagrassandsaltmarshtobio-remediateenvironmentswithexcesschemicals82

Mosteffectsfelttodayareduetohistoricinputsandthepersistentandsemi-volatilecharacterofsomecontaminantsmeaningthattheyarestillpresentintheenvironmentInthemarineenvironmentmanyareconsideredubiquitouspartlyduetotheirwideusageabilitytotravellong-rangesthroughatmospherictransportationandrunofffromlandItisacknowledgedthatthemarineenvironmentactsasasinkforcontaminantsIncreasingknowledgeandawarenessoftheharmfuleffectofsuchchemicalsovertimehasledtotheirproductionbeingstoppedandtheirusebanned83

TheStockholmConventionenteredintoforcein2004andisaglobaltreatydesignedtoprotecthumanhealthbyeliminating12ofthemostharmfulpersistentorganicpollutants(POPsndashorganicchemicals)fromtheenvironmentItalsoworkstowardssupportingthetransitiontosaferalternativestargetingadditionalPOPsforactionandcleaningupstockpiles84

DescriptorseightandnineoftheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)seektoensurethatconcentrationsofcontaminantscausenoeffectandcontaminantsinseafoodarebelowsafelevelsinordertoachieveGoodEnvironmentalStatus(GEnvS)OSPAR(themechanismbywhich15GovernmentsandtheEUcooperatetoprotectthemarineenvironmentoftheNorth-EastAtlanticnamedfortheOsloandParisconventions)monitorssubstanceswhichmaybeofpossibleconcernandhasdevelopedastrategytopreventfurtherpollutionoftheOSPARCommissionmaritimeareaThisstrategyaimstoreducedischargesofhazardoussubstanceswiththeoverallobjectiveofensuringconcentrationsarenearbackgroundvaluesfornaturallyoccurringsubstancesandclosetozeroforman-madesyntheticsubstancesinthemarineenvironment

TheWaterFrameworkDirective(2000)(seeChapter41formoreinformationontheWFDclassificationofwaterbodiesintheCMR)setsoutstrategiesagainstpollutioninwateroutliningstepstobetakenandproducingafirstlistofprioritysubstanceswhichposeathreattotheaquaticenvironmentThiswasupdatedwiththeWFD

daughterdirectivendashtheDirectiveonEnvironmentalQualityStandards(2008)alsoknownasthePrioritySubstancesDirectiveThissetsenvironmentalqualitystandardsforsubstancesinriverlakescoastalandtransitionalwaters

ThemainmonitoringprogrammeintheUKistheUKCleanSeasEnvironmentMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)ThisprogrammefulfilsthemonitoringrequirementssetbyOSPARandEUdirectivesacrosstheUKandhasbeenestablishedunderadvicefromtheInternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea(ICES)85MonitoringforthisprogrammeinScotlandiscarriedoutincooperationbetweenMarineScotlandandScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)AsthecentralprogrammeexaminingcontaminantstheCESMPprovidesspatialandsometemporaldatawhenavailableformonitoringconductedacrosstheCMR

UK Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme resultsCSEMPassessmentresultsdiscussedbelowareavailabletoviewfromthiswebsitewwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempwheretheyaremappedandmoredetailsareavailableforspecificcontaminantsacrossallsitesTheyarealsoavailabletoviewonNMPimarinescotlandatkinsgeospatialcomnmpi

Monitoringforhazardoussubstancesiscarriedoutacross34sitesintheClydeMarineRegionforsedimentsAdditionallymonitoringforhazardoussubstancesandforbiologicaleffects(suchasimposex)inbiotaiscarriedoutacross32sitesandin5speciesndashEuropeanplaice(Pleuronectes platessa)Europeanflounder(Platichthys flesus)dogwhelk(Nucella lapillus)bluemussel(Mytilus edulis)andcommondab(Limanda limanda)DependingonhowlongasitehasbeenmonitoredtrendscanbedeterminedThefollowingassessmentcriteriaareusedbull BackgroundAssessmentConcentration(BAC)

MeanconcentrationssignificantlybelowtheBACaresaidtobenearbackgroundconcentrationsofacontaminantatapristineorremotesiretobeconsideredofnoconcern86

bull EnvironmentalAssessmentCriteria(EAC)ConcentrationsaboveEACcancauseadverseeffectsonmarinelife

bull EffectsRangeLow(ERL)ConcentrationsbelowtheERLrarelycauseadverseeffectsinmarineorganisms

bull InassessinghazardoussubstancesinbiotaEuropeanCommissionfoodstandard(EC)is

81Websteret al201082MarineMaritimeOrganisation83Websteret al201084SecreteriatoftheStockholdConventionhttpchmpopsintdefaultaspx85Websteret al201086Baxteret al2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

51

alsousedwhenEACsarenotavailableECsarethemaximumacceptableconcentrationsinfoodfortheprotectionofpublichealth87

ForalkylatedPAHsandorganobrominesinsedimentandinorganibrominesinbiotanoassessmentcriteriahasbeendevelopedsonoindicationofcontaminationlevelsisgivenbutwherepossibleatrendis88

Assessment of sedimentsOveralltheassessmentforhazardoussubstancesinsedimentsintheCMRshowedthatthereisahighproportionofresultswhichareaboveERL(couldcauseadverseeffectsonmarineorganisms)atmonitoringstationsintheinnerFirthcomparedtoothersitesintheCMRHoweveracrosstheCMRthechlorobiphenyscongenerCB118wasshowntobeaboveEACat23outof29monitoringstationsandoneparticularPAHBenzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof34monitoringsitesMoredetailsoftheassessmentareprovidedbelowOfallthemonitoringsitesNorthofAilsaCraigshowedaconsistentpictureofconcentrationsdecreasingover10yearsacrossallhazardoussubstancesmeasured29ofthe46hadadownwardtrend89

Metalsbull AllmonitoringsitesintheCMRhavelevelsof

chromiumwhichareaboveERLexceptforatPladda(offthesouthofArran)whichwasbelowERL TherearenoresultsformonitoringofmetalsatGarrochhead

bull LeadwasaboveERLat12outof17monitoringsitesbull ZincwasaboveERLat9outof17siteswithan

upwardtrend(concentrationsgoingupinthelast10years)indicatedat2sitesoffClochpointandatLunderstonBay

bull Anupwardtrend(concentrationsincreasing)wasalsoseenoffClochpointandatLunderstonBayforarsenicallsitesintheinnerFirthwereaboveBACforarsenic

bull MetalsacrossallinnerFirthsiteswereassessedataboveERLorBACexceptforcadmiumwhichwasbelowBACorERLatallsites

PCBs bull MajorityofsiteswerebelowBACorEACforallPCBs

exceptforCB118whichwasaboveEACat23outof29sites

PAH (parents) bull ResultsweremixedforPAH(parents)intheinner

Firthanumberofmonitoringsitesacrossarange ofcontaminantsinthisgroupwereaboveERL

bull Benzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof 34monitoringsites

Assessment of BiotaCSEMPmonitoringinbiotaincludessitesintheouterClydeestuarywhereasmonitoringinsedimentdoesnotIntheouterestuarythereareahighnumberofresultsaboveEAC(inPAHsandPCBs)orECfoodlimits(formetals)andBACinbiotacomparedtoothersitesacrosstheCMR90

Metals bull LeadwasabovetheECfoodlimitinbluemussels

atWoodhallandinFlounderatBowlingbull CadmiuminflounderwasabovetheECfoodlimit

atBowlingAtArdrossancadmiumwasbelowBACanddecreasinginthelast10yearsAtallothersitescadmiumwasbelowtheECfoodlimit

bull ZincwasaboveBACinbluemusselat13outof18monitoringsitesthroughouttheCMR

bull CopperwasaboveBACinbluemusselat9outof18monitoringsitesallofwhichwereintheClydeestuaryinnerFirthandLochsGoilRiddonandStriven

PCBsbull AhighnumberofresultsforPCBswereaboveEAC

oraboveBACintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthcomparedtotherestoftheCMR

bull CB105wasaboveBACall14sitesmonitoredacrosstheCMRAllspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretested

bull CB118wasaboveEACforallmonitoringsitesacrosstheCMR(allspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretestedacross24sites)exceptinbluemusselsatStronePointwhichwerebelowEAC

PAH (parents)bull PAH(parents)weremeasuredinbluemusselsand

weregenerallybelowEACacrossthemajorityofsites

bull AnexceptiontothisisChryseneandIdeno[123-cd]pyrenewhichwereaboveBACateverysitemonitored

bull Benzo[a]anthraceneandPyrenewereaboveEACinallsitesmonitoredintheinnerFirthandouterestuary

bull FluroanthenewasalsoaboveEACatallsitesmonitoredintheouterestuaryandinnerFirthaswellasatSeamillBoydstonLochStrivenLochGoilandattheLochRyanmonitoringsite(thelatterisoutwiththeCMR)

ForavisualrepresentationofCSEMPmonitoringresultspleaserefertotheNationalMarinePlaninteractive91ortheCSEMPassessmentresultspage httpswwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsemp

87BritishOceanographicDataCentre201488BritishOceanographicDataCentre201489BritishOceanographicDataCentre201490BritishOceanographicDataCentre201491MarineScotland2016a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

52

ConcentrationsofcontaminantsintheClydeweredescribedina2009studyaslsquogenerally at levels such that there is an unacceptable risk of chronic effects occurring in marine species This is mainly due to historic industrial inputs However downward trends were detected for Pb and PAHs in Clyde sediment indicating that the implementation of relevant regulations is beginning to have a positive environmental impactrsquo92ItisworthnotingthatdredginganddisposalareregulatedactivitieswithintheCMRandthatdisposalinmarinewaterswillonlybelicensedbyMarineScotlandifitcanbedemonstratedthatthereisnounacceptablerisktoaquaticlife

Biological effects of hazardous substancesScotlandrsquosMarineAtlashighlightsseveralexamplesofbiologicaleffectsonlivingmarineorganismsTheseincludeimposex(adisorderwhichcausesfemalestodevelopmalereproductiveorgans)indogwhelkswhichiscausedbyexposuretothechemicalTBTananti-foulingpaintusedonboatsandshipssincethe1970sThishasshownasignificantdownwardtrendreducingtobackgroundlevelsinsomeareassincethebanontheuseofTBTinpaintsusedonbothcommercialandrecreationalvehicles93

Imposex resultsbull MeasurementswerebelowEACatallsites(15

weresampled)AtBallantraeresultswerebelowBACMeasurementsatLochRyanwereaboveEAC

EROD resultsTheenzyme7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase(EROD)isexpressedinfishliverswhencertaincontaminantsaremetabolisedMeasuringthiscanshowwhetherorganismsarebeingexposedtocontaminantsthroughthefoodtheyeatbull ERODwastestedforinfemaleflounderdab

andplaiceat6monitoringsitesThereisnoassessmentcriteriaavailableforsomespeciesandfordabatHolyLochconcentrationswerebelowBAC

bull ResultsinmalesacrossthesamespecieswereallaboveBACatallsitesagainexceptfordabatHolyLochwhichwasbelowBAC

Geneticanalysisofmusselshasrevealedtheextentofadaptivestressresponsetocontaminants94FoodStandardsScotlandmanagestheOfficialControlschemicalcontaminantsmonitoringprogrammewherebyshellfishfromClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHA)areanalysedforhazardoussubstancestoensuretheyaresafeforconsumption95FormoreinformationonCSHAsseeChapter43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

92Websteret al201093Baxteret al201194Baxteret al201195FoodStandardsScotland2015b

StarfishcopySUESCOTTSNHMNCR

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

53

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES96

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

ThepresenceofhazardoussubstancesinseabedsedimentcancausechroniceffectsonlivingmarineorganismsThiscanimpactnegativelyoncommunitystructuresandinturnimpactonfoodwebsandchainsHazardoussubstancescanalsohaveageneticeffectanddisrupthormonesoforganismsaffectingtheircapacitytoreproduceManyhazardoussubstancesinbiotaareabovetheECfoodlimitintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthWherelevelsofhazardoussubstancesexceedsetlimitsintheCMRbivalveshellfisharenotconsideredfitforhumanconsumption

Regulating Wasteprocessinganddetoxification

Hazardoussubstancescanaffecttheecosystemrsquosabilitytoprovidewaterpurificationservicesandcanlimitthecapacityforprovisioningandculturalservicestobeprovided

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinesedimentcanactasasinkforhazardoussubstanceswherethesesubstancescanthendetoxifyanddegradeovertimeThereareconcernsthatcertainpartsoftheClydeestuaryandinnerFirthhavebeenhistoricallyoverloadedwithcontaminantsandthatthiswillimpacttheabilityofthesedimentstoperformthisessentialecosystemservice

96UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

54

IntroductionHarmfultoxinsandmicroorganismscanbecomeconcentratedinshellfishfleshandareharmfultohumansonceconsumedTheseincludeEscherichia coli(bacteriarelatedtofaecalcontamination)phytoplanktonandtoxinsproducedbyphytoplanktonincludingparalyticshellfishpoisoningtoxinsamnesicshellfishpoisoningtoxinsandlipophilicshellfishtoxinsandchemicalcontaminants97TherearetwolevelsofprotectiontopublichealthShellfishWaterProtectedAreas(SWPAs)andClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)

Shellfish Water Protected AreasThedesignationorder(ThewaterEnvironment(ShellfishWaterProtectedAreasDesignation)(Scotland)Order2013)identifiesthe84areasaroundScotlandasShellfishWaterProtectedAreasTheshellfishgrowingwaterareasareprotectedandwherenecessaryimprovedbyapackageofmeasuresintegratedwiththeriverbasinmanagementprocess98

TheseareashavebeendesignatedbyScottishGovernmentbasedontheexistingShellfishGrowingWaters(whichwerecreatedundertheShellfish

WatersDirectivewhichwasmanagedbySEPAandrepealedin2013)andattemptedtooverlapwiththeexistingCSHAs(whicharemanagedbyFoodStandardsScotlandformerlyFoodStandardsAgencyScotland)whilealsotakingintoconsiderationpotentialgrowthoftheindustryTheseareasarereviewedeverysixyearsTherearesixSWPAswithintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)accountingfor7ofalltheSWPAsinScotlandandtheyincludeFairlieKylesofButeLamlashLochLongLochStrivenandLochFyne99 TheseareshowninMap11Thislegislationdoesnotpreventsitesbeingdevelopedinzonesoutsideofthedesignatedareas

SWPAsareclassifiedaslsquogoodrsquolsquofairrsquoorlsquoinsufficientrsquoaccordingtotheamountofE ColipresentinshellfishsamplestakenfromSWPAs100TheobjectiveundertheSWPADesignationisfortheSWPArsquostoreachlsquogoodrsquoresultshighlightedonSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubshowthatnoneoftheSWPAsintheCMRhavereachedtargetobjectiveAllwereclassifiedaslsquofairrsquofrom2011-2014exceptLochLongwhichwasclassifiedaslsquoinsufficientrsquoforthatperiod

SEPAhassetatimelinefortheSWPAstoreachtargetobjectiveorlsquogoodrsquoby2027exceptforFairlieSWPAwherethetargetis2021SEPAgivesthereasonforthefailurestomeettheobjectiveasdiffusepollutionfromaruralsourceaffectingwaterqualityThetargetobjectiveatFairlieSWPAwillbemetthroughprioritycatchmentactionLochFyneLochLongLamlashandLochStrivenprotectedareaswillbeaddressedbyfocussedareaactionbypublicbodiesandlandmanagersworkingtogetherItisstilltobedeterminedhowtoaddressthestatusoftheprotectedareaatKylesofBute101AsthisinformationbecomesknownitwillbeaddedtoSEPArsquosWaterEnvironmentHub wwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubriverbasindistrict=Scotland

Figure 46 Oyster farming

copyJOHNCHARITYSNH

97FoodStandardsScotland2015b98TheScottishGovernment2016d99TheScottishGovernment2016e100TheScotlandRiverBasinDistrict(QualityofShellfishWaterProtectedAreas)(Scotland)Directions2015101DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction

43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubFoodStandardsScotlandwwwfoodstandardsgovscotfood-safety-standardsadvice-business-and-industryshellfishScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallyfewconcernsandnotrendbutwithsomelocalconcernsrsquoRegionalassessmentconsidersmorerecentSWPAdesignationandstatus

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

55

Classified Shellfish Harvesting AreasFoodStandardsScotland(FSS)classifiesandmonitorsClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)asafoodhygienecontrolmeasuretoprotectpublichealthInthisprocessshellfishharvestersapplytotheirLocalAuthoritytohaveasiteclassifiedforharvestingHoweverCSHAsdonotalwaysliewithindesignatedSWPAsSamplesfromCSHAsaremonitoredforbiotoxinsandE colipresenceofeitherwouldresultinaninterventiontoensurethatasafeproductreachestheconsumermarketDependingontheamountofE colifoundtheFSSprovidesanumberofdifferentoptionstoaharvesterndasheithersubmittingshellfishproductto

102FoodStandardsScotland2015b103FoodStandardsScotland2015b104Baxteret al2011

purificationorheattreatmentcookingofshellfishproductbyanapprovedmethodWhenlevelsreachover46000E coli100goffleshharvestingisnotpermitted102Table44showstheactiontakendependingonthelevelofE colifoundinsamplesDiscoveryofbiotoxinsinharvestingareasismorereactiveandresultsinatemporaryclosureofsitesuntilbiotoxinlevelsreturntonormal103MoreinformationonbiotoxinmonitoringisavailableinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas104

TheFSSclassificationfor2015-2016identifies20shellfishharvestingareaswithintheCMRAllweregivenaclassificationratingofAorBapartfromtheCampbeltownLochproductionareawhichwasgivenaclassificationratingofCfortheperiodJune-OctoberTwositesStevensonSandsRazors

CATEGORY RESULT ACTION

A Lessthanorequalto230Ecoli100goftheflesh Maygodirectlyforhumanconsumptionifendproductstandardmet

B Notexceeding4600Ecoli100goftheflesh

MustbesubjecttopurificationrelayinginClassAarea(tomeetCategoryArequirements)orcookedbyanapprovedmethod

C Notexceeding46000Ecoli100goftheflesh

Mustbesubjecttorelayingforaperiodofatleast2monthsorcookedbyanapprovedmethod

Above46000Ecoli100goftheflesh Harvestingnotpermitted

Table 44 Shellfish Harvesting Area classification (Food Standards Scotland) categories and permitted levels of Ecoli100g flesh and required treatments

Map 11 Shellfish Water Protected Areas in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

56

NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 6: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

48

industrialfuelcombustionPAHsareknowntobemutagenicandcarcinogenic

Polychlorinatedbiphenylhydrocarbons(PCBs)werewidelyusedintransformerscapacitorshydraulicfluidsandasplasticisersinpaintsplasticsandsealantsandcancauseendocrinedisruptionimmunosuppressionandVitaminAdeficiencyProductioninWesternEuropeceasedinthe1970sbutcontinuedinclosedsystemsintheUKuntil1986

Polybrominateddiphenylethers(PBDEs)areanorganobrominecompoundandwereusedintheproductionofflameretardantsThesewerehistoricallyreleasedintotheenvironmentduringmanufacturingandthroughatmospherictransportationTheycontinuetoleakfromtreatedmaterialsthrougheverydayuseofhouseholdproductsWhileeffectsonhumansarenotknownanimalstudiesshowthattheyareendocrinedisruptorsandcanaffectthecentralnervoussystemandthebrain73Althoughheavymetalscanbefoundnaturallyintheenvironmentatlowlevelsatelevatedlevelscadmiumforexamplehaslongtermeffectsonhealthandmercuryishighlytoxic74

Tri-Butyl-Tin(TBT)wasextensivelyusedinthepasttoprotecthullsfromfoulingbutcauseddamagetomanyspeciesinthemarineenvironmentitsusewasphasedoutforboatsunder25mfrom1988andthenforallboatsandshipsby2008

Historic legacy of hazardous substances in the Clyde Marine RegionHazardoussubstancesarefoundinhighconcentrationsintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)duetotheClydersquosindustrialhistoryandlargepopulationHigherconcentrationsofcontaminantsareusuallyfoundinestuariesratherthanontheopencoastFurthermoreClydesiteshaveagreaterpotentialtoaccumulatecontaminantsduetothehydrophobicnatureofPCBsandPAHsThismeanstheyaccumulateinsedimentandaccumulatemorereadilyinsedimenttypeswhichhaveahighorganiccontentandsmallerparticlesize(largersurfacevolumeratio)sohigherlevelscanbefoundinmuddyratherthansandysediments75(SeeChapter53ShallowandShelfSubtidalSedimentsforamapofsedimenttypesintheCMR)

IntermsofhistoricinputstherearethreeareasintheCMRwhichareknownpointsourcesthesewagesludgedumpsiteatGarrochHeadthedredgespoildumpsiteatClochpointandtheformernavalbaseatHolyLochAllarelocatedintheinnerFirthAnnually1500000tonnesofsewagesludge(industrialanddomesticwaste)fromthegreaterGlasgowareawasdumpedatGarrochheadfrom1904-1998resultinginahighlyconcentratedareaofcontaminationThiswasstoppedaspartoftheUKrsquosobligationundertheECUrbanWasteWaterTreatmentDirective(seeChapter610WasteWaterTreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)

72Websteret al201073Websteret al201074Websteret al201075Websteretal2005

IntroductionHazardoussubstancesaretoxicsubstancesmetalsandchemicalswhichaccumulateintheenvironmentandinorganismsandhaveanegativeimpactonthemHazardoussubstancescanbioaccumulate(gradualbuild-upofsubstancesinanorganismovertime)andarebiomagnified(pollutantsbecomeconcentratedinorganismsastheymoveupfoodchainsandwebs)72 Specificbiologicaleffectsarediscussedfurtheroninthischapter

Types of hazardous substancesPolycyclicaromatichydrocarbons(PAHs)arewidespreadpollutantswhichenterthemarineenvironmentthroughatmosphericdepositionroadrun-offandindustrialdischargesCaremissionscontributemorethan50ofPAHinputstotheatmosphereand28arefromresidentialand

Clyde estuary and inner Firth

Other Lochs and Outer Firth

42Hazardoussubstancesandtheirbiologicaleffects

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCECleanSafeSeasEnvironmentalMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)data wwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempMarineScotlandScienceRegionalAssessmentofHazardousSubstancesinCoastalandOffshoreMarineEnvironments1999-2009marinedatascotlandgovukdatasetregional-assessment-hazardous-substances-coastal-and-offshore-marine-environments-1999-2009ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallysomeconcernsbutimprovingwithmanylocalconcernsrsquoRegionalscoringisconsistentwiththis

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

49

OrganicenrichmentofthesedimentfromthesludgehascausedlevelsofheavymetalsPCBsandPAHstobecomeelevated(duetosedimenttypeswithhigherorganiccontenthavingagreaterpotentialtoaccumulatethesepollutants)ConcentrationsoforganiccompoundsremainhighintheseareasinbothbiotaandsedimentfollowingthecessationofdumpingAstudypublishedin2005foundthatPCBconcentrationswerenotfoundtohavedecreasedsignificantlysincedumpingceasedin1998HowevertheywerelesspersistentinplaiceliversampledfromGarrochHeadafterdumpinghadceased76

HolyLochwasusedasaUnitedStatesNavySubmarinebasefrom196177untilclosureofthisbasein199278VideosurveysofthesitefollowingclosureshowedalargeamountofdebrisontheseabedndashmainlyscrapmetalfurnitureelectricalequipmentandsmallvesselsTheMinistryofDefenceledaworkinggroupandSEPAcarriedoutastudytoanalysecontaminantsinthesediment

andinmusselstoexaminethepotentialforbioaccumulationinthelochSamplesofsedimentweretakenfromseveralsitesaroundthelochandelevatedlevelsofheavymetalsandPCBswerefoundatdepthsof5-10cmsuggestingthatcontaminationhadbeenhigherinthepastThecontaminationofPCBsandsomesomemetalswasdescribedaslsquoseverebutlocalisedrsquoBodyburdensinmusselsforPCBsandheavymetalsexaminedbeforeandafterdebriswereremoved(whichmayhavecausedthereleaseofsediment-boundcontaminants)showednosignificantchangesinconcentrations79

NaturalandanthropogenicactivitiescarriedoutinthemarineenvironmenthavethepotentialtoremobilisecontaminatedsedimentsandreleasecontaminantsfromsedimentsintothewatercolumnDesorptionratesandtimesdependonthetypeofcontaminantsizeofsedimentparticlesandenvironmentalfactorssuchasexposuretooxygen80

CreelboatcopyPETERSANDGROUND

76Websteret al200577Baxter201178Milleret al200079Milleret al200080EggletonandThomas2004

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

50

Regulating and monitoring hazardous substancesSomecontaminantscannotbephysicallyremovedoncetheyhaveenteredasystemsomecanonlyreducebydegradingorbecomingmoredispersedovertime81RegularmonitoringensuresthatconcentrationsdonotposearisktohumanhealthandwheretheydoactioncanbetakenThereispotentialtouseshellfishmacroalgaeseagrassandsaltmarshtobio-remediateenvironmentswithexcesschemicals82

Mosteffectsfelttodayareduetohistoricinputsandthepersistentandsemi-volatilecharacterofsomecontaminantsmeaningthattheyarestillpresentintheenvironmentInthemarineenvironmentmanyareconsideredubiquitouspartlyduetotheirwideusageabilitytotravellong-rangesthroughatmospherictransportationandrunofffromlandItisacknowledgedthatthemarineenvironmentactsasasinkforcontaminantsIncreasingknowledgeandawarenessoftheharmfuleffectofsuchchemicalsovertimehasledtotheirproductionbeingstoppedandtheirusebanned83

TheStockholmConventionenteredintoforcein2004andisaglobaltreatydesignedtoprotecthumanhealthbyeliminating12ofthemostharmfulpersistentorganicpollutants(POPsndashorganicchemicals)fromtheenvironmentItalsoworkstowardssupportingthetransitiontosaferalternativestargetingadditionalPOPsforactionandcleaningupstockpiles84

DescriptorseightandnineoftheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)seektoensurethatconcentrationsofcontaminantscausenoeffectandcontaminantsinseafoodarebelowsafelevelsinordertoachieveGoodEnvironmentalStatus(GEnvS)OSPAR(themechanismbywhich15GovernmentsandtheEUcooperatetoprotectthemarineenvironmentoftheNorth-EastAtlanticnamedfortheOsloandParisconventions)monitorssubstanceswhichmaybeofpossibleconcernandhasdevelopedastrategytopreventfurtherpollutionoftheOSPARCommissionmaritimeareaThisstrategyaimstoreducedischargesofhazardoussubstanceswiththeoverallobjectiveofensuringconcentrationsarenearbackgroundvaluesfornaturallyoccurringsubstancesandclosetozeroforman-madesyntheticsubstancesinthemarineenvironment

TheWaterFrameworkDirective(2000)(seeChapter41formoreinformationontheWFDclassificationofwaterbodiesintheCMR)setsoutstrategiesagainstpollutioninwateroutliningstepstobetakenandproducingafirstlistofprioritysubstanceswhichposeathreattotheaquaticenvironmentThiswasupdatedwiththeWFD

daughterdirectivendashtheDirectiveonEnvironmentalQualityStandards(2008)alsoknownasthePrioritySubstancesDirectiveThissetsenvironmentalqualitystandardsforsubstancesinriverlakescoastalandtransitionalwaters

ThemainmonitoringprogrammeintheUKistheUKCleanSeasEnvironmentMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)ThisprogrammefulfilsthemonitoringrequirementssetbyOSPARandEUdirectivesacrosstheUKandhasbeenestablishedunderadvicefromtheInternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea(ICES)85MonitoringforthisprogrammeinScotlandiscarriedoutincooperationbetweenMarineScotlandandScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)AsthecentralprogrammeexaminingcontaminantstheCESMPprovidesspatialandsometemporaldatawhenavailableformonitoringconductedacrosstheCMR

UK Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme resultsCSEMPassessmentresultsdiscussedbelowareavailabletoviewfromthiswebsitewwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempwheretheyaremappedandmoredetailsareavailableforspecificcontaminantsacrossallsitesTheyarealsoavailabletoviewonNMPimarinescotlandatkinsgeospatialcomnmpi

Monitoringforhazardoussubstancesiscarriedoutacross34sitesintheClydeMarineRegionforsedimentsAdditionallymonitoringforhazardoussubstancesandforbiologicaleffects(suchasimposex)inbiotaiscarriedoutacross32sitesandin5speciesndashEuropeanplaice(Pleuronectes platessa)Europeanflounder(Platichthys flesus)dogwhelk(Nucella lapillus)bluemussel(Mytilus edulis)andcommondab(Limanda limanda)DependingonhowlongasitehasbeenmonitoredtrendscanbedeterminedThefollowingassessmentcriteriaareusedbull BackgroundAssessmentConcentration(BAC)

MeanconcentrationssignificantlybelowtheBACaresaidtobenearbackgroundconcentrationsofacontaminantatapristineorremotesiretobeconsideredofnoconcern86

bull EnvironmentalAssessmentCriteria(EAC)ConcentrationsaboveEACcancauseadverseeffectsonmarinelife

bull EffectsRangeLow(ERL)ConcentrationsbelowtheERLrarelycauseadverseeffectsinmarineorganisms

bull InassessinghazardoussubstancesinbiotaEuropeanCommissionfoodstandard(EC)is

81Websteret al201082MarineMaritimeOrganisation83Websteret al201084SecreteriatoftheStockholdConventionhttpchmpopsintdefaultaspx85Websteret al201086Baxteret al2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

51

alsousedwhenEACsarenotavailableECsarethemaximumacceptableconcentrationsinfoodfortheprotectionofpublichealth87

ForalkylatedPAHsandorganobrominesinsedimentandinorganibrominesinbiotanoassessmentcriteriahasbeendevelopedsonoindicationofcontaminationlevelsisgivenbutwherepossibleatrendis88

Assessment of sedimentsOveralltheassessmentforhazardoussubstancesinsedimentsintheCMRshowedthatthereisahighproportionofresultswhichareaboveERL(couldcauseadverseeffectsonmarineorganisms)atmonitoringstationsintheinnerFirthcomparedtoothersitesintheCMRHoweveracrosstheCMRthechlorobiphenyscongenerCB118wasshowntobeaboveEACat23outof29monitoringstationsandoneparticularPAHBenzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof34monitoringsitesMoredetailsoftheassessmentareprovidedbelowOfallthemonitoringsitesNorthofAilsaCraigshowedaconsistentpictureofconcentrationsdecreasingover10yearsacrossallhazardoussubstancesmeasured29ofthe46hadadownwardtrend89

Metalsbull AllmonitoringsitesintheCMRhavelevelsof

chromiumwhichareaboveERLexceptforatPladda(offthesouthofArran)whichwasbelowERL TherearenoresultsformonitoringofmetalsatGarrochhead

bull LeadwasaboveERLat12outof17monitoringsitesbull ZincwasaboveERLat9outof17siteswithan

upwardtrend(concentrationsgoingupinthelast10years)indicatedat2sitesoffClochpointandatLunderstonBay

bull Anupwardtrend(concentrationsincreasing)wasalsoseenoffClochpointandatLunderstonBayforarsenicallsitesintheinnerFirthwereaboveBACforarsenic

bull MetalsacrossallinnerFirthsiteswereassessedataboveERLorBACexceptforcadmiumwhichwasbelowBACorERLatallsites

PCBs bull MajorityofsiteswerebelowBACorEACforallPCBs

exceptforCB118whichwasaboveEACat23outof29sites

PAH (parents) bull ResultsweremixedforPAH(parents)intheinner

Firthanumberofmonitoringsitesacrossarange ofcontaminantsinthisgroupwereaboveERL

bull Benzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof 34monitoringsites

Assessment of BiotaCSEMPmonitoringinbiotaincludessitesintheouterClydeestuarywhereasmonitoringinsedimentdoesnotIntheouterestuarythereareahighnumberofresultsaboveEAC(inPAHsandPCBs)orECfoodlimits(formetals)andBACinbiotacomparedtoothersitesacrosstheCMR90

Metals bull LeadwasabovetheECfoodlimitinbluemussels

atWoodhallandinFlounderatBowlingbull CadmiuminflounderwasabovetheECfoodlimit

atBowlingAtArdrossancadmiumwasbelowBACanddecreasinginthelast10yearsAtallothersitescadmiumwasbelowtheECfoodlimit

bull ZincwasaboveBACinbluemusselat13outof18monitoringsitesthroughouttheCMR

bull CopperwasaboveBACinbluemusselat9outof18monitoringsitesallofwhichwereintheClydeestuaryinnerFirthandLochsGoilRiddonandStriven

PCBsbull AhighnumberofresultsforPCBswereaboveEAC

oraboveBACintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthcomparedtotherestoftheCMR

bull CB105wasaboveBACall14sitesmonitoredacrosstheCMRAllspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretested

bull CB118wasaboveEACforallmonitoringsitesacrosstheCMR(allspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretestedacross24sites)exceptinbluemusselsatStronePointwhichwerebelowEAC

PAH (parents)bull PAH(parents)weremeasuredinbluemusselsand

weregenerallybelowEACacrossthemajorityofsites

bull AnexceptiontothisisChryseneandIdeno[123-cd]pyrenewhichwereaboveBACateverysitemonitored

bull Benzo[a]anthraceneandPyrenewereaboveEACinallsitesmonitoredintheinnerFirthandouterestuary

bull FluroanthenewasalsoaboveEACatallsitesmonitoredintheouterestuaryandinnerFirthaswellasatSeamillBoydstonLochStrivenLochGoilandattheLochRyanmonitoringsite(thelatterisoutwiththeCMR)

ForavisualrepresentationofCSEMPmonitoringresultspleaserefertotheNationalMarinePlaninteractive91ortheCSEMPassessmentresultspage httpswwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsemp

87BritishOceanographicDataCentre201488BritishOceanographicDataCentre201489BritishOceanographicDataCentre201490BritishOceanographicDataCentre201491MarineScotland2016a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

52

ConcentrationsofcontaminantsintheClydeweredescribedina2009studyaslsquogenerally at levels such that there is an unacceptable risk of chronic effects occurring in marine species This is mainly due to historic industrial inputs However downward trends were detected for Pb and PAHs in Clyde sediment indicating that the implementation of relevant regulations is beginning to have a positive environmental impactrsquo92ItisworthnotingthatdredginganddisposalareregulatedactivitieswithintheCMRandthatdisposalinmarinewaterswillonlybelicensedbyMarineScotlandifitcanbedemonstratedthatthereisnounacceptablerisktoaquaticlife

Biological effects of hazardous substancesScotlandrsquosMarineAtlashighlightsseveralexamplesofbiologicaleffectsonlivingmarineorganismsTheseincludeimposex(adisorderwhichcausesfemalestodevelopmalereproductiveorgans)indogwhelkswhichiscausedbyexposuretothechemicalTBTananti-foulingpaintusedonboatsandshipssincethe1970sThishasshownasignificantdownwardtrendreducingtobackgroundlevelsinsomeareassincethebanontheuseofTBTinpaintsusedonbothcommercialandrecreationalvehicles93

Imposex resultsbull MeasurementswerebelowEACatallsites(15

weresampled)AtBallantraeresultswerebelowBACMeasurementsatLochRyanwereaboveEAC

EROD resultsTheenzyme7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase(EROD)isexpressedinfishliverswhencertaincontaminantsaremetabolisedMeasuringthiscanshowwhetherorganismsarebeingexposedtocontaminantsthroughthefoodtheyeatbull ERODwastestedforinfemaleflounderdab

andplaiceat6monitoringsitesThereisnoassessmentcriteriaavailableforsomespeciesandfordabatHolyLochconcentrationswerebelowBAC

bull ResultsinmalesacrossthesamespecieswereallaboveBACatallsitesagainexceptfordabatHolyLochwhichwasbelowBAC

Geneticanalysisofmusselshasrevealedtheextentofadaptivestressresponsetocontaminants94FoodStandardsScotlandmanagestheOfficialControlschemicalcontaminantsmonitoringprogrammewherebyshellfishfromClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHA)areanalysedforhazardoussubstancestoensuretheyaresafeforconsumption95FormoreinformationonCSHAsseeChapter43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

92Websteret al201093Baxteret al201194Baxteret al201195FoodStandardsScotland2015b

StarfishcopySUESCOTTSNHMNCR

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

53

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES96

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

ThepresenceofhazardoussubstancesinseabedsedimentcancausechroniceffectsonlivingmarineorganismsThiscanimpactnegativelyoncommunitystructuresandinturnimpactonfoodwebsandchainsHazardoussubstancescanalsohaveageneticeffectanddisrupthormonesoforganismsaffectingtheircapacitytoreproduceManyhazardoussubstancesinbiotaareabovetheECfoodlimitintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthWherelevelsofhazardoussubstancesexceedsetlimitsintheCMRbivalveshellfisharenotconsideredfitforhumanconsumption

Regulating Wasteprocessinganddetoxification

Hazardoussubstancescanaffecttheecosystemrsquosabilitytoprovidewaterpurificationservicesandcanlimitthecapacityforprovisioningandculturalservicestobeprovided

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinesedimentcanactasasinkforhazardoussubstanceswherethesesubstancescanthendetoxifyanddegradeovertimeThereareconcernsthatcertainpartsoftheClydeestuaryandinnerFirthhavebeenhistoricallyoverloadedwithcontaminantsandthatthiswillimpacttheabilityofthesedimentstoperformthisessentialecosystemservice

96UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

54

IntroductionHarmfultoxinsandmicroorganismscanbecomeconcentratedinshellfishfleshandareharmfultohumansonceconsumedTheseincludeEscherichia coli(bacteriarelatedtofaecalcontamination)phytoplanktonandtoxinsproducedbyphytoplanktonincludingparalyticshellfishpoisoningtoxinsamnesicshellfishpoisoningtoxinsandlipophilicshellfishtoxinsandchemicalcontaminants97TherearetwolevelsofprotectiontopublichealthShellfishWaterProtectedAreas(SWPAs)andClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)

Shellfish Water Protected AreasThedesignationorder(ThewaterEnvironment(ShellfishWaterProtectedAreasDesignation)(Scotland)Order2013)identifiesthe84areasaroundScotlandasShellfishWaterProtectedAreasTheshellfishgrowingwaterareasareprotectedandwherenecessaryimprovedbyapackageofmeasuresintegratedwiththeriverbasinmanagementprocess98

TheseareashavebeendesignatedbyScottishGovernmentbasedontheexistingShellfishGrowingWaters(whichwerecreatedundertheShellfish

WatersDirectivewhichwasmanagedbySEPAandrepealedin2013)andattemptedtooverlapwiththeexistingCSHAs(whicharemanagedbyFoodStandardsScotlandformerlyFoodStandardsAgencyScotland)whilealsotakingintoconsiderationpotentialgrowthoftheindustryTheseareasarereviewedeverysixyearsTherearesixSWPAswithintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)accountingfor7ofalltheSWPAsinScotlandandtheyincludeFairlieKylesofButeLamlashLochLongLochStrivenandLochFyne99 TheseareshowninMap11Thislegislationdoesnotpreventsitesbeingdevelopedinzonesoutsideofthedesignatedareas

SWPAsareclassifiedaslsquogoodrsquolsquofairrsquoorlsquoinsufficientrsquoaccordingtotheamountofE ColipresentinshellfishsamplestakenfromSWPAs100TheobjectiveundertheSWPADesignationisfortheSWPArsquostoreachlsquogoodrsquoresultshighlightedonSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubshowthatnoneoftheSWPAsintheCMRhavereachedtargetobjectiveAllwereclassifiedaslsquofairrsquofrom2011-2014exceptLochLongwhichwasclassifiedaslsquoinsufficientrsquoforthatperiod

SEPAhassetatimelinefortheSWPAstoreachtargetobjectiveorlsquogoodrsquoby2027exceptforFairlieSWPAwherethetargetis2021SEPAgivesthereasonforthefailurestomeettheobjectiveasdiffusepollutionfromaruralsourceaffectingwaterqualityThetargetobjectiveatFairlieSWPAwillbemetthroughprioritycatchmentactionLochFyneLochLongLamlashandLochStrivenprotectedareaswillbeaddressedbyfocussedareaactionbypublicbodiesandlandmanagersworkingtogetherItisstilltobedeterminedhowtoaddressthestatusoftheprotectedareaatKylesofBute101AsthisinformationbecomesknownitwillbeaddedtoSEPArsquosWaterEnvironmentHub wwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubriverbasindistrict=Scotland

Figure 46 Oyster farming

copyJOHNCHARITYSNH

97FoodStandardsScotland2015b98TheScottishGovernment2016d99TheScottishGovernment2016e100TheScotlandRiverBasinDistrict(QualityofShellfishWaterProtectedAreas)(Scotland)Directions2015101DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction

43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubFoodStandardsScotlandwwwfoodstandardsgovscotfood-safety-standardsadvice-business-and-industryshellfishScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallyfewconcernsandnotrendbutwithsomelocalconcernsrsquoRegionalassessmentconsidersmorerecentSWPAdesignationandstatus

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

55

Classified Shellfish Harvesting AreasFoodStandardsScotland(FSS)classifiesandmonitorsClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)asafoodhygienecontrolmeasuretoprotectpublichealthInthisprocessshellfishharvestersapplytotheirLocalAuthoritytohaveasiteclassifiedforharvestingHoweverCSHAsdonotalwaysliewithindesignatedSWPAsSamplesfromCSHAsaremonitoredforbiotoxinsandE colipresenceofeitherwouldresultinaninterventiontoensurethatasafeproductreachestheconsumermarketDependingontheamountofE colifoundtheFSSprovidesanumberofdifferentoptionstoaharvesterndasheithersubmittingshellfishproductto

102FoodStandardsScotland2015b103FoodStandardsScotland2015b104Baxteret al2011

purificationorheattreatmentcookingofshellfishproductbyanapprovedmethodWhenlevelsreachover46000E coli100goffleshharvestingisnotpermitted102Table44showstheactiontakendependingonthelevelofE colifoundinsamplesDiscoveryofbiotoxinsinharvestingareasismorereactiveandresultsinatemporaryclosureofsitesuntilbiotoxinlevelsreturntonormal103MoreinformationonbiotoxinmonitoringisavailableinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas104

TheFSSclassificationfor2015-2016identifies20shellfishharvestingareaswithintheCMRAllweregivenaclassificationratingofAorBapartfromtheCampbeltownLochproductionareawhichwasgivenaclassificationratingofCfortheperiodJune-OctoberTwositesStevensonSandsRazors

CATEGORY RESULT ACTION

A Lessthanorequalto230Ecoli100goftheflesh Maygodirectlyforhumanconsumptionifendproductstandardmet

B Notexceeding4600Ecoli100goftheflesh

MustbesubjecttopurificationrelayinginClassAarea(tomeetCategoryArequirements)orcookedbyanapprovedmethod

C Notexceeding46000Ecoli100goftheflesh

Mustbesubjecttorelayingforaperiodofatleast2monthsorcookedbyanapprovedmethod

Above46000Ecoli100goftheflesh Harvestingnotpermitted

Table 44 Shellfish Harvesting Area classification (Food Standards Scotland) categories and permitted levels of Ecoli100g flesh and required treatments

Map 11 Shellfish Water Protected Areas in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

56

NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

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asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

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ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 7: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

49

OrganicenrichmentofthesedimentfromthesludgehascausedlevelsofheavymetalsPCBsandPAHstobecomeelevated(duetosedimenttypeswithhigherorganiccontenthavingagreaterpotentialtoaccumulatethesepollutants)ConcentrationsoforganiccompoundsremainhighintheseareasinbothbiotaandsedimentfollowingthecessationofdumpingAstudypublishedin2005foundthatPCBconcentrationswerenotfoundtohavedecreasedsignificantlysincedumpingceasedin1998HowevertheywerelesspersistentinplaiceliversampledfromGarrochHeadafterdumpinghadceased76

HolyLochwasusedasaUnitedStatesNavySubmarinebasefrom196177untilclosureofthisbasein199278VideosurveysofthesitefollowingclosureshowedalargeamountofdebrisontheseabedndashmainlyscrapmetalfurnitureelectricalequipmentandsmallvesselsTheMinistryofDefenceledaworkinggroupandSEPAcarriedoutastudytoanalysecontaminantsinthesediment

andinmusselstoexaminethepotentialforbioaccumulationinthelochSamplesofsedimentweretakenfromseveralsitesaroundthelochandelevatedlevelsofheavymetalsandPCBswerefoundatdepthsof5-10cmsuggestingthatcontaminationhadbeenhigherinthepastThecontaminationofPCBsandsomesomemetalswasdescribedaslsquoseverebutlocalisedrsquoBodyburdensinmusselsforPCBsandheavymetalsexaminedbeforeandafterdebriswereremoved(whichmayhavecausedthereleaseofsediment-boundcontaminants)showednosignificantchangesinconcentrations79

NaturalandanthropogenicactivitiescarriedoutinthemarineenvironmenthavethepotentialtoremobilisecontaminatedsedimentsandreleasecontaminantsfromsedimentsintothewatercolumnDesorptionratesandtimesdependonthetypeofcontaminantsizeofsedimentparticlesandenvironmentalfactorssuchasexposuretooxygen80

CreelboatcopyPETERSANDGROUND

76Websteret al200577Baxter201178Milleret al200079Milleret al200080EggletonandThomas2004

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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Regulating and monitoring hazardous substancesSomecontaminantscannotbephysicallyremovedoncetheyhaveenteredasystemsomecanonlyreducebydegradingorbecomingmoredispersedovertime81RegularmonitoringensuresthatconcentrationsdonotposearisktohumanhealthandwheretheydoactioncanbetakenThereispotentialtouseshellfishmacroalgaeseagrassandsaltmarshtobio-remediateenvironmentswithexcesschemicals82

Mosteffectsfelttodayareduetohistoricinputsandthepersistentandsemi-volatilecharacterofsomecontaminantsmeaningthattheyarestillpresentintheenvironmentInthemarineenvironmentmanyareconsideredubiquitouspartlyduetotheirwideusageabilitytotravellong-rangesthroughatmospherictransportationandrunofffromlandItisacknowledgedthatthemarineenvironmentactsasasinkforcontaminantsIncreasingknowledgeandawarenessoftheharmfuleffectofsuchchemicalsovertimehasledtotheirproductionbeingstoppedandtheirusebanned83

TheStockholmConventionenteredintoforcein2004andisaglobaltreatydesignedtoprotecthumanhealthbyeliminating12ofthemostharmfulpersistentorganicpollutants(POPsndashorganicchemicals)fromtheenvironmentItalsoworkstowardssupportingthetransitiontosaferalternativestargetingadditionalPOPsforactionandcleaningupstockpiles84

DescriptorseightandnineoftheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)seektoensurethatconcentrationsofcontaminantscausenoeffectandcontaminantsinseafoodarebelowsafelevelsinordertoachieveGoodEnvironmentalStatus(GEnvS)OSPAR(themechanismbywhich15GovernmentsandtheEUcooperatetoprotectthemarineenvironmentoftheNorth-EastAtlanticnamedfortheOsloandParisconventions)monitorssubstanceswhichmaybeofpossibleconcernandhasdevelopedastrategytopreventfurtherpollutionoftheOSPARCommissionmaritimeareaThisstrategyaimstoreducedischargesofhazardoussubstanceswiththeoverallobjectiveofensuringconcentrationsarenearbackgroundvaluesfornaturallyoccurringsubstancesandclosetozeroforman-madesyntheticsubstancesinthemarineenvironment

TheWaterFrameworkDirective(2000)(seeChapter41formoreinformationontheWFDclassificationofwaterbodiesintheCMR)setsoutstrategiesagainstpollutioninwateroutliningstepstobetakenandproducingafirstlistofprioritysubstanceswhichposeathreattotheaquaticenvironmentThiswasupdatedwiththeWFD

daughterdirectivendashtheDirectiveonEnvironmentalQualityStandards(2008)alsoknownasthePrioritySubstancesDirectiveThissetsenvironmentalqualitystandardsforsubstancesinriverlakescoastalandtransitionalwaters

ThemainmonitoringprogrammeintheUKistheUKCleanSeasEnvironmentMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)ThisprogrammefulfilsthemonitoringrequirementssetbyOSPARandEUdirectivesacrosstheUKandhasbeenestablishedunderadvicefromtheInternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea(ICES)85MonitoringforthisprogrammeinScotlandiscarriedoutincooperationbetweenMarineScotlandandScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)AsthecentralprogrammeexaminingcontaminantstheCESMPprovidesspatialandsometemporaldatawhenavailableformonitoringconductedacrosstheCMR

UK Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme resultsCSEMPassessmentresultsdiscussedbelowareavailabletoviewfromthiswebsitewwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempwheretheyaremappedandmoredetailsareavailableforspecificcontaminantsacrossallsitesTheyarealsoavailabletoviewonNMPimarinescotlandatkinsgeospatialcomnmpi

Monitoringforhazardoussubstancesiscarriedoutacross34sitesintheClydeMarineRegionforsedimentsAdditionallymonitoringforhazardoussubstancesandforbiologicaleffects(suchasimposex)inbiotaiscarriedoutacross32sitesandin5speciesndashEuropeanplaice(Pleuronectes platessa)Europeanflounder(Platichthys flesus)dogwhelk(Nucella lapillus)bluemussel(Mytilus edulis)andcommondab(Limanda limanda)DependingonhowlongasitehasbeenmonitoredtrendscanbedeterminedThefollowingassessmentcriteriaareusedbull BackgroundAssessmentConcentration(BAC)

MeanconcentrationssignificantlybelowtheBACaresaidtobenearbackgroundconcentrationsofacontaminantatapristineorremotesiretobeconsideredofnoconcern86

bull EnvironmentalAssessmentCriteria(EAC)ConcentrationsaboveEACcancauseadverseeffectsonmarinelife

bull EffectsRangeLow(ERL)ConcentrationsbelowtheERLrarelycauseadverseeffectsinmarineorganisms

bull InassessinghazardoussubstancesinbiotaEuropeanCommissionfoodstandard(EC)is

81Websteret al201082MarineMaritimeOrganisation83Websteret al201084SecreteriatoftheStockholdConventionhttpchmpopsintdefaultaspx85Websteret al201086Baxteret al2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

51

alsousedwhenEACsarenotavailableECsarethemaximumacceptableconcentrationsinfoodfortheprotectionofpublichealth87

ForalkylatedPAHsandorganobrominesinsedimentandinorganibrominesinbiotanoassessmentcriteriahasbeendevelopedsonoindicationofcontaminationlevelsisgivenbutwherepossibleatrendis88

Assessment of sedimentsOveralltheassessmentforhazardoussubstancesinsedimentsintheCMRshowedthatthereisahighproportionofresultswhichareaboveERL(couldcauseadverseeffectsonmarineorganisms)atmonitoringstationsintheinnerFirthcomparedtoothersitesintheCMRHoweveracrosstheCMRthechlorobiphenyscongenerCB118wasshowntobeaboveEACat23outof29monitoringstationsandoneparticularPAHBenzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof34monitoringsitesMoredetailsoftheassessmentareprovidedbelowOfallthemonitoringsitesNorthofAilsaCraigshowedaconsistentpictureofconcentrationsdecreasingover10yearsacrossallhazardoussubstancesmeasured29ofthe46hadadownwardtrend89

Metalsbull AllmonitoringsitesintheCMRhavelevelsof

chromiumwhichareaboveERLexceptforatPladda(offthesouthofArran)whichwasbelowERL TherearenoresultsformonitoringofmetalsatGarrochhead

bull LeadwasaboveERLat12outof17monitoringsitesbull ZincwasaboveERLat9outof17siteswithan

upwardtrend(concentrationsgoingupinthelast10years)indicatedat2sitesoffClochpointandatLunderstonBay

bull Anupwardtrend(concentrationsincreasing)wasalsoseenoffClochpointandatLunderstonBayforarsenicallsitesintheinnerFirthwereaboveBACforarsenic

bull MetalsacrossallinnerFirthsiteswereassessedataboveERLorBACexceptforcadmiumwhichwasbelowBACorERLatallsites

PCBs bull MajorityofsiteswerebelowBACorEACforallPCBs

exceptforCB118whichwasaboveEACat23outof29sites

PAH (parents) bull ResultsweremixedforPAH(parents)intheinner

Firthanumberofmonitoringsitesacrossarange ofcontaminantsinthisgroupwereaboveERL

bull Benzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof 34monitoringsites

Assessment of BiotaCSEMPmonitoringinbiotaincludessitesintheouterClydeestuarywhereasmonitoringinsedimentdoesnotIntheouterestuarythereareahighnumberofresultsaboveEAC(inPAHsandPCBs)orECfoodlimits(formetals)andBACinbiotacomparedtoothersitesacrosstheCMR90

Metals bull LeadwasabovetheECfoodlimitinbluemussels

atWoodhallandinFlounderatBowlingbull CadmiuminflounderwasabovetheECfoodlimit

atBowlingAtArdrossancadmiumwasbelowBACanddecreasinginthelast10yearsAtallothersitescadmiumwasbelowtheECfoodlimit

bull ZincwasaboveBACinbluemusselat13outof18monitoringsitesthroughouttheCMR

bull CopperwasaboveBACinbluemusselat9outof18monitoringsitesallofwhichwereintheClydeestuaryinnerFirthandLochsGoilRiddonandStriven

PCBsbull AhighnumberofresultsforPCBswereaboveEAC

oraboveBACintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthcomparedtotherestoftheCMR

bull CB105wasaboveBACall14sitesmonitoredacrosstheCMRAllspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretested

bull CB118wasaboveEACforallmonitoringsitesacrosstheCMR(allspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretestedacross24sites)exceptinbluemusselsatStronePointwhichwerebelowEAC

PAH (parents)bull PAH(parents)weremeasuredinbluemusselsand

weregenerallybelowEACacrossthemajorityofsites

bull AnexceptiontothisisChryseneandIdeno[123-cd]pyrenewhichwereaboveBACateverysitemonitored

bull Benzo[a]anthraceneandPyrenewereaboveEACinallsitesmonitoredintheinnerFirthandouterestuary

bull FluroanthenewasalsoaboveEACatallsitesmonitoredintheouterestuaryandinnerFirthaswellasatSeamillBoydstonLochStrivenLochGoilandattheLochRyanmonitoringsite(thelatterisoutwiththeCMR)

ForavisualrepresentationofCSEMPmonitoringresultspleaserefertotheNationalMarinePlaninteractive91ortheCSEMPassessmentresultspage httpswwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsemp

87BritishOceanographicDataCentre201488BritishOceanographicDataCentre201489BritishOceanographicDataCentre201490BritishOceanographicDataCentre201491MarineScotland2016a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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ConcentrationsofcontaminantsintheClydeweredescribedina2009studyaslsquogenerally at levels such that there is an unacceptable risk of chronic effects occurring in marine species This is mainly due to historic industrial inputs However downward trends were detected for Pb and PAHs in Clyde sediment indicating that the implementation of relevant regulations is beginning to have a positive environmental impactrsquo92ItisworthnotingthatdredginganddisposalareregulatedactivitieswithintheCMRandthatdisposalinmarinewaterswillonlybelicensedbyMarineScotlandifitcanbedemonstratedthatthereisnounacceptablerisktoaquaticlife

Biological effects of hazardous substancesScotlandrsquosMarineAtlashighlightsseveralexamplesofbiologicaleffectsonlivingmarineorganismsTheseincludeimposex(adisorderwhichcausesfemalestodevelopmalereproductiveorgans)indogwhelkswhichiscausedbyexposuretothechemicalTBTananti-foulingpaintusedonboatsandshipssincethe1970sThishasshownasignificantdownwardtrendreducingtobackgroundlevelsinsomeareassincethebanontheuseofTBTinpaintsusedonbothcommercialandrecreationalvehicles93

Imposex resultsbull MeasurementswerebelowEACatallsites(15

weresampled)AtBallantraeresultswerebelowBACMeasurementsatLochRyanwereaboveEAC

EROD resultsTheenzyme7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase(EROD)isexpressedinfishliverswhencertaincontaminantsaremetabolisedMeasuringthiscanshowwhetherorganismsarebeingexposedtocontaminantsthroughthefoodtheyeatbull ERODwastestedforinfemaleflounderdab

andplaiceat6monitoringsitesThereisnoassessmentcriteriaavailableforsomespeciesandfordabatHolyLochconcentrationswerebelowBAC

bull ResultsinmalesacrossthesamespecieswereallaboveBACatallsitesagainexceptfordabatHolyLochwhichwasbelowBAC

Geneticanalysisofmusselshasrevealedtheextentofadaptivestressresponsetocontaminants94FoodStandardsScotlandmanagestheOfficialControlschemicalcontaminantsmonitoringprogrammewherebyshellfishfromClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHA)areanalysedforhazardoussubstancestoensuretheyaresafeforconsumption95FormoreinformationonCSHAsseeChapter43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

92Websteret al201093Baxteret al201194Baxteret al201195FoodStandardsScotland2015b

StarfishcopySUESCOTTSNHMNCR

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

53

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES96

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

ThepresenceofhazardoussubstancesinseabedsedimentcancausechroniceffectsonlivingmarineorganismsThiscanimpactnegativelyoncommunitystructuresandinturnimpactonfoodwebsandchainsHazardoussubstancescanalsohaveageneticeffectanddisrupthormonesoforganismsaffectingtheircapacitytoreproduceManyhazardoussubstancesinbiotaareabovetheECfoodlimitintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthWherelevelsofhazardoussubstancesexceedsetlimitsintheCMRbivalveshellfisharenotconsideredfitforhumanconsumption

Regulating Wasteprocessinganddetoxification

Hazardoussubstancescanaffecttheecosystemrsquosabilitytoprovidewaterpurificationservicesandcanlimitthecapacityforprovisioningandculturalservicestobeprovided

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinesedimentcanactasasinkforhazardoussubstanceswherethesesubstancescanthendetoxifyanddegradeovertimeThereareconcernsthatcertainpartsoftheClydeestuaryandinnerFirthhavebeenhistoricallyoverloadedwithcontaminantsandthatthiswillimpacttheabilityofthesedimentstoperformthisessentialecosystemservice

96UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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IntroductionHarmfultoxinsandmicroorganismscanbecomeconcentratedinshellfishfleshandareharmfultohumansonceconsumedTheseincludeEscherichia coli(bacteriarelatedtofaecalcontamination)phytoplanktonandtoxinsproducedbyphytoplanktonincludingparalyticshellfishpoisoningtoxinsamnesicshellfishpoisoningtoxinsandlipophilicshellfishtoxinsandchemicalcontaminants97TherearetwolevelsofprotectiontopublichealthShellfishWaterProtectedAreas(SWPAs)andClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)

Shellfish Water Protected AreasThedesignationorder(ThewaterEnvironment(ShellfishWaterProtectedAreasDesignation)(Scotland)Order2013)identifiesthe84areasaroundScotlandasShellfishWaterProtectedAreasTheshellfishgrowingwaterareasareprotectedandwherenecessaryimprovedbyapackageofmeasuresintegratedwiththeriverbasinmanagementprocess98

TheseareashavebeendesignatedbyScottishGovernmentbasedontheexistingShellfishGrowingWaters(whichwerecreatedundertheShellfish

WatersDirectivewhichwasmanagedbySEPAandrepealedin2013)andattemptedtooverlapwiththeexistingCSHAs(whicharemanagedbyFoodStandardsScotlandformerlyFoodStandardsAgencyScotland)whilealsotakingintoconsiderationpotentialgrowthoftheindustryTheseareasarereviewedeverysixyearsTherearesixSWPAswithintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)accountingfor7ofalltheSWPAsinScotlandandtheyincludeFairlieKylesofButeLamlashLochLongLochStrivenandLochFyne99 TheseareshowninMap11Thislegislationdoesnotpreventsitesbeingdevelopedinzonesoutsideofthedesignatedareas

SWPAsareclassifiedaslsquogoodrsquolsquofairrsquoorlsquoinsufficientrsquoaccordingtotheamountofE ColipresentinshellfishsamplestakenfromSWPAs100TheobjectiveundertheSWPADesignationisfortheSWPArsquostoreachlsquogoodrsquoresultshighlightedonSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubshowthatnoneoftheSWPAsintheCMRhavereachedtargetobjectiveAllwereclassifiedaslsquofairrsquofrom2011-2014exceptLochLongwhichwasclassifiedaslsquoinsufficientrsquoforthatperiod

SEPAhassetatimelinefortheSWPAstoreachtargetobjectiveorlsquogoodrsquoby2027exceptforFairlieSWPAwherethetargetis2021SEPAgivesthereasonforthefailurestomeettheobjectiveasdiffusepollutionfromaruralsourceaffectingwaterqualityThetargetobjectiveatFairlieSWPAwillbemetthroughprioritycatchmentactionLochFyneLochLongLamlashandLochStrivenprotectedareaswillbeaddressedbyfocussedareaactionbypublicbodiesandlandmanagersworkingtogetherItisstilltobedeterminedhowtoaddressthestatusoftheprotectedareaatKylesofBute101AsthisinformationbecomesknownitwillbeaddedtoSEPArsquosWaterEnvironmentHub wwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubriverbasindistrict=Scotland

Figure 46 Oyster farming

copyJOHNCHARITYSNH

97FoodStandardsScotland2015b98TheScottishGovernment2016d99TheScottishGovernment2016e100TheScotlandRiverBasinDistrict(QualityofShellfishWaterProtectedAreas)(Scotland)Directions2015101DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction

43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubFoodStandardsScotlandwwwfoodstandardsgovscotfood-safety-standardsadvice-business-and-industryshellfishScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallyfewconcernsandnotrendbutwithsomelocalconcernsrsquoRegionalassessmentconsidersmorerecentSWPAdesignationandstatus

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

55

Classified Shellfish Harvesting AreasFoodStandardsScotland(FSS)classifiesandmonitorsClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)asafoodhygienecontrolmeasuretoprotectpublichealthInthisprocessshellfishharvestersapplytotheirLocalAuthoritytohaveasiteclassifiedforharvestingHoweverCSHAsdonotalwaysliewithindesignatedSWPAsSamplesfromCSHAsaremonitoredforbiotoxinsandE colipresenceofeitherwouldresultinaninterventiontoensurethatasafeproductreachestheconsumermarketDependingontheamountofE colifoundtheFSSprovidesanumberofdifferentoptionstoaharvesterndasheithersubmittingshellfishproductto

102FoodStandardsScotland2015b103FoodStandardsScotland2015b104Baxteret al2011

purificationorheattreatmentcookingofshellfishproductbyanapprovedmethodWhenlevelsreachover46000E coli100goffleshharvestingisnotpermitted102Table44showstheactiontakendependingonthelevelofE colifoundinsamplesDiscoveryofbiotoxinsinharvestingareasismorereactiveandresultsinatemporaryclosureofsitesuntilbiotoxinlevelsreturntonormal103MoreinformationonbiotoxinmonitoringisavailableinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas104

TheFSSclassificationfor2015-2016identifies20shellfishharvestingareaswithintheCMRAllweregivenaclassificationratingofAorBapartfromtheCampbeltownLochproductionareawhichwasgivenaclassificationratingofCfortheperiodJune-OctoberTwositesStevensonSandsRazors

CATEGORY RESULT ACTION

A Lessthanorequalto230Ecoli100goftheflesh Maygodirectlyforhumanconsumptionifendproductstandardmet

B Notexceeding4600Ecoli100goftheflesh

MustbesubjecttopurificationrelayinginClassAarea(tomeetCategoryArequirements)orcookedbyanapprovedmethod

C Notexceeding46000Ecoli100goftheflesh

Mustbesubjecttorelayingforaperiodofatleast2monthsorcookedbyanapprovedmethod

Above46000Ecoli100goftheflesh Harvestingnotpermitted

Table 44 Shellfish Harvesting Area classification (Food Standards Scotland) categories and permitted levels of Ecoli100g flesh and required treatments

Map 11 Shellfish Water Protected Areas in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

56

NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

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asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 8: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

50

Regulating and monitoring hazardous substancesSomecontaminantscannotbephysicallyremovedoncetheyhaveenteredasystemsomecanonlyreducebydegradingorbecomingmoredispersedovertime81RegularmonitoringensuresthatconcentrationsdonotposearisktohumanhealthandwheretheydoactioncanbetakenThereispotentialtouseshellfishmacroalgaeseagrassandsaltmarshtobio-remediateenvironmentswithexcesschemicals82

Mosteffectsfelttodayareduetohistoricinputsandthepersistentandsemi-volatilecharacterofsomecontaminantsmeaningthattheyarestillpresentintheenvironmentInthemarineenvironmentmanyareconsideredubiquitouspartlyduetotheirwideusageabilitytotravellong-rangesthroughatmospherictransportationandrunofffromlandItisacknowledgedthatthemarineenvironmentactsasasinkforcontaminantsIncreasingknowledgeandawarenessoftheharmfuleffectofsuchchemicalsovertimehasledtotheirproductionbeingstoppedandtheirusebanned83

TheStockholmConventionenteredintoforcein2004andisaglobaltreatydesignedtoprotecthumanhealthbyeliminating12ofthemostharmfulpersistentorganicpollutants(POPsndashorganicchemicals)fromtheenvironmentItalsoworkstowardssupportingthetransitiontosaferalternativestargetingadditionalPOPsforactionandcleaningupstockpiles84

DescriptorseightandnineoftheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)seektoensurethatconcentrationsofcontaminantscausenoeffectandcontaminantsinseafoodarebelowsafelevelsinordertoachieveGoodEnvironmentalStatus(GEnvS)OSPAR(themechanismbywhich15GovernmentsandtheEUcooperatetoprotectthemarineenvironmentoftheNorth-EastAtlanticnamedfortheOsloandParisconventions)monitorssubstanceswhichmaybeofpossibleconcernandhasdevelopedastrategytopreventfurtherpollutionoftheOSPARCommissionmaritimeareaThisstrategyaimstoreducedischargesofhazardoussubstanceswiththeoverallobjectiveofensuringconcentrationsarenearbackgroundvaluesfornaturallyoccurringsubstancesandclosetozeroforman-madesyntheticsubstancesinthemarineenvironment

TheWaterFrameworkDirective(2000)(seeChapter41formoreinformationontheWFDclassificationofwaterbodiesintheCMR)setsoutstrategiesagainstpollutioninwateroutliningstepstobetakenandproducingafirstlistofprioritysubstanceswhichposeathreattotheaquaticenvironmentThiswasupdatedwiththeWFD

daughterdirectivendashtheDirectiveonEnvironmentalQualityStandards(2008)alsoknownasthePrioritySubstancesDirectiveThissetsenvironmentalqualitystandardsforsubstancesinriverlakescoastalandtransitionalwaters

ThemainmonitoringprogrammeintheUKistheUKCleanSeasEnvironmentMonitoringProgramme(CSEMP)ThisprogrammefulfilsthemonitoringrequirementssetbyOSPARandEUdirectivesacrosstheUKandhasbeenestablishedunderadvicefromtheInternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea(ICES)85MonitoringforthisprogrammeinScotlandiscarriedoutincooperationbetweenMarineScotlandandScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)AsthecentralprogrammeexaminingcontaminantstheCESMPprovidesspatialandsometemporaldatawhenavailableformonitoringconductedacrosstheCMR

UK Clean Seas Environment Monitoring Programme resultsCSEMPassessmentresultsdiscussedbelowareavailabletoviewfromthiswebsitewwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsempwheretheyaremappedandmoredetailsareavailableforspecificcontaminantsacrossallsitesTheyarealsoavailabletoviewonNMPimarinescotlandatkinsgeospatialcomnmpi

Monitoringforhazardoussubstancesiscarriedoutacross34sitesintheClydeMarineRegionforsedimentsAdditionallymonitoringforhazardoussubstancesandforbiologicaleffects(suchasimposex)inbiotaiscarriedoutacross32sitesandin5speciesndashEuropeanplaice(Pleuronectes platessa)Europeanflounder(Platichthys flesus)dogwhelk(Nucella lapillus)bluemussel(Mytilus edulis)andcommondab(Limanda limanda)DependingonhowlongasitehasbeenmonitoredtrendscanbedeterminedThefollowingassessmentcriteriaareusedbull BackgroundAssessmentConcentration(BAC)

MeanconcentrationssignificantlybelowtheBACaresaidtobenearbackgroundconcentrationsofacontaminantatapristineorremotesiretobeconsideredofnoconcern86

bull EnvironmentalAssessmentCriteria(EAC)ConcentrationsaboveEACcancauseadverseeffectsonmarinelife

bull EffectsRangeLow(ERL)ConcentrationsbelowtheERLrarelycauseadverseeffectsinmarineorganisms

bull InassessinghazardoussubstancesinbiotaEuropeanCommissionfoodstandard(EC)is

81Websteret al201082MarineMaritimeOrganisation83Websteret al201084SecreteriatoftheStockholdConventionhttpchmpopsintdefaultaspx85Websteret al201086Baxteret al2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

51

alsousedwhenEACsarenotavailableECsarethemaximumacceptableconcentrationsinfoodfortheprotectionofpublichealth87

ForalkylatedPAHsandorganobrominesinsedimentandinorganibrominesinbiotanoassessmentcriteriahasbeendevelopedsonoindicationofcontaminationlevelsisgivenbutwherepossibleatrendis88

Assessment of sedimentsOveralltheassessmentforhazardoussubstancesinsedimentsintheCMRshowedthatthereisahighproportionofresultswhichareaboveERL(couldcauseadverseeffectsonmarineorganisms)atmonitoringstationsintheinnerFirthcomparedtoothersitesintheCMRHoweveracrosstheCMRthechlorobiphenyscongenerCB118wasshowntobeaboveEACat23outof29monitoringstationsandoneparticularPAHBenzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof34monitoringsitesMoredetailsoftheassessmentareprovidedbelowOfallthemonitoringsitesNorthofAilsaCraigshowedaconsistentpictureofconcentrationsdecreasingover10yearsacrossallhazardoussubstancesmeasured29ofthe46hadadownwardtrend89

Metalsbull AllmonitoringsitesintheCMRhavelevelsof

chromiumwhichareaboveERLexceptforatPladda(offthesouthofArran)whichwasbelowERL TherearenoresultsformonitoringofmetalsatGarrochhead

bull LeadwasaboveERLat12outof17monitoringsitesbull ZincwasaboveERLat9outof17siteswithan

upwardtrend(concentrationsgoingupinthelast10years)indicatedat2sitesoffClochpointandatLunderstonBay

bull Anupwardtrend(concentrationsincreasing)wasalsoseenoffClochpointandatLunderstonBayforarsenicallsitesintheinnerFirthwereaboveBACforarsenic

bull MetalsacrossallinnerFirthsiteswereassessedataboveERLorBACexceptforcadmiumwhichwasbelowBACorERLatallsites

PCBs bull MajorityofsiteswerebelowBACorEACforallPCBs

exceptforCB118whichwasaboveEACat23outof29sites

PAH (parents) bull ResultsweremixedforPAH(parents)intheinner

Firthanumberofmonitoringsitesacrossarange ofcontaminantsinthisgroupwereaboveERL

bull Benzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof 34monitoringsites

Assessment of BiotaCSEMPmonitoringinbiotaincludessitesintheouterClydeestuarywhereasmonitoringinsedimentdoesnotIntheouterestuarythereareahighnumberofresultsaboveEAC(inPAHsandPCBs)orECfoodlimits(formetals)andBACinbiotacomparedtoothersitesacrosstheCMR90

Metals bull LeadwasabovetheECfoodlimitinbluemussels

atWoodhallandinFlounderatBowlingbull CadmiuminflounderwasabovetheECfoodlimit

atBowlingAtArdrossancadmiumwasbelowBACanddecreasinginthelast10yearsAtallothersitescadmiumwasbelowtheECfoodlimit

bull ZincwasaboveBACinbluemusselat13outof18monitoringsitesthroughouttheCMR

bull CopperwasaboveBACinbluemusselat9outof18monitoringsitesallofwhichwereintheClydeestuaryinnerFirthandLochsGoilRiddonandStriven

PCBsbull AhighnumberofresultsforPCBswereaboveEAC

oraboveBACintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthcomparedtotherestoftheCMR

bull CB105wasaboveBACall14sitesmonitoredacrosstheCMRAllspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretested

bull CB118wasaboveEACforallmonitoringsitesacrosstheCMR(allspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretestedacross24sites)exceptinbluemusselsatStronePointwhichwerebelowEAC

PAH (parents)bull PAH(parents)weremeasuredinbluemusselsand

weregenerallybelowEACacrossthemajorityofsites

bull AnexceptiontothisisChryseneandIdeno[123-cd]pyrenewhichwereaboveBACateverysitemonitored

bull Benzo[a]anthraceneandPyrenewereaboveEACinallsitesmonitoredintheinnerFirthandouterestuary

bull FluroanthenewasalsoaboveEACatallsitesmonitoredintheouterestuaryandinnerFirthaswellasatSeamillBoydstonLochStrivenLochGoilandattheLochRyanmonitoringsite(thelatterisoutwiththeCMR)

ForavisualrepresentationofCSEMPmonitoringresultspleaserefertotheNationalMarinePlaninteractive91ortheCSEMPassessmentresultspage httpswwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsemp

87BritishOceanographicDataCentre201488BritishOceanographicDataCentre201489BritishOceanographicDataCentre201490BritishOceanographicDataCentre201491MarineScotland2016a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

52

ConcentrationsofcontaminantsintheClydeweredescribedina2009studyaslsquogenerally at levels such that there is an unacceptable risk of chronic effects occurring in marine species This is mainly due to historic industrial inputs However downward trends were detected for Pb and PAHs in Clyde sediment indicating that the implementation of relevant regulations is beginning to have a positive environmental impactrsquo92ItisworthnotingthatdredginganddisposalareregulatedactivitieswithintheCMRandthatdisposalinmarinewaterswillonlybelicensedbyMarineScotlandifitcanbedemonstratedthatthereisnounacceptablerisktoaquaticlife

Biological effects of hazardous substancesScotlandrsquosMarineAtlashighlightsseveralexamplesofbiologicaleffectsonlivingmarineorganismsTheseincludeimposex(adisorderwhichcausesfemalestodevelopmalereproductiveorgans)indogwhelkswhichiscausedbyexposuretothechemicalTBTananti-foulingpaintusedonboatsandshipssincethe1970sThishasshownasignificantdownwardtrendreducingtobackgroundlevelsinsomeareassincethebanontheuseofTBTinpaintsusedonbothcommercialandrecreationalvehicles93

Imposex resultsbull MeasurementswerebelowEACatallsites(15

weresampled)AtBallantraeresultswerebelowBACMeasurementsatLochRyanwereaboveEAC

EROD resultsTheenzyme7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase(EROD)isexpressedinfishliverswhencertaincontaminantsaremetabolisedMeasuringthiscanshowwhetherorganismsarebeingexposedtocontaminantsthroughthefoodtheyeatbull ERODwastestedforinfemaleflounderdab

andplaiceat6monitoringsitesThereisnoassessmentcriteriaavailableforsomespeciesandfordabatHolyLochconcentrationswerebelowBAC

bull ResultsinmalesacrossthesamespecieswereallaboveBACatallsitesagainexceptfordabatHolyLochwhichwasbelowBAC

Geneticanalysisofmusselshasrevealedtheextentofadaptivestressresponsetocontaminants94FoodStandardsScotlandmanagestheOfficialControlschemicalcontaminantsmonitoringprogrammewherebyshellfishfromClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHA)areanalysedforhazardoussubstancestoensuretheyaresafeforconsumption95FormoreinformationonCSHAsseeChapter43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

92Websteret al201093Baxteret al201194Baxteret al201195FoodStandardsScotland2015b

StarfishcopySUESCOTTSNHMNCR

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

53

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES96

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

ThepresenceofhazardoussubstancesinseabedsedimentcancausechroniceffectsonlivingmarineorganismsThiscanimpactnegativelyoncommunitystructuresandinturnimpactonfoodwebsandchainsHazardoussubstancescanalsohaveageneticeffectanddisrupthormonesoforganismsaffectingtheircapacitytoreproduceManyhazardoussubstancesinbiotaareabovetheECfoodlimitintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthWherelevelsofhazardoussubstancesexceedsetlimitsintheCMRbivalveshellfisharenotconsideredfitforhumanconsumption

Regulating Wasteprocessinganddetoxification

Hazardoussubstancescanaffecttheecosystemrsquosabilitytoprovidewaterpurificationservicesandcanlimitthecapacityforprovisioningandculturalservicestobeprovided

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinesedimentcanactasasinkforhazardoussubstanceswherethesesubstancescanthendetoxifyanddegradeovertimeThereareconcernsthatcertainpartsoftheClydeestuaryandinnerFirthhavebeenhistoricallyoverloadedwithcontaminantsandthatthiswillimpacttheabilityofthesedimentstoperformthisessentialecosystemservice

96UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

54

IntroductionHarmfultoxinsandmicroorganismscanbecomeconcentratedinshellfishfleshandareharmfultohumansonceconsumedTheseincludeEscherichia coli(bacteriarelatedtofaecalcontamination)phytoplanktonandtoxinsproducedbyphytoplanktonincludingparalyticshellfishpoisoningtoxinsamnesicshellfishpoisoningtoxinsandlipophilicshellfishtoxinsandchemicalcontaminants97TherearetwolevelsofprotectiontopublichealthShellfishWaterProtectedAreas(SWPAs)andClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)

Shellfish Water Protected AreasThedesignationorder(ThewaterEnvironment(ShellfishWaterProtectedAreasDesignation)(Scotland)Order2013)identifiesthe84areasaroundScotlandasShellfishWaterProtectedAreasTheshellfishgrowingwaterareasareprotectedandwherenecessaryimprovedbyapackageofmeasuresintegratedwiththeriverbasinmanagementprocess98

TheseareashavebeendesignatedbyScottishGovernmentbasedontheexistingShellfishGrowingWaters(whichwerecreatedundertheShellfish

WatersDirectivewhichwasmanagedbySEPAandrepealedin2013)andattemptedtooverlapwiththeexistingCSHAs(whicharemanagedbyFoodStandardsScotlandformerlyFoodStandardsAgencyScotland)whilealsotakingintoconsiderationpotentialgrowthoftheindustryTheseareasarereviewedeverysixyearsTherearesixSWPAswithintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)accountingfor7ofalltheSWPAsinScotlandandtheyincludeFairlieKylesofButeLamlashLochLongLochStrivenandLochFyne99 TheseareshowninMap11Thislegislationdoesnotpreventsitesbeingdevelopedinzonesoutsideofthedesignatedareas

SWPAsareclassifiedaslsquogoodrsquolsquofairrsquoorlsquoinsufficientrsquoaccordingtotheamountofE ColipresentinshellfishsamplestakenfromSWPAs100TheobjectiveundertheSWPADesignationisfortheSWPArsquostoreachlsquogoodrsquoresultshighlightedonSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubshowthatnoneoftheSWPAsintheCMRhavereachedtargetobjectiveAllwereclassifiedaslsquofairrsquofrom2011-2014exceptLochLongwhichwasclassifiedaslsquoinsufficientrsquoforthatperiod

SEPAhassetatimelinefortheSWPAstoreachtargetobjectiveorlsquogoodrsquoby2027exceptforFairlieSWPAwherethetargetis2021SEPAgivesthereasonforthefailurestomeettheobjectiveasdiffusepollutionfromaruralsourceaffectingwaterqualityThetargetobjectiveatFairlieSWPAwillbemetthroughprioritycatchmentactionLochFyneLochLongLamlashandLochStrivenprotectedareaswillbeaddressedbyfocussedareaactionbypublicbodiesandlandmanagersworkingtogetherItisstilltobedeterminedhowtoaddressthestatusoftheprotectedareaatKylesofBute101AsthisinformationbecomesknownitwillbeaddedtoSEPArsquosWaterEnvironmentHub wwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubriverbasindistrict=Scotland

Figure 46 Oyster farming

copyJOHNCHARITYSNH

97FoodStandardsScotland2015b98TheScottishGovernment2016d99TheScottishGovernment2016e100TheScotlandRiverBasinDistrict(QualityofShellfishWaterProtectedAreas)(Scotland)Directions2015101DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction

43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubFoodStandardsScotlandwwwfoodstandardsgovscotfood-safety-standardsadvice-business-and-industryshellfishScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallyfewconcernsandnotrendbutwithsomelocalconcernsrsquoRegionalassessmentconsidersmorerecentSWPAdesignationandstatus

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

55

Classified Shellfish Harvesting AreasFoodStandardsScotland(FSS)classifiesandmonitorsClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)asafoodhygienecontrolmeasuretoprotectpublichealthInthisprocessshellfishharvestersapplytotheirLocalAuthoritytohaveasiteclassifiedforharvestingHoweverCSHAsdonotalwaysliewithindesignatedSWPAsSamplesfromCSHAsaremonitoredforbiotoxinsandE colipresenceofeitherwouldresultinaninterventiontoensurethatasafeproductreachestheconsumermarketDependingontheamountofE colifoundtheFSSprovidesanumberofdifferentoptionstoaharvesterndasheithersubmittingshellfishproductto

102FoodStandardsScotland2015b103FoodStandardsScotland2015b104Baxteret al2011

purificationorheattreatmentcookingofshellfishproductbyanapprovedmethodWhenlevelsreachover46000E coli100goffleshharvestingisnotpermitted102Table44showstheactiontakendependingonthelevelofE colifoundinsamplesDiscoveryofbiotoxinsinharvestingareasismorereactiveandresultsinatemporaryclosureofsitesuntilbiotoxinlevelsreturntonormal103MoreinformationonbiotoxinmonitoringisavailableinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas104

TheFSSclassificationfor2015-2016identifies20shellfishharvestingareaswithintheCMRAllweregivenaclassificationratingofAorBapartfromtheCampbeltownLochproductionareawhichwasgivenaclassificationratingofCfortheperiodJune-OctoberTwositesStevensonSandsRazors

CATEGORY RESULT ACTION

A Lessthanorequalto230Ecoli100goftheflesh Maygodirectlyforhumanconsumptionifendproductstandardmet

B Notexceeding4600Ecoli100goftheflesh

MustbesubjecttopurificationrelayinginClassAarea(tomeetCategoryArequirements)orcookedbyanapprovedmethod

C Notexceeding46000Ecoli100goftheflesh

Mustbesubjecttorelayingforaperiodofatleast2monthsorcookedbyanapprovedmethod

Above46000Ecoli100goftheflesh Harvestingnotpermitted

Table 44 Shellfish Harvesting Area classification (Food Standards Scotland) categories and permitted levels of Ecoli100g flesh and required treatments

Map 11 Shellfish Water Protected Areas in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

56

NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 9: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

51

alsousedwhenEACsarenotavailableECsarethemaximumacceptableconcentrationsinfoodfortheprotectionofpublichealth87

ForalkylatedPAHsandorganobrominesinsedimentandinorganibrominesinbiotanoassessmentcriteriahasbeendevelopedsonoindicationofcontaminationlevelsisgivenbutwherepossibleatrendis88

Assessment of sedimentsOveralltheassessmentforhazardoussubstancesinsedimentsintheCMRshowedthatthereisahighproportionofresultswhichareaboveERL(couldcauseadverseeffectsonmarineorganisms)atmonitoringstationsintheinnerFirthcomparedtoothersitesintheCMRHoweveracrosstheCMRthechlorobiphenyscongenerCB118wasshowntobeaboveEACat23outof29monitoringstationsandoneparticularPAHBenzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof34monitoringsitesMoredetailsoftheassessmentareprovidedbelowOfallthemonitoringsitesNorthofAilsaCraigshowedaconsistentpictureofconcentrationsdecreasingover10yearsacrossallhazardoussubstancesmeasured29ofthe46hadadownwardtrend89

Metalsbull AllmonitoringsitesintheCMRhavelevelsof

chromiumwhichareaboveERLexceptforatPladda(offthesouthofArran)whichwasbelowERL TherearenoresultsformonitoringofmetalsatGarrochhead

bull LeadwasaboveERLat12outof17monitoringsitesbull ZincwasaboveERLat9outof17siteswithan

upwardtrend(concentrationsgoingupinthelast10years)indicatedat2sitesoffClochpointandatLunderstonBay

bull Anupwardtrend(concentrationsincreasing)wasalsoseenoffClochpointandatLunderstonBayforarsenicallsitesintheinnerFirthwereaboveBACforarsenic

bull MetalsacrossallinnerFirthsiteswereassessedataboveERLorBACexceptforcadmiumwhichwasbelowBACorERLatallsites

PCBs bull MajorityofsiteswerebelowBACorEACforallPCBs

exceptforCB118whichwasaboveEACat23outof29sites

PAH (parents) bull ResultsweremixedforPAH(parents)intheinner

Firthanumberofmonitoringsitesacrossarange ofcontaminantsinthisgroupwereaboveERL

bull Benzo[ghi]perylenewasaboveERLat33outof 34monitoringsites

Assessment of BiotaCSEMPmonitoringinbiotaincludessitesintheouterClydeestuarywhereasmonitoringinsedimentdoesnotIntheouterestuarythereareahighnumberofresultsaboveEAC(inPAHsandPCBs)orECfoodlimits(formetals)andBACinbiotacomparedtoothersitesacrosstheCMR90

Metals bull LeadwasabovetheECfoodlimitinbluemussels

atWoodhallandinFlounderatBowlingbull CadmiuminflounderwasabovetheECfoodlimit

atBowlingAtArdrossancadmiumwasbelowBACanddecreasinginthelast10yearsAtallothersitescadmiumwasbelowtheECfoodlimit

bull ZincwasaboveBACinbluemusselat13outof18monitoringsitesthroughouttheCMR

bull CopperwasaboveBACinbluemusselat9outof18monitoringsitesallofwhichwereintheClydeestuaryinnerFirthandLochsGoilRiddonandStriven

PCBsbull AhighnumberofresultsforPCBswereaboveEAC

oraboveBACintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthcomparedtotherestoftheCMR

bull CB105wasaboveBACall14sitesmonitoredacrosstheCMRAllspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretested

bull CB118wasaboveEACforallmonitoringsitesacrosstheCMR(allspeciesexceptdogwhelkweretestedacross24sites)exceptinbluemusselsatStronePointwhichwerebelowEAC

PAH (parents)bull PAH(parents)weremeasuredinbluemusselsand

weregenerallybelowEACacrossthemajorityofsites

bull AnexceptiontothisisChryseneandIdeno[123-cd]pyrenewhichwereaboveBACateverysitemonitored

bull Benzo[a]anthraceneandPyrenewereaboveEACinallsitesmonitoredintheinnerFirthandouterestuary

bull FluroanthenewasalsoaboveEACatallsitesmonitoredintheouterestuaryandinnerFirthaswellasatSeamillBoydstonLochStrivenLochGoilandattheLochRyanmonitoringsite(thelatterisoutwiththeCMR)

ForavisualrepresentationofCSEMPmonitoringresultspleaserefertotheNationalMarinePlaninteractive91ortheCSEMPassessmentresultspage httpswwwbodcacukprojectsdata_managementukmermanassessments_and_data_accesscsemp

87BritishOceanographicDataCentre201488BritishOceanographicDataCentre201489BritishOceanographicDataCentre201490BritishOceanographicDataCentre201491MarineScotland2016a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

52

ConcentrationsofcontaminantsintheClydeweredescribedina2009studyaslsquogenerally at levels such that there is an unacceptable risk of chronic effects occurring in marine species This is mainly due to historic industrial inputs However downward trends were detected for Pb and PAHs in Clyde sediment indicating that the implementation of relevant regulations is beginning to have a positive environmental impactrsquo92ItisworthnotingthatdredginganddisposalareregulatedactivitieswithintheCMRandthatdisposalinmarinewaterswillonlybelicensedbyMarineScotlandifitcanbedemonstratedthatthereisnounacceptablerisktoaquaticlife

Biological effects of hazardous substancesScotlandrsquosMarineAtlashighlightsseveralexamplesofbiologicaleffectsonlivingmarineorganismsTheseincludeimposex(adisorderwhichcausesfemalestodevelopmalereproductiveorgans)indogwhelkswhichiscausedbyexposuretothechemicalTBTananti-foulingpaintusedonboatsandshipssincethe1970sThishasshownasignificantdownwardtrendreducingtobackgroundlevelsinsomeareassincethebanontheuseofTBTinpaintsusedonbothcommercialandrecreationalvehicles93

Imposex resultsbull MeasurementswerebelowEACatallsites(15

weresampled)AtBallantraeresultswerebelowBACMeasurementsatLochRyanwereaboveEAC

EROD resultsTheenzyme7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase(EROD)isexpressedinfishliverswhencertaincontaminantsaremetabolisedMeasuringthiscanshowwhetherorganismsarebeingexposedtocontaminantsthroughthefoodtheyeatbull ERODwastestedforinfemaleflounderdab

andplaiceat6monitoringsitesThereisnoassessmentcriteriaavailableforsomespeciesandfordabatHolyLochconcentrationswerebelowBAC

bull ResultsinmalesacrossthesamespecieswereallaboveBACatallsitesagainexceptfordabatHolyLochwhichwasbelowBAC

Geneticanalysisofmusselshasrevealedtheextentofadaptivestressresponsetocontaminants94FoodStandardsScotlandmanagestheOfficialControlschemicalcontaminantsmonitoringprogrammewherebyshellfishfromClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHA)areanalysedforhazardoussubstancestoensuretheyaresafeforconsumption95FormoreinformationonCSHAsseeChapter43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

92Websteret al201093Baxteret al201194Baxteret al201195FoodStandardsScotland2015b

StarfishcopySUESCOTTSNHMNCR

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

53

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES96

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

ThepresenceofhazardoussubstancesinseabedsedimentcancausechroniceffectsonlivingmarineorganismsThiscanimpactnegativelyoncommunitystructuresandinturnimpactonfoodwebsandchainsHazardoussubstancescanalsohaveageneticeffectanddisrupthormonesoforganismsaffectingtheircapacitytoreproduceManyhazardoussubstancesinbiotaareabovetheECfoodlimitintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthWherelevelsofhazardoussubstancesexceedsetlimitsintheCMRbivalveshellfisharenotconsideredfitforhumanconsumption

Regulating Wasteprocessinganddetoxification

Hazardoussubstancescanaffecttheecosystemrsquosabilitytoprovidewaterpurificationservicesandcanlimitthecapacityforprovisioningandculturalservicestobeprovided

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinesedimentcanactasasinkforhazardoussubstanceswherethesesubstancescanthendetoxifyanddegradeovertimeThereareconcernsthatcertainpartsoftheClydeestuaryandinnerFirthhavebeenhistoricallyoverloadedwithcontaminantsandthatthiswillimpacttheabilityofthesedimentstoperformthisessentialecosystemservice

96UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

54

IntroductionHarmfultoxinsandmicroorganismscanbecomeconcentratedinshellfishfleshandareharmfultohumansonceconsumedTheseincludeEscherichia coli(bacteriarelatedtofaecalcontamination)phytoplanktonandtoxinsproducedbyphytoplanktonincludingparalyticshellfishpoisoningtoxinsamnesicshellfishpoisoningtoxinsandlipophilicshellfishtoxinsandchemicalcontaminants97TherearetwolevelsofprotectiontopublichealthShellfishWaterProtectedAreas(SWPAs)andClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)

Shellfish Water Protected AreasThedesignationorder(ThewaterEnvironment(ShellfishWaterProtectedAreasDesignation)(Scotland)Order2013)identifiesthe84areasaroundScotlandasShellfishWaterProtectedAreasTheshellfishgrowingwaterareasareprotectedandwherenecessaryimprovedbyapackageofmeasuresintegratedwiththeriverbasinmanagementprocess98

TheseareashavebeendesignatedbyScottishGovernmentbasedontheexistingShellfishGrowingWaters(whichwerecreatedundertheShellfish

WatersDirectivewhichwasmanagedbySEPAandrepealedin2013)andattemptedtooverlapwiththeexistingCSHAs(whicharemanagedbyFoodStandardsScotlandformerlyFoodStandardsAgencyScotland)whilealsotakingintoconsiderationpotentialgrowthoftheindustryTheseareasarereviewedeverysixyearsTherearesixSWPAswithintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)accountingfor7ofalltheSWPAsinScotlandandtheyincludeFairlieKylesofButeLamlashLochLongLochStrivenandLochFyne99 TheseareshowninMap11Thislegislationdoesnotpreventsitesbeingdevelopedinzonesoutsideofthedesignatedareas

SWPAsareclassifiedaslsquogoodrsquolsquofairrsquoorlsquoinsufficientrsquoaccordingtotheamountofE ColipresentinshellfishsamplestakenfromSWPAs100TheobjectiveundertheSWPADesignationisfortheSWPArsquostoreachlsquogoodrsquoresultshighlightedonSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubshowthatnoneoftheSWPAsintheCMRhavereachedtargetobjectiveAllwereclassifiedaslsquofairrsquofrom2011-2014exceptLochLongwhichwasclassifiedaslsquoinsufficientrsquoforthatperiod

SEPAhassetatimelinefortheSWPAstoreachtargetobjectiveorlsquogoodrsquoby2027exceptforFairlieSWPAwherethetargetis2021SEPAgivesthereasonforthefailurestomeettheobjectiveasdiffusepollutionfromaruralsourceaffectingwaterqualityThetargetobjectiveatFairlieSWPAwillbemetthroughprioritycatchmentactionLochFyneLochLongLamlashandLochStrivenprotectedareaswillbeaddressedbyfocussedareaactionbypublicbodiesandlandmanagersworkingtogetherItisstilltobedeterminedhowtoaddressthestatusoftheprotectedareaatKylesofBute101AsthisinformationbecomesknownitwillbeaddedtoSEPArsquosWaterEnvironmentHub wwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubriverbasindistrict=Scotland

Figure 46 Oyster farming

copyJOHNCHARITYSNH

97FoodStandardsScotland2015b98TheScottishGovernment2016d99TheScottishGovernment2016e100TheScotlandRiverBasinDistrict(QualityofShellfishWaterProtectedAreas)(Scotland)Directions2015101DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction

43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubFoodStandardsScotlandwwwfoodstandardsgovscotfood-safety-standardsadvice-business-and-industryshellfishScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallyfewconcernsandnotrendbutwithsomelocalconcernsrsquoRegionalassessmentconsidersmorerecentSWPAdesignationandstatus

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

55

Classified Shellfish Harvesting AreasFoodStandardsScotland(FSS)classifiesandmonitorsClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)asafoodhygienecontrolmeasuretoprotectpublichealthInthisprocessshellfishharvestersapplytotheirLocalAuthoritytohaveasiteclassifiedforharvestingHoweverCSHAsdonotalwaysliewithindesignatedSWPAsSamplesfromCSHAsaremonitoredforbiotoxinsandE colipresenceofeitherwouldresultinaninterventiontoensurethatasafeproductreachestheconsumermarketDependingontheamountofE colifoundtheFSSprovidesanumberofdifferentoptionstoaharvesterndasheithersubmittingshellfishproductto

102FoodStandardsScotland2015b103FoodStandardsScotland2015b104Baxteret al2011

purificationorheattreatmentcookingofshellfishproductbyanapprovedmethodWhenlevelsreachover46000E coli100goffleshharvestingisnotpermitted102Table44showstheactiontakendependingonthelevelofE colifoundinsamplesDiscoveryofbiotoxinsinharvestingareasismorereactiveandresultsinatemporaryclosureofsitesuntilbiotoxinlevelsreturntonormal103MoreinformationonbiotoxinmonitoringisavailableinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas104

TheFSSclassificationfor2015-2016identifies20shellfishharvestingareaswithintheCMRAllweregivenaclassificationratingofAorBapartfromtheCampbeltownLochproductionareawhichwasgivenaclassificationratingofCfortheperiodJune-OctoberTwositesStevensonSandsRazors

CATEGORY RESULT ACTION

A Lessthanorequalto230Ecoli100goftheflesh Maygodirectlyforhumanconsumptionifendproductstandardmet

B Notexceeding4600Ecoli100goftheflesh

MustbesubjecttopurificationrelayinginClassAarea(tomeetCategoryArequirements)orcookedbyanapprovedmethod

C Notexceeding46000Ecoli100goftheflesh

Mustbesubjecttorelayingforaperiodofatleast2monthsorcookedbyanapprovedmethod

Above46000Ecoli100goftheflesh Harvestingnotpermitted

Table 44 Shellfish Harvesting Area classification (Food Standards Scotland) categories and permitted levels of Ecoli100g flesh and required treatments

Map 11 Shellfish Water Protected Areas in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

56

NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 10: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

52

ConcentrationsofcontaminantsintheClydeweredescribedina2009studyaslsquogenerally at levels such that there is an unacceptable risk of chronic effects occurring in marine species This is mainly due to historic industrial inputs However downward trends were detected for Pb and PAHs in Clyde sediment indicating that the implementation of relevant regulations is beginning to have a positive environmental impactrsquo92ItisworthnotingthatdredginganddisposalareregulatedactivitieswithintheCMRandthatdisposalinmarinewaterswillonlybelicensedbyMarineScotlandifitcanbedemonstratedthatthereisnounacceptablerisktoaquaticlife

Biological effects of hazardous substancesScotlandrsquosMarineAtlashighlightsseveralexamplesofbiologicaleffectsonlivingmarineorganismsTheseincludeimposex(adisorderwhichcausesfemalestodevelopmalereproductiveorgans)indogwhelkswhichiscausedbyexposuretothechemicalTBTananti-foulingpaintusedonboatsandshipssincethe1970sThishasshownasignificantdownwardtrendreducingtobackgroundlevelsinsomeareassincethebanontheuseofTBTinpaintsusedonbothcommercialandrecreationalvehicles93

Imposex resultsbull MeasurementswerebelowEACatallsites(15

weresampled)AtBallantraeresultswerebelowBACMeasurementsatLochRyanwereaboveEAC

EROD resultsTheenzyme7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase(EROD)isexpressedinfishliverswhencertaincontaminantsaremetabolisedMeasuringthiscanshowwhetherorganismsarebeingexposedtocontaminantsthroughthefoodtheyeatbull ERODwastestedforinfemaleflounderdab

andplaiceat6monitoringsitesThereisnoassessmentcriteriaavailableforsomespeciesandfordabatHolyLochconcentrationswerebelowBAC

bull ResultsinmalesacrossthesamespecieswereallaboveBACatallsitesagainexceptfordabatHolyLochwhichwasbelowBAC

Geneticanalysisofmusselshasrevealedtheextentofadaptivestressresponsetocontaminants94FoodStandardsScotlandmanagestheOfficialControlschemicalcontaminantsmonitoringprogrammewherebyshellfishfromClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHA)areanalysedforhazardoussubstancestoensuretheyaresafeforconsumption95FormoreinformationonCSHAsseeChapter43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

92Websteret al201093Baxteret al201194Baxteret al201195FoodStandardsScotland2015b

StarfishcopySUESCOTTSNHMNCR

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

53

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES96

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

ThepresenceofhazardoussubstancesinseabedsedimentcancausechroniceffectsonlivingmarineorganismsThiscanimpactnegativelyoncommunitystructuresandinturnimpactonfoodwebsandchainsHazardoussubstancescanalsohaveageneticeffectanddisrupthormonesoforganismsaffectingtheircapacitytoreproduceManyhazardoussubstancesinbiotaareabovetheECfoodlimitintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthWherelevelsofhazardoussubstancesexceedsetlimitsintheCMRbivalveshellfisharenotconsideredfitforhumanconsumption

Regulating Wasteprocessinganddetoxification

Hazardoussubstancescanaffecttheecosystemrsquosabilitytoprovidewaterpurificationservicesandcanlimitthecapacityforprovisioningandculturalservicestobeprovided

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinesedimentcanactasasinkforhazardoussubstanceswherethesesubstancescanthendetoxifyanddegradeovertimeThereareconcernsthatcertainpartsoftheClydeestuaryandinnerFirthhavebeenhistoricallyoverloadedwithcontaminantsandthatthiswillimpacttheabilityofthesedimentstoperformthisessentialecosystemservice

96UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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IntroductionHarmfultoxinsandmicroorganismscanbecomeconcentratedinshellfishfleshandareharmfultohumansonceconsumedTheseincludeEscherichia coli(bacteriarelatedtofaecalcontamination)phytoplanktonandtoxinsproducedbyphytoplanktonincludingparalyticshellfishpoisoningtoxinsamnesicshellfishpoisoningtoxinsandlipophilicshellfishtoxinsandchemicalcontaminants97TherearetwolevelsofprotectiontopublichealthShellfishWaterProtectedAreas(SWPAs)andClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)

Shellfish Water Protected AreasThedesignationorder(ThewaterEnvironment(ShellfishWaterProtectedAreasDesignation)(Scotland)Order2013)identifiesthe84areasaroundScotlandasShellfishWaterProtectedAreasTheshellfishgrowingwaterareasareprotectedandwherenecessaryimprovedbyapackageofmeasuresintegratedwiththeriverbasinmanagementprocess98

TheseareashavebeendesignatedbyScottishGovernmentbasedontheexistingShellfishGrowingWaters(whichwerecreatedundertheShellfish

WatersDirectivewhichwasmanagedbySEPAandrepealedin2013)andattemptedtooverlapwiththeexistingCSHAs(whicharemanagedbyFoodStandardsScotlandformerlyFoodStandardsAgencyScotland)whilealsotakingintoconsiderationpotentialgrowthoftheindustryTheseareasarereviewedeverysixyearsTherearesixSWPAswithintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)accountingfor7ofalltheSWPAsinScotlandandtheyincludeFairlieKylesofButeLamlashLochLongLochStrivenandLochFyne99 TheseareshowninMap11Thislegislationdoesnotpreventsitesbeingdevelopedinzonesoutsideofthedesignatedareas

SWPAsareclassifiedaslsquogoodrsquolsquofairrsquoorlsquoinsufficientrsquoaccordingtotheamountofE ColipresentinshellfishsamplestakenfromSWPAs100TheobjectiveundertheSWPADesignationisfortheSWPArsquostoreachlsquogoodrsquoresultshighlightedonSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubshowthatnoneoftheSWPAsintheCMRhavereachedtargetobjectiveAllwereclassifiedaslsquofairrsquofrom2011-2014exceptLochLongwhichwasclassifiedaslsquoinsufficientrsquoforthatperiod

SEPAhassetatimelinefortheSWPAstoreachtargetobjectiveorlsquogoodrsquoby2027exceptforFairlieSWPAwherethetargetis2021SEPAgivesthereasonforthefailurestomeettheobjectiveasdiffusepollutionfromaruralsourceaffectingwaterqualityThetargetobjectiveatFairlieSWPAwillbemetthroughprioritycatchmentactionLochFyneLochLongLamlashandLochStrivenprotectedareaswillbeaddressedbyfocussedareaactionbypublicbodiesandlandmanagersworkingtogetherItisstilltobedeterminedhowtoaddressthestatusoftheprotectedareaatKylesofBute101AsthisinformationbecomesknownitwillbeaddedtoSEPArsquosWaterEnvironmentHub wwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubriverbasindistrict=Scotland

Figure 46 Oyster farming

copyJOHNCHARITYSNH

97FoodStandardsScotland2015b98TheScottishGovernment2016d99TheScottishGovernment2016e100TheScotlandRiverBasinDistrict(QualityofShellfishWaterProtectedAreas)(Scotland)Directions2015101DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction

43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubFoodStandardsScotlandwwwfoodstandardsgovscotfood-safety-standardsadvice-business-and-industryshellfishScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallyfewconcernsandnotrendbutwithsomelocalconcernsrsquoRegionalassessmentconsidersmorerecentSWPAdesignationandstatus

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

55

Classified Shellfish Harvesting AreasFoodStandardsScotland(FSS)classifiesandmonitorsClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)asafoodhygienecontrolmeasuretoprotectpublichealthInthisprocessshellfishharvestersapplytotheirLocalAuthoritytohaveasiteclassifiedforharvestingHoweverCSHAsdonotalwaysliewithindesignatedSWPAsSamplesfromCSHAsaremonitoredforbiotoxinsandE colipresenceofeitherwouldresultinaninterventiontoensurethatasafeproductreachestheconsumermarketDependingontheamountofE colifoundtheFSSprovidesanumberofdifferentoptionstoaharvesterndasheithersubmittingshellfishproductto

102FoodStandardsScotland2015b103FoodStandardsScotland2015b104Baxteret al2011

purificationorheattreatmentcookingofshellfishproductbyanapprovedmethodWhenlevelsreachover46000E coli100goffleshharvestingisnotpermitted102Table44showstheactiontakendependingonthelevelofE colifoundinsamplesDiscoveryofbiotoxinsinharvestingareasismorereactiveandresultsinatemporaryclosureofsitesuntilbiotoxinlevelsreturntonormal103MoreinformationonbiotoxinmonitoringisavailableinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas104

TheFSSclassificationfor2015-2016identifies20shellfishharvestingareaswithintheCMRAllweregivenaclassificationratingofAorBapartfromtheCampbeltownLochproductionareawhichwasgivenaclassificationratingofCfortheperiodJune-OctoberTwositesStevensonSandsRazors

CATEGORY RESULT ACTION

A Lessthanorequalto230Ecoli100goftheflesh Maygodirectlyforhumanconsumptionifendproductstandardmet

B Notexceeding4600Ecoli100goftheflesh

MustbesubjecttopurificationrelayinginClassAarea(tomeetCategoryArequirements)orcookedbyanapprovedmethod

C Notexceeding46000Ecoli100goftheflesh

Mustbesubjecttorelayingforaperiodofatleast2monthsorcookedbyanapprovedmethod

Above46000Ecoli100goftheflesh Harvestingnotpermitted

Table 44 Shellfish Harvesting Area classification (Food Standards Scotland) categories and permitted levels of Ecoli100g flesh and required treatments

Map 11 Shellfish Water Protected Areas in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 11: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

53

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES96

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

ThepresenceofhazardoussubstancesinseabedsedimentcancausechroniceffectsonlivingmarineorganismsThiscanimpactnegativelyoncommunitystructuresandinturnimpactonfoodwebsandchainsHazardoussubstancescanalsohaveageneticeffectanddisrupthormonesoforganismsaffectingtheircapacitytoreproduceManyhazardoussubstancesinbiotaareabovetheECfoodlimitintheouterClydeestuaryandinnerFirthWherelevelsofhazardoussubstancesexceedsetlimitsintheCMRbivalveshellfisharenotconsideredfitforhumanconsumption

Regulating Wasteprocessinganddetoxification

Hazardoussubstancescanaffecttheecosystemrsquosabilitytoprovidewaterpurificationservicesandcanlimitthecapacityforprovisioningandculturalservicestobeprovided

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinesedimentcanactasasinkforhazardoussubstanceswherethesesubstancescanthendetoxifyanddegradeovertimeThereareconcernsthatcertainpartsoftheClydeestuaryandinnerFirthhavebeenhistoricallyoverloadedwithcontaminantsandthatthiswillimpacttheabilityofthesedimentstoperformthisessentialecosystemservice

96UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

54

IntroductionHarmfultoxinsandmicroorganismscanbecomeconcentratedinshellfishfleshandareharmfultohumansonceconsumedTheseincludeEscherichia coli(bacteriarelatedtofaecalcontamination)phytoplanktonandtoxinsproducedbyphytoplanktonincludingparalyticshellfishpoisoningtoxinsamnesicshellfishpoisoningtoxinsandlipophilicshellfishtoxinsandchemicalcontaminants97TherearetwolevelsofprotectiontopublichealthShellfishWaterProtectedAreas(SWPAs)andClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)

Shellfish Water Protected AreasThedesignationorder(ThewaterEnvironment(ShellfishWaterProtectedAreasDesignation)(Scotland)Order2013)identifiesthe84areasaroundScotlandasShellfishWaterProtectedAreasTheshellfishgrowingwaterareasareprotectedandwherenecessaryimprovedbyapackageofmeasuresintegratedwiththeriverbasinmanagementprocess98

TheseareashavebeendesignatedbyScottishGovernmentbasedontheexistingShellfishGrowingWaters(whichwerecreatedundertheShellfish

WatersDirectivewhichwasmanagedbySEPAandrepealedin2013)andattemptedtooverlapwiththeexistingCSHAs(whicharemanagedbyFoodStandardsScotlandformerlyFoodStandardsAgencyScotland)whilealsotakingintoconsiderationpotentialgrowthoftheindustryTheseareasarereviewedeverysixyearsTherearesixSWPAswithintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)accountingfor7ofalltheSWPAsinScotlandandtheyincludeFairlieKylesofButeLamlashLochLongLochStrivenandLochFyne99 TheseareshowninMap11Thislegislationdoesnotpreventsitesbeingdevelopedinzonesoutsideofthedesignatedareas

SWPAsareclassifiedaslsquogoodrsquolsquofairrsquoorlsquoinsufficientrsquoaccordingtotheamountofE ColipresentinshellfishsamplestakenfromSWPAs100TheobjectiveundertheSWPADesignationisfortheSWPArsquostoreachlsquogoodrsquoresultshighlightedonSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubshowthatnoneoftheSWPAsintheCMRhavereachedtargetobjectiveAllwereclassifiedaslsquofairrsquofrom2011-2014exceptLochLongwhichwasclassifiedaslsquoinsufficientrsquoforthatperiod

SEPAhassetatimelinefortheSWPAstoreachtargetobjectiveorlsquogoodrsquoby2027exceptforFairlieSWPAwherethetargetis2021SEPAgivesthereasonforthefailurestomeettheobjectiveasdiffusepollutionfromaruralsourceaffectingwaterqualityThetargetobjectiveatFairlieSWPAwillbemetthroughprioritycatchmentactionLochFyneLochLongLamlashandLochStrivenprotectedareaswillbeaddressedbyfocussedareaactionbypublicbodiesandlandmanagersworkingtogetherItisstilltobedeterminedhowtoaddressthestatusoftheprotectedareaatKylesofBute101AsthisinformationbecomesknownitwillbeaddedtoSEPArsquosWaterEnvironmentHub wwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubriverbasindistrict=Scotland

Figure 46 Oyster farming

copyJOHNCHARITYSNH

97FoodStandardsScotland2015b98TheScottishGovernment2016d99TheScottishGovernment2016e100TheScotlandRiverBasinDistrict(QualityofShellfishWaterProtectedAreas)(Scotland)Directions2015101DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction

43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubFoodStandardsScotlandwwwfoodstandardsgovscotfood-safety-standardsadvice-business-and-industryshellfishScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallyfewconcernsandnotrendbutwithsomelocalconcernsrsquoRegionalassessmentconsidersmorerecentSWPAdesignationandstatus

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

55

Classified Shellfish Harvesting AreasFoodStandardsScotland(FSS)classifiesandmonitorsClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)asafoodhygienecontrolmeasuretoprotectpublichealthInthisprocessshellfishharvestersapplytotheirLocalAuthoritytohaveasiteclassifiedforharvestingHoweverCSHAsdonotalwaysliewithindesignatedSWPAsSamplesfromCSHAsaremonitoredforbiotoxinsandE colipresenceofeitherwouldresultinaninterventiontoensurethatasafeproductreachestheconsumermarketDependingontheamountofE colifoundtheFSSprovidesanumberofdifferentoptionstoaharvesterndasheithersubmittingshellfishproductto

102FoodStandardsScotland2015b103FoodStandardsScotland2015b104Baxteret al2011

purificationorheattreatmentcookingofshellfishproductbyanapprovedmethodWhenlevelsreachover46000E coli100goffleshharvestingisnotpermitted102Table44showstheactiontakendependingonthelevelofE colifoundinsamplesDiscoveryofbiotoxinsinharvestingareasismorereactiveandresultsinatemporaryclosureofsitesuntilbiotoxinlevelsreturntonormal103MoreinformationonbiotoxinmonitoringisavailableinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas104

TheFSSclassificationfor2015-2016identifies20shellfishharvestingareaswithintheCMRAllweregivenaclassificationratingofAorBapartfromtheCampbeltownLochproductionareawhichwasgivenaclassificationratingofCfortheperiodJune-OctoberTwositesStevensonSandsRazors

CATEGORY RESULT ACTION

A Lessthanorequalto230Ecoli100goftheflesh Maygodirectlyforhumanconsumptionifendproductstandardmet

B Notexceeding4600Ecoli100goftheflesh

MustbesubjecttopurificationrelayinginClassAarea(tomeetCategoryArequirements)orcookedbyanapprovedmethod

C Notexceeding46000Ecoli100goftheflesh

Mustbesubjecttorelayingforaperiodofatleast2monthsorcookedbyanapprovedmethod

Above46000Ecoli100goftheflesh Harvestingnotpermitted

Table 44 Shellfish Harvesting Area classification (Food Standards Scotland) categories and permitted levels of Ecoli100g flesh and required treatments

Map 11 Shellfish Water Protected Areas in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

56

NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 12: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

54

IntroductionHarmfultoxinsandmicroorganismscanbecomeconcentratedinshellfishfleshandareharmfultohumansonceconsumedTheseincludeEscherichia coli(bacteriarelatedtofaecalcontamination)phytoplanktonandtoxinsproducedbyphytoplanktonincludingparalyticshellfishpoisoningtoxinsamnesicshellfishpoisoningtoxinsandlipophilicshellfishtoxinsandchemicalcontaminants97TherearetwolevelsofprotectiontopublichealthShellfishWaterProtectedAreas(SWPAs)andClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)

Shellfish Water Protected AreasThedesignationorder(ThewaterEnvironment(ShellfishWaterProtectedAreasDesignation)(Scotland)Order2013)identifiesthe84areasaroundScotlandasShellfishWaterProtectedAreasTheshellfishgrowingwaterareasareprotectedandwherenecessaryimprovedbyapackageofmeasuresintegratedwiththeriverbasinmanagementprocess98

TheseareashavebeendesignatedbyScottishGovernmentbasedontheexistingShellfishGrowingWaters(whichwerecreatedundertheShellfish

WatersDirectivewhichwasmanagedbySEPAandrepealedin2013)andattemptedtooverlapwiththeexistingCSHAs(whicharemanagedbyFoodStandardsScotlandformerlyFoodStandardsAgencyScotland)whilealsotakingintoconsiderationpotentialgrowthoftheindustryTheseareasarereviewedeverysixyearsTherearesixSWPAswithintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)accountingfor7ofalltheSWPAsinScotlandandtheyincludeFairlieKylesofButeLamlashLochLongLochStrivenandLochFyne99 TheseareshowninMap11Thislegislationdoesnotpreventsitesbeingdevelopedinzonesoutsideofthedesignatedareas

SWPAsareclassifiedaslsquogoodrsquolsquofairrsquoorlsquoinsufficientrsquoaccordingtotheamountofE ColipresentinshellfishsamplestakenfromSWPAs100TheobjectiveundertheSWPADesignationisfortheSWPArsquostoreachlsquogoodrsquoresultshighlightedonSEPAsWaterEnvironmentHubshowthatnoneoftheSWPAsintheCMRhavereachedtargetobjectiveAllwereclassifiedaslsquofairrsquofrom2011-2014exceptLochLongwhichwasclassifiedaslsquoinsufficientrsquoforthatperiod

SEPAhassetatimelinefortheSWPAstoreachtargetobjectiveorlsquogoodrsquoby2027exceptforFairlieSWPAwherethetargetis2021SEPAgivesthereasonforthefailurestomeettheobjectiveasdiffusepollutionfromaruralsourceaffectingwaterqualityThetargetobjectiveatFairlieSWPAwillbemetthroughprioritycatchmentactionLochFyneLochLongLamlashandLochStrivenprotectedareaswillbeaddressedbyfocussedareaactionbypublicbodiesandlandmanagersworkingtogetherItisstilltobedeterminedhowtoaddressthestatusoftheprotectedareaatKylesofBute101AsthisinformationbecomesknownitwillbeaddedtoSEPArsquosWaterEnvironmentHub wwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubriverbasindistrict=Scotland

Figure 46 Oyster farming

copyJOHNCHARITYSNH

97FoodStandardsScotland2015b98TheScottishGovernment2016d99TheScottishGovernment2016e100TheScotlandRiverBasinDistrict(QualityofShellfishWaterProtectedAreas)(Scotland)Directions2015101DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction

43MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashShellfishwaterprotectedareas

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAWaterEnvironmentHubwwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubFoodStandardsScotlandwwwfoodstandardsgovscotfood-safety-standardsadvice-business-and-industryshellfishScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoGenerallyfewconcernsandnotrendbutwithsomelocalconcernsrsquoRegionalassessmentconsidersmorerecentSWPAdesignationandstatus

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

55

Classified Shellfish Harvesting AreasFoodStandardsScotland(FSS)classifiesandmonitorsClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)asafoodhygienecontrolmeasuretoprotectpublichealthInthisprocessshellfishharvestersapplytotheirLocalAuthoritytohaveasiteclassifiedforharvestingHoweverCSHAsdonotalwaysliewithindesignatedSWPAsSamplesfromCSHAsaremonitoredforbiotoxinsandE colipresenceofeitherwouldresultinaninterventiontoensurethatasafeproductreachestheconsumermarketDependingontheamountofE colifoundtheFSSprovidesanumberofdifferentoptionstoaharvesterndasheithersubmittingshellfishproductto

102FoodStandardsScotland2015b103FoodStandardsScotland2015b104Baxteret al2011

purificationorheattreatmentcookingofshellfishproductbyanapprovedmethodWhenlevelsreachover46000E coli100goffleshharvestingisnotpermitted102Table44showstheactiontakendependingonthelevelofE colifoundinsamplesDiscoveryofbiotoxinsinharvestingareasismorereactiveandresultsinatemporaryclosureofsitesuntilbiotoxinlevelsreturntonormal103MoreinformationonbiotoxinmonitoringisavailableinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas104

TheFSSclassificationfor2015-2016identifies20shellfishharvestingareaswithintheCMRAllweregivenaclassificationratingofAorBapartfromtheCampbeltownLochproductionareawhichwasgivenaclassificationratingofCfortheperiodJune-OctoberTwositesStevensonSandsRazors

CATEGORY RESULT ACTION

A Lessthanorequalto230Ecoli100goftheflesh Maygodirectlyforhumanconsumptionifendproductstandardmet

B Notexceeding4600Ecoli100goftheflesh

MustbesubjecttopurificationrelayinginClassAarea(tomeetCategoryArequirements)orcookedbyanapprovedmethod

C Notexceeding46000Ecoli100goftheflesh

Mustbesubjecttorelayingforaperiodofatleast2monthsorcookedbyanapprovedmethod

Above46000Ecoli100goftheflesh Harvestingnotpermitted

Table 44 Shellfish Harvesting Area classification (Food Standards Scotland) categories and permitted levels of Ecoli100g flesh and required treatments

Map 11 Shellfish Water Protected Areas in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

56

NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 13: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

55

Classified Shellfish Harvesting AreasFoodStandardsScotland(FSS)classifiesandmonitorsClassifiedShellfishHarvestingAreas(CSHAs)asafoodhygienecontrolmeasuretoprotectpublichealthInthisprocessshellfishharvestersapplytotheirLocalAuthoritytohaveasiteclassifiedforharvestingHoweverCSHAsdonotalwaysliewithindesignatedSWPAsSamplesfromCSHAsaremonitoredforbiotoxinsandE colipresenceofeitherwouldresultinaninterventiontoensurethatasafeproductreachestheconsumermarketDependingontheamountofE colifoundtheFSSprovidesanumberofdifferentoptionstoaharvesterndasheithersubmittingshellfishproductto

102FoodStandardsScotland2015b103FoodStandardsScotland2015b104Baxteret al2011

purificationorheattreatmentcookingofshellfishproductbyanapprovedmethodWhenlevelsreachover46000E coli100goffleshharvestingisnotpermitted102Table44showstheactiontakendependingonthelevelofE colifoundinsamplesDiscoveryofbiotoxinsinharvestingareasismorereactiveandresultsinatemporaryclosureofsitesuntilbiotoxinlevelsreturntonormal103MoreinformationonbiotoxinmonitoringisavailableinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas104

TheFSSclassificationfor2015-2016identifies20shellfishharvestingareaswithintheCMRAllweregivenaclassificationratingofAorBapartfromtheCampbeltownLochproductionareawhichwasgivenaclassificationratingofCfortheperiodJune-OctoberTwositesStevensonSandsRazors

CATEGORY RESULT ACTION

A Lessthanorequalto230Ecoli100goftheflesh Maygodirectlyforhumanconsumptionifendproductstandardmet

B Notexceeding4600Ecoli100goftheflesh

MustbesubjecttopurificationrelayinginClassAarea(tomeetCategoryArequirements)orcookedbyanapprovedmethod

C Notexceeding46000Ecoli100goftheflesh

Mustbesubjecttorelayingforaperiodofatleast2monthsorcookedbyanapprovedmethod

Above46000Ecoli100goftheflesh Harvestingnotpermitted

Table 44 Shellfish Harvesting Area classification (Food Standards Scotland) categories and permitted levels of Ecoli100g flesh and required treatments

Map 11 Shellfish Water Protected Areas in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

56

NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 14: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

56

NorthandSouthweredeclassifiedin2015105SitescanbecomedeclassifiedduetofailuretoproducesamplesofanalysisorcessationofharvestingfromasiteandsotrendsindeclassificationarenotareflectioninthetrendoftheenvironmentTwoareasweredeclassifiedin2014-15tobelaterreclassifiedin2015-16ThesewereArranPirnmillandCarradaleBay106FSSworkswithLocalAuthoritiesandharvesterstomaintaincloselymonitoredstandardsThesepartnersalsohaveaneffectivecommunicationnetworkwithinformationofsuddenoremergencyclosuresindicatingthatthisisawellregulatedsectorwithlittleornoconcernsforpublichealth107

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES108

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

SomeshellfishharvestingareasintheCMRarenotinasuitableconditiontocarryoutshellfishfarmingandharvestingwithoutpurificationPurificationenablesthesupplyoffoodsocio-economicactivityandincomegenerationdespitethefactthattheecosystemserviceisnotfunctioning

Regulating Cleanwater

WhilstE coliphytoplanktonandbiotoxinsarenaturallypresentinthemarineenvironmentthereispotentialinsomepartsoftheCMRthatnutrientenrichmentandinsufficientlytreatedwastewaterexceedsthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocesscontaminantsThiscanpreventeffectivewasteprocessingandwaterpurificationservicesresultinginhigherthansafelevelsofEcoliphytoplanktonandbiotoxins

Active aquaculture production sites in the Clyde Marine RegionThereareover70activeaquacultureproductionsitesintheCMRdetailsoftheseincludingtheirlocationsandproductionisdiscussedinChapter63Aquaculture

105FoodStandardsScotland2015c106FoodStandardsScotland2015a107FoodStandardsScotland2015b108UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 15: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

57

IntroductionBathingwatersaremonitoredandprotectedtosafeguardthepublichealthofusersSEPAcarriesoutregularmonitoringoffaecalindicatororganismswhichcancausegastrointestinalillnessandearinfectionsTheseareEscherichia coliandintestinalenterococcicyanobacterialbloomsmacroalgaeandmarinephytoplankton109Themonitoringresultsarepublishedtoensureprotectionofpublichealthforbeachusers

Monitoring and resultsMonitoringiscarriedoutbyanalysingover1500watersamplestakenthroughoutthebathingseason(1Julyndash15September)fromall84designatedbathingwatersaroundScotlandSamplingresultsarepublishedwithinafewdaysofbeingtakenonlineorviaelectronicboardsatsomesitesDailywaterpredictionsarealsoavailableatsomesites110 ThesesitesarealsoimportantforrecreationalactivitiessuchasimmersionwatersportsincludingdinghysailingkayakingandwindsurfingToguideefficiencyinmonitoringandprotectingsiteswhicharevisitedbyonaverage150ormorepeopleinasingleday(duringsummer)aredesignatedbathingsitesundertheBathingWatersDirective111thoughofcoursetherewillbemanyotherwaterswhicharenotmonitoredwhicharesuitableforrecreationandaresafetouseaswellasthosewhichwillbeinpoororunsafecondition

44 MicrobiologicalcontaminationndashBathingwaters

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 httpappssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

Ofthe84bathingwatersitesdesignatedinScotland14areintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)Theyarelistedintable45112From2005-2014monitoredbathingwaterswereclassifiedagainstEuropeanStandardstogiveanoverallratingof(fromhighesttolowest)lsquoguidelinersquopasslsquomandatoryrsquopassorlsquofailrsquo

In2016therevised2006BathingWaterDirectivecameintooperationandanewassessmentsystembasedonupdatedsciencewasimplementedforthe2015resultsInthisnewsystembathingwatersfallunderoneoffourclassificationtypesbasedonadatasetgatheredoverfouryearsgivinganindicationoflsquonormalrsquowaterqualityconditionineachlocationBathingwatersareclassifiedasprotectedareasunderAnnexIVoftheWFDandcontinuetobeprotectedundertheBathingWatersDirectiveCurrently80ofScottishbathingwatersmeetsufficientorbetterclassificationandintheCMR79ofbathingwatersalsomeetthisstandardSEPAaimstobringallwatersuptoatleastsufficientby2020asanybathingwaterwhichhasfivesuccessivepoorclassificationswillhavepermanentadviceagainstbathingtobedisplayed113WaterqualityofeachoftheCMRbathingwatersisshownintable45

ThenewclassificationisdrivenbydevelopmentsinunderstandinghealthrisksposedbymicrobialcontaminantsandisconsiderablymorestringentresultinginsomewaterbodiesfallinginclassificationThenewclassificationgivesamoreconsistentpictureasitwilltakeintoconsiderationshorttermdeteriorationhowoftenthisoccursandhowseverethisisThereisquiteahighriskassociatedwithfailureunderthenewassessmentsystemthisisnotonlyforlocalcommunitieswhomightlosetheamenityandsecurityofsafebathingwatersbutalsotheassociatedimpactontourismandrecreationalactivitiesandfinancialpenaltieswhichcanimposedifbathingwaterstandardsarenotmetandmaintained

Diffusepollutionsurfacerunofffromrainandsewagefromcombinedseweroverflowsarethebiggestriskstothecleanlinessofcoastalbathingwaters114TheconditionofbathingwatersisaffectedbythequalityofnearbywaterbodiesandtheircatchmentswhichdrainintothebathingwatersQualityofbathingwatersdependsonhowlandandpollutionpathwaysaremanagedSEPAnotesthatintegratinglandandwaterpollutioncontrolisessentialforeffectiveprotectionandimprovementofbathingwatersSEPAworkinpartnershipwithScottishWatertheagriculturalcommunitylocalauthoritiesKeepScotlandBeautifulandtheMarineConservationSocietytodeliverintegratedlandandwaterpollutioncontrolwiththeaimofachievinghighqualitybathingwaters115

109ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b110ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016e111TheScottishGovernment2012b112ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyc113ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b114ScotlandrsquosEnvironment2014115ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 16: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

58

SEPAinpartnershipwithotherorganisationsusesanumberofdifferentmethodstodeterminethesourceofpollutantsenteringbathingwaters Thisincludestoolssuchasbull Microbialsourcetrackinganalysiswhere

analysingmicrobialDNAallowsidentificationofthegenericoriginofpollutiontodetermineifhumanruminantorotherderivedfaecalindicatororganismsareeitherpresentorpresentatasignificantlevel

bull ScottishWaterQualityandstandardsprogrammewherebyScottishWateridentifiescapitalinvestmenttobemadeinwateranddrainageinfrastructureThemainbathingwaterfocusinrecentperiodshasbeenaninvestmentprogrammetoidentifyandreducetheeffectsofunsatisfactoryintermittentdischargesinAyrshireand41otherbathingwaterstudiesScottishWaterestimatesitwillspendpound35mduring2015-2021onfurtherwaterpollutionimprovementtothebenefitofScotlandrsquoscurrentlyimpactedbathingwaters

bull Workingdirectlywithrurallandmanagersinthe14prioritycatchmentareasacrossScotlandtoincreaseunderstandingofdiffusepollution

sourcesinruralareasThisresultedinover80ofnon-compliantlandmanagerschangingtheirbehaviourandbecomingcompliantwithenvironmentalregulationsPrioritycatchmentareasintheCMRincludeRiverAyrRiverDoonRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandtheNorthAyrshireCoast117ThelowestclassifiedbathingwatersintheCMRGirvanHeadsofAyePrestwickarealldrainedintobyatleastoneofthesecatchments

Clyde Marine Region bathing waters classificationThefailuretomeetstandardsatHeadsofAyrin2014maybeasaresultofwetweatherinthisperiodwhichincreasedrun-offfromagriculturallandandsurfacewaterurbandrainageThecatchmentdrainingintoHeadsofAyrbathingwateris90agriculturallandusedfordairyfarmingAveragesummerrainfallfortheregionis392mmcomparedto331mmacrossScotlandThereisalsoasewageeffluentdischargesouthofthebathingareawhichmayaffectresults118In2015theclassificationwasasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesand

116 ScotlandrsquosEnvironment117ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016b118ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2016a

Table 45 Protected bathing designated areas in the Clyde Marine Region and their historic and current classification116

2005ndash2014 classificationWhitendashsitenotdesignatedasabathingsiteintheyearshowbluendashguidelinepassgreenndashmandatorypassandredndashfail 2015 classification bluendashexcellentpurplendashgoodgreenndashsufficientandredndashpoor

BATHING WATER COMPLIANCE RESULTS

BEACH 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Ayr (SouthBeach)

Culzean

EttrickBay

Girvan

HeadsofAyr

Irvine

Largs (Pencilbeach)

Lunderstonbay

Maidens

Millportbay

Prestwick

SaltcoatsandArdrossan

Seamill

Troon (Southbeach)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 17: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

59

pointsourcedischargesfromwastewaterdisposalTheseissueswillbeaddressedbyprioritycatchmentaction119andpartnershipworkbetweenSEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021120

WhilstEttrickBayissimilarlysurroundedbyagriculturallandandexperienceshigherthanaveragerainfallthebathingwatershereexperiencedanimprovementfromguidelinetomandatoryfrom2013to2014andincreasedtolsquogoodrsquounderthenewclassificationin2015 ThismaybeduetothefactthatthepopulationinthecatchmentisverylowandthattherearenosewagetreatmentworksorsewerageoverflowsinthevicinityOngoingeffortsbySEPAtoreducediffusepollutionandsubstantialinvestmentinseweragesystemsarealsocontributingtothisimprovement121

In2015PrestwickhasbeenclassifiedaslsquopoorrsquoasaresultofdiffusepollutionfromruralsourcesthiswillbeaddressedthroughprioritycatchmentactionAdditionallythesiteissubjecttopointsourcepollution(workonthisisunderwaycontinuingto2021)asaresultofwastewaterdisposalThiswillbeaddressedthroughpartnershipworkbetween

119DiffusepollutionprioritycatchmentshavebeenidentifiedbySEPAascatchmentsfailingtomeetenvironmentalstandardsFourteenprioritycatchmentscontainingsomeofScotlandrsquosmostimportantwaters(forconservationdrinkingwaterbathingandfishing)havebeenselectedusingariskbasedapproachforactioninthefirstbasinplanningcycleWorkwillalsoincludethemitigationofotherwaterenvironmentimpactssuchasmorphologicalchangeabstractionsfloodingandalienspecieswherethesearealsocausingwaterbodydowngradesThefirstRBMPidentifiedtheRiverAyrRiverIrvineRiverGarnockandNorthAyrshireCoastascatchmentsinorneartheCMRforpriorityaction120ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi121ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2015a122ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgencyi

SEPAandScottishWaterfrom2015-2021Alsoin2015GirvanrsquosclassificationhasbeenattributedtodiffusesourcepollutionfromruralsourcesSEPAwilladdressthisthroughprioritycatchmentactionfrom2015-2021122

Map 12 2015 classification of bathing waters in the Clyde Marine Region

NOTFORNAVGATIONCreatedbyScottishGovernment(MarineScotland)2016copyCrownCopyrightAllrightsreserved OceanWiseLicenseNoEK001-201404001OrdnanceSurveyLicenseNo100024655TransverseMercatorScale1848925

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 18: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

60

WindsurfingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

RegulatingWasteprocessingandwaterpurification

DiffusepollutionandcombinedseweroverflowsatcertainpointsinAyrshireexceedthecapacityofplantsandmicro-organismstoassimilatebufferorprocessfaecalcontaminantstherebypreventingeffectiveregulatingservicesandleadingtopoorbathingwaterqualityIncreasingseatemperatureswillexacerbatethisissue(seeChapter31Climatechangendashimpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Cultural

Senseofplaceandculturalheritage

Maintainingcleanandsafebathingwaterscontributestopeoplersquossenseofplaceandinteractionwiththemarineenvironmentandmaintainstheculturalheritageofseasidebathingsites

Healthbenefits Havingcleanandsafebathingwatersenablespeopletoutilisethemarineenvironmentforexerciseandsport

Recreation andtourism

ThegeneralimprovementintheconditionofbathingwatersintheCMRoverthelastfiveyearscansupportincreasedsporttourismandrecreation

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

ElevatedlevelsofEColiinthemarineenvironmentcanimpactoneffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsessentialformarinelivingorganismsandforthesupportofallothermarineecosystemservices

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 19: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

61

IntroductionNutrientsinthecorrectamountareessentialforsupportingprimaryproductioninaquaticenvironmentsEutrophicationistheadditionofextranutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)towaterbodieswhichresultsinthehypernutrificationoftheenvironmentToomuchnitrogenandphosphoruscanleadtoexcessiveplantgrowthandplanktonbloomsThiscaninturncauseoxygendepletionand

haveadamagingeffectonmarineorganismsaswell asmakingwaterunsafeforrecreationalor aquaculturepurposes123

Excess NutrientsExcessnutrientsenterthewatersystemthroughagriculturalrun-offanddiffusepollutionviarivercatchmentsandpointsourcepollutionfromsewagetreatmentworksandindustrialdischargesAquacultureactivitiescancauseeutrophicationwhenwasteproducedbyfarmedfishandanywastefeedreleasedfalltotheseabedHoweveralltheseactivitiesarelicensedandcontrolledbySEPAthroughtheControlledActivitiesRegulations(CAR)whichminimisesexcessnutrientsenteringthesystem

Treatmentrequirementsforwastewaterarebasedonpopulationsizewithintheplantcatchmentandthestateofthewaterreceivingdischarges(thistopicisdiscussedinChapter610Wastewatertreatmentandindustrialoutfalls)InadditionSEPAworkswiththeagriculturalsectortopreventtheamountofnitratespollutingwatersystemsthroughpromotinggoodfarmingpractisesTheNitratesDirective(1991)isnowakeypartoftheWaterFrameworkDirective(WFD)andisfocussedonreducingagriculturalpressuresincludingdiffusepollutiononwaterqualityAswellasestablishingcodesofgoodagriculturalpractisetheNitratesDirectiverequiresmemberstatestoreportoneutrophicationnitrateconcentrationsandestimationsoffuturetrendsinwaterquality124AlthoughtherearenoNitrateVulnerableZonesintheCMRsuggestingthatagricultureisnotamajoremitterofnitrateitmaystillcontributetoeutrophicationofaquaticenvironmentsinsomeareas

AgricultureintheClydecopyLORNEGILLSNH

123Baxteretal2011124EuropeanCommission2016c

45Eutrophication

Monitor Loch Long and Loch Goil for continued Good statusColoursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAbathingwaterprofiles appssepaorgukbathingwatersProfilesaspxSEPABathingwatersreport201415and2016 appssepaorgukbathingwatersScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoSomeconcernsbutimprovingrsquoRegionalassessmentisconsistentwiththis

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

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72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 20: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

62

Monitoring and assessment of water bodiesSEPAcollectsdatafortheassessmentofwaterbodiesundertheWFDThisprocessisfullyexplainedinChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectiveandclassificationofwaterbodiesThesedataarealsousedforOSPARmonitoringforeutrophicationasdiscussedinScotlandrsquosMarineAtlas125Therelevantbiologicalandchemicalparameterswhichgiveanindicationastowhetherornotawaterbodyisatriskofeutrophicationaredissolvedoxygendissolvedinorganicnitrogenmacroalgaeandphytoplankton

PhytoplanktonbloomshavebeenknowntocauselossofstockinfishfarmsatLochStrivenandLochFyneBoththeselochshavelittlefreshwaterinputalowrateoftidalexchangeandundergoperiodsofdeepwaterstagnation126Astudypublishedin2001

125Baxteret al2011126Tettet al1986127Tettet al2001128UKNationalEcosystemAssessment2011

indicatedthathistoricallyphytoplanktonchlorophyllinLochStrivenregularlyexceeded10mgm-3duringsummerandthisqualifieditaseutrophic127 HoweverWFDclassificationfrom2008-2015nowassessesthiswaterbodytobeinGoodcondition

ThreeModeratewaterbodies(LochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil)whichweresubjecttounknownpressuresaffectingphytoplanktonin2013and2014havesubsequentlyimprovedtoGoodstatusinthe2015classificationresultsWaterbodyclassificationscanbeexaminedinmoredetailusingSEPArsquosinteractivetoollsquoWaterEnvironmentHubrsquowwwsepaorgukdata-visualisationwater-environment-hubThedataonthissitearealsoupdatedaswaterbodyassessmentsarecarriedoutandmoreinformationbecomesavailableandwillreflectanychangesinconditionorwhenpressuresandsourcesofpollutionbecomeknownforLochLongNorthLochLongSouthandLochGoil

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES128

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

EutrophicationcandepletethesystemofoxygenbyfacilitatingexcessplantgrowthThiscanhaveanegativeimpactonotherbiodiversityforexampleresultinginareductioninfishspeciesHarmfulalgalbloomscanmakeshellfishunfitforhumanconsumptionalthoughthishasnotbeenamajorissueintheCMR

Regulating CleanandsafewaterOverwhelmingthemarineenvironmentwithexcessnutrientsresultsinpollutionandreducestheecosystemrsquoscapacitytodegradeandprocessnutrientsinthewater

CulturalHealthbenefitsandrecreationandtourism

AlgalbloomsresultingfromeutrophicationcanbeharmfultohumansandrestrictrecreationalandculturalactivitiesandenjoymentofthemarineenvironmentTheyhavenotbeenanissueintheCMRinrecentyearshoweverwarmerseatemperaturesmayleadtoanincreaseinthetendencyforstratificationofthewatercolumnandcouldinfluencethedevelopmentsofharmfulalgalblooms(seeChapter31ClimatechangendashImpactsonmarinelifeandprocesses)

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

EffectivestoragecyclingandmaintenanceofnutrientsareessentialformarinelivingorganismsandsupportallothermarineecosystemservicesNutrientcyclingencouragesproductivityandmakesnutrientsavailabletoallotherlevelsoffoodchainsandwebsDrainingthroughsoilonlandcandilutepollutantstosafelevelsbyprocessingorassimilatingthemIftheabilityofthissystemiscompromisedpollutantscanbetransferredfromthelandviarivercatchmentstotheseaThiscanimpacttheabilityofthesystemtocarryoutnutrientcyclingTherewereconcernsovertheconditionofphytoplanktoninLochLongandLochGoilinthe2013amp2014WFDclassificationresultsbuttheseimprovedin2015(seeChapter41WaterFrameworkDirectivendashClassificationoftransitionalandcoastalwaters)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 21: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

63

IntroductionItisimportanttomonitoroilandchemicalspillsasthesemayresultincontaminationoftheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)withresultingharmtobirdsorothermarineanimalsMarineaccidentsarealsomonitoredtohelpimprovesafetyatsea

Oil and chemical spillsTheMaritimeandCoastguardAgency(MCA)hasstatutoryresponsibilityfortakingactionwhenoilorhazardousandnoxioussubstancesemanatingfromanyat-seaactivitythreatenstheUnitedKingdomoritssurroundingwatersAspartofitscommitmenttoprovidecleanerseasaroundtheUnitedKingdom

theMCApublishesviatheAdvisoryCommitteeonProtectionoftheSea(ACOPS)anannualsurveyofreporteddischargesandreleasesattributedtovesselsandoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsoperatingintheUnitedKingdomPollutionControlZone(UKPCZ)Surveyresultsinco-ordinationwithhistoricaldataandrecordsenableMCArsquosCounterPollutionandResponse(CPR)teamtomonitortrendsinthenumberofincidentstheamountofoilandchemicalsspilledthegeographicaldistributionofspillsthesourcesofpollutionandthenatureofthepollution129

AnalysisofACOPSannualsurveysforincidentsintheCMRrevealsthatthenumberofincidentsandthetotalamountoflitresofoilspilledcanvary

129Dixon2014

ContainershippingcopyPETERSANDGROUND

46 Oilandchemicalspillsandaccidents

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEACOPSannualsurveyreportswwwacopsorgukacops-reports ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorelsquoFewconcernsandnodiscernibletrendrsquoRegionalassessmentincludesadetailedlookatoilspillswhichshowsanimprovingtrend

Table 46 Coastal oil spills in the Clyde Marine Region 2002ndash2013

YEAR NUMBER OF INCIDENTS TOTAL LITRES

2013 1 0

2012 3 30

2011 3 102

2010 1 0

2009 2 980

2008 7 560

2007 6 1539

2006 2 159

2005 2 345

2004 5 122

2003 8 8215

2002 4 315

figureincludesatleast1incidentwherethequantityinvolvedwasnotknown

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 22: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

64

substantiallyfromoneyeartoanother(seetable46)Overallhowevertherehasbeenadecreasingtrendforbothoftheseindicatorssince2010Therehavebeennochemicalspillsreportedintheareasince2002theseareusuallyassociatedwithoffshoreoilandgasinstallationsandvesselswhicharenotpresentintheCMR

AlloftheaboveincidentsinvolvedcrudefuellubricationorhydraulicoilManyoilspillsareminorandcanbedispersedbynaturalmeansupto50mayevaporateasmallamountmaydissolvemicrobescandegradetheoilandsomecanattachtoparticlesandfalltotheseafloorTherateatwhichthisoccursdependsontheoiltypeandtheseastateInsomecasesawater-in-oilemulsionmayformwhatisknownaslsquochocolatemoussersquoIninshorewatersdependingonthesizeandtypeofspillthereareanumberofoptionsshouldtheoilneedtoberemovedthemovementofoilcanberestrictedthroughtheuseofboomsandbarrierstheoilcanthenberecoveredthroughtheuseofskimmersoilmopsorvacuumpumpsoradispersantcanbeusedifconditionsareappropriateIftheoilhasreachedtheshorethenashorelineclean-upoperationwillbeneededtoreducethepollutiontoatolerablelevelandtorestorethecoastlinewiththeleastimpactontheenvironment130Formoreinformationonresponse

tomarinepollutionincidentsseewwwgovukguidancehow-we-respond-to-marine-pollution-incidentsConsultNationalMarinePlaninteractivetoviewshorelinetypesaroundtheCMRascontainedwithintheOilSpillContingencyPlanning

ItshouldbenotedthatoilcanalsoenterthemarineenvironmentthroughterrestrialdrainagesystemsItisarequirementfornewdevelopmentswithsurfacewaterdrainagedischargingtothewaterenvironmentthatsuchdischargeswillpassthroughsustainableurbandrainagesystems(SUDS)131 Regulatorycontrolsonthestorageofoilalsoexist132

AccidentsTheMaritimeCoastguardAgencyisresponsibleforrespondingtomaritimeemergenciesForfurtherinformationontheSearchandRescueframeworkfortheUKandNorthernIrelandseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationssearch-and-rescue-framework-uksarThereisapotentialforuptofivestrategicdecision-makingcellstobeestablishedforspecificaspectsofanincidentTheMaritimeampCoastguardAgency(MCA)leadstheatsearesponsefromaMaritimeRescueCo-ordinationCentre(MRCC)SalvageControlUnit(SCU)andMarineResponseCentreTheSecretaryofStatelsquos

Table 47 MAIB investigated accidents in the Clyde Marine Region since 2000

OCCURRED DESCCRIPTION LOCATION VESSEL TYPE

26Nov2011Seriesofaccidentsincludingwindlassdamagegroundingand1personinjuredonRO-ROcargoferryNorcape

OperatinginandaroundTroonHarbour

Merchantgt100tonnes

5Dec2010 FireinengineroomontugSDDexterous 05nmnorthofRhuNarrowsGareloch

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Jan2010 CollisionbetweengeneralcargovesselLeeswigandtrawlerSpes Bona V

35rsquonorth-eastofPladdalighthouse

Merchantgt100tonnes

3Nov2009 ContactmadebybulkcarrierMorneswithconcretedolphin HunterstonJetty Merchantgt100

tonnes

2Nov2009 Capsizeandsinkingoftwin-rigprawntrawlerJubilee Star

NearCowalbuoyoffDunoon Fishing

23May2008 GroundingofprawntrawlerBountiful ScartRockoffLadyIslenearTroon Fishing

19Dec2007

Girting(whenthelineofatugbecomestaughtandthetugispulledoverandcapsized)ofthetugFlyingPhantomwhiletowingbulkcarrierRedJasminewith1personinjuredandlossof3lives

RiverClyde Merchantgt100tonnes

1Sep2004 GroundingofgeneralcargovesselJackie Moon

OffDunoonBreakwater

Merchantgt100tonnes

27Dec2000 CollisionbetweenfeedercontainervesselNordseeandpassengervesselPoole Scene RiverClyde Merchantgt100

tonnesSourceMarineAccidentInvestigationBranch

130DepartmentofTransportMarinePollutionControlUnit1994131ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyk132ScottishEnvironmentProtectionsAgencyl

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 23: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

65

RepresentativehasoverallresponsibilityforsalvageandwilldetermineifaSCUisrequiredWheretherearesignificantonshoreconsequencesaStrategicCo-ordinatingGroupandoraShorelineResponseCentremayberequiredwiththeleadbeingprovidedbythepoliceorthelocalauthorityForfurtherdetailsseewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsemergency-response-and-recovery ThePortMarineSafetyCodeappliestoallharbourauthoritiesintheUKthathavestatutorypowersanddutiesItisalsostronglyrecommendedthatfacilitiesoutsideofharbourareassuchasberthsterminalsandmarinasshouldseektohavesafetymanagementsystemsinplacewhichcomplywiththeCodeSeewwwgovukgovernmentpublicationsport-marine-safety-code

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Generalcommentndashwhilstminoroilspillscanbedispersedbynaturalmeansamajorincidentcouldhavesevereimplicationsforservicesprovidedbythosehabitatsandspeciesthatareaffected

Cultural Recreation andtourism

Cleanandsafeseasareessentialformarinesportrecreationandtourismactivities

133MarineAccidentInvestigationBrancha134MarineAccidentInvestigationBranchb

TherearenoEmergencyTowingVehiclesfundedbycentralGovernmentfortheCMRShipsinneedofassistancemeetthefullcostoftowagethroughthecommercialmarketbutmustnotifytherelevantportauthority

TheMarineAccidentsInvestigationBranch(MAIB)133investigatesmarineaccidentsinvolvingUKvesselsworldwideandallvesselsinUKterritorialwatersinordertopreventfurtheravoidableaccidentsfromoccurringandreportsdirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforTransport

ThefollowingtableshowstheaccidentsintheCMRthathavebeeninvestigatedbytheMAIBsincetheyear2000ForfurtherinformationaboutactiontakenandrecommendationsvisitMAIBreports134

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 24: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

66

IntroductionOxygenissuppliedtothewaterofanestuarybyriversthroughthesurfaceofthewaterandbyplantphotosynthesisThemanyorganismslivingwithintheestuarywillhoweverrapidlyconsumetheoxygenWherethereisexcessiveorganicenrichmentforexamplethroughinputofuntreatedsewagethesedimentscanbecomeanoxicandmicroorganismswhichdegradethesewagecanconsumealltheoxygenwithinthewaterbodyitself135

The situation in the Clyde Marine RegionInadditiontoorganicenrichmentthenarrowinganddeepeningoftheRiverClydefromErskineupstreamhasresultedinthepastinsignificantstratificationlimitednaturalmixingbetweenlayersandpocketsofverylowDissolvedOxygenoccurringatdepth136Studiesindicatethatanupperlimitof7mglofoxygenwillsupportmostecologicalprocesseswhilstalevelbelow2mglwillstressthemajorityoffishspecies137

DissolvedOxygenlevelshavebeenroutinelymonitoredintheClydeEstuarysincethe1970sResultsindicatethattheInnerClydeEstuarywascompletelydevoidofoxygenwhenmonitoringbeganandthishadresultedinthelackofanymigratoryfishsuchassalmonandseatroutusingtheestuarySincethattimetherehavebeensteadyimprovementssuchthattheOuterClydeEstuaryiscurrentlyatlsquoGoodrsquostatusintermsofDissolvedOxygenMigratoryfishreturnedtotheRiverClydeduringthe1980s

Oxygenation optionUndertheWaterFrameworkDirectivetheClydeEstuaryisrequiredtoreachthestatusoflsquoGoodEcologicalPotentialrsquoby2027In2011oxygenationtestswerecarriedoutontheInnerClydeEstuaryTwooxygenationunitsweresuspendedfromanunpoweredbargemooredofftheriverbankattheShieldhallwastewatertreatmentworksTheunitsdrewwaterinoxygenateditanddischargeditbackintotheriverThistestallowedScottishWaterandotherprojectpartners(SEPAGlasgowCityCouncilandPeelPortsClydeport)toassessthefeasibilityandcostsofoxygenationaspartofawiderbodyofworklookingtoimprovewaterqualityreducefloodriskandsupporteconomicdevelopmentobjectivesforthearea

In2013ScottishWaterfinalisedtheirGlasgowStrategicStudyWastewaterStrategywhichconcludedthatwhilstdischargesfromShieldhall

135McLuskyandElliott2004136ScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency2013a137Rosset al2009

Inner Clyde Estuary

Rest of CMR

47Dissolvedoxygen

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCESEPAmonitoring RiverClydeoxygenationprojectwwwgeorgelesliecoukwhat-we-docase-studyriver-clyde-oxygenation-projectScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenoscoreincluded

SOURCESEPA

Figure 43 Annual Dissolved Oxygen values with 5 year running average

ThisSEPAgraphshowsa 5ileDOconcentrationsinindividualyears

(circlesconnectedbysolidlines)b 5yearrunningaverageofthesevalues(dashedlines)cpredictionintervals(dottedlines)dvaluesusedforWFDclassification(+signs)

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

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suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 25: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

67

andDalmuirWastewaterTreatmentWorksandintermittentdischargesfromthesewernetworkcontributetotheproblemremovalofthesedischargeswillnotinthemselvesachieveGoodEcologicalPotentialasrequiredundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveby2027TargetDissolvedOxygenlevelswillonlybeachievedatthistimethroughoxygenationADisproportionateCostAssessmentundertakenbySEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectivehasconfirmedthatwhilstoxygenationisthemostcost-effectivesolutionthereisuncertaintyaboutboththeDissolvedOxygentrendandtheecologicalimpactsThisleadsSEPAtoconcludethatitwouldbedisproportionatetoimplementoxygenationatthisstagehoweverthiswillbereviewedinthefutureInthemeantimeScottishWaterareevaluatingtheoptionofmakingoperationalchangestotheShieldhallWastewaterTreatmentworkssothatthefinaleffluentdischargesintotheupperlayeroftheestuaryThistakesadvantageoftheseawardvelocitiesthatexistinboththeebbandfloodtides

TheRiverClydeinGlasgowcopyPETERSANDGROUND

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

AnadequatelevelofdissolvedoxygenwithinmarinewatersisessentialtosupportmarinelifeLevelsofdissolvedoxygenintheClydeestuaryarenowreturningtolevelswhichwillsupportmostecologicalprocesses

Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) TheMGSDPisapartnershipformedbyorganisationsinvolvedwiththeoperationofthesewerageanddrainagenetworkwithinthearea-ScottishWaterGlasgowCityCouncilScottishCanalsSouthLanarkshireCouncilClydeGatewayScottishEnterpriseRenfrewshireCouncilEastDunbartonshireCouncilandtheScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)

ThePartnershiprsquosobjectivesare1Floodriskreduction2Riverwaterqualityimprovement3Enablingeconomicdevelopment4Habitatimprovement5Integratedinvestmentplanning

VariousprojectsarebeingundertakentodelivertheaboveobjectivesDetailsoftheseareavailableontheMGSDPwebsiteatwwwmgsdporg

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 26: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

68

IntroductionMarinelitterisfoundinallseasandoceanregionsoftheworldandrepresentstheeffectsofthewiderproblemofinefficientwastemanagementandpeoplersquosattitudesandbehaviourstowardslitterMarinelitterisdefinedaslsquoany persistent

manufactured or processed solid material discarded disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environmentrsquo138MarineLitterisatrans-boundaryissuewhichaffectsarangeofsectorsacrossdifferentscaleswithnoclearsolutiontoresolveitandwhichrequirespolicyreformacrossarangeofareasandinvestmentinlong-termsocialchange139

Sources and types of marine litterAbout80ofmarinelitterinScotlandisidentifiedascomingfromlandbasedsources140Thisincludessewagerelateddebris(SRD)suchascottonbudsnappieswetwipesandsanitaryproductsActivitiescarriedoutatseacontributetheremaining20ofmarinelitterInUKwatersaround70ofmarinelitterisplastic141whichwillpersistintheenvironmentforthousandsofyearsAdditionallyallplasticsprogressivelyfragmentintomicroplastics(anyplasticwhichislt5mm)throughmechanicalactionandphoto-degradationMicroplasticsarealsousedasindustriallsquoscrubbersrsquoandinpersonalhygieneproductssotheyalsoentertheenvironmentreadyformedTheUKGovernmentplanstointroducelegislationtobantheuseofmicroplasticsincosmeticproductsfromtheendof2018

Shallowcoastalareasofdepthslessthan40mhaveamuchgreaterabundanceofmarinelitter

138UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme2005139HastingsandPotts2013140McIntyreet al2012141HMgovernment2012

48Marinelitter

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEMCSbeachcleandata MarineLitterStrategyforScotland wwwgovscotPublications2014094891ScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescore beachlitterndashsomeconcernsandnodiscernibletrendRegionalassessmentisformarinelitterincludingaworseningsituationinparticularformicroplasticsandageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterfromgroupsaroundtheClyde

copyCLAIREPESCOD

Figure 44 Marine Litter in Kintyre following a storm event

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 27: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

69

thandeeperwatersGreaterabundanceshavebeenfoundinbayswhicharemoresheltered ThisisreflectedintheClydeMarineRegion(CMR)whereduetotheprevailingsouthwesterlywindslittercongregationareasorlsquosinksrsquoarefoundinshelteredareasatthetopoftheClydesealochsandalsonorthernshoresespeciallyatHelensburgh142

Impact of marine litter on species ecosystems and societyThenegativeimpactsofmarinelitterarewelldocumentedandwiderangingMarinewildlifecaningestorbecomeentangledinmarinelittercausingdeathorfalsesatiationeffectsleadingtoincreasedmortalityTheOSPAREcologicalQualityObjectivesprojecthasfoundthatinScotland91ofdeadnorthernfulmars(Fulmarus glacialis)surveyedhaveplasticsintheirstomach143IntheCMRthereisevidenceofNephrops(Nephrops norvegicus)ingestingmicroplastics144

SRDandothermarinelitteraccumulatingonbeachesandanyaccessiblecoastlinepresentapublichealthissueaswellasadeterrenttorecreationandtourismonScottishbeachesMCSbeachcleanscarriedoutintheCMRfrom2010-2015werecarriedoutoveratotalof269598volunteerhoursIfcalculatedatanapproximatecouncilworkerhourlyrate145thelabourcostsforvoluntarybeachcleanswouldtotalbetweenpound2296975-pound2625885(basedona35or40hourweek)notincludingotherexpensessuchastransportorequipmentThisfigureandthenumberofvolunteerhoursgivenabovedoesnottakeintoaccountotherbeachcleansorganisedoutwiththeMCS

MarinelitterpresentsathreattothefishingindustryasgearcansnagonlargeobjectsontheseabeddamaginggearandincreasingtheriskofcapsizingObjectscaughtinnetscosttimetoremoveresultinginfishingtimelostandpotentiallydamagedgearTheestimatedcosttotheScottishfishingfleetisapproximatelypound115meachyearindamagestovesselsequatingtoapproximatelypound10000pervesseland41hoursoflostfishingtimeasignificantportionoftheirtimeallocatedatsea146 Floatingmarinelitterpresentsasignificanthazardtorecreationalcraftboththroughcollisionandthroughentanglementofropesandotherfloatingdebrisinpropellers

Theaccumulationofseaweedandotherorganicdebrisatthehighwatermarkisknown

asthestrandlineThestrandlineisahabitatforinvertebratesandisanimportantpartofthecoastalecosystemMarinelitteroftenbecomesentangledinthestrandlinetothedegreethatmanuallitterpickingpresentsanoneroustaskThiscanleadtotheuseoftractorsandmechanicalmethodsofseaweedremovalresultinginthelossordegradingofthisimportantfeatureontheshore147148

Microplastics in the marine environment ResearchfromtheUniversityofPlymouthwasthefirsttoidentifythewidespreadoccurrenceofmicroplasticsinthemarineenvironmentwhichhavebeenaccumulatingsincethe1960s149ThisresearchhasshownthatmicroplasticsarepresentontheshoreandinthewatercolumnthroughouttheNorthEastAtlanticMoreovermicroplasticshavebeenshowntohavepersistentorganicpollutants(POPs)concentrationsofuptoamilliontimestheambientlevelofseawater150

Apositivecorrelationbetweenthepresenceoftoxinsinthefattissueofgreatshearwaters(Puffinus gravis)andtheingestionofplasticsuggestthatconsumingplasticfacilitatestheassimilationoftoxinsandPOPsinmarineorganisms(seeChapter42onHazardoussubstancesformoreinformationonthis)151TheUnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)recommendsaprecautionaryapproachtomicroplasticuseandaneventualbanontheirproductionanduse152Marinelittercanalsobeusedasavectorforthetransportofinvasiveandnon-nativespeciesmostcommonlybybryozoansbarnaclesandpolychaeteworms153

AstudyofmicroplasticsintheWestCoastofScotlandshowedfilamentswerethemostcommonlyrecoveredplasticsfollowedbyfragmentsrecoveredfrom344ofsamplesAnalysisofthesamplesshowedvariationisnotduetoasinglecontaminationsourceorre-dispersaleventandtheamountofplasticsinthesedimentwasnotsignificantlyrelatedtotheamountofplasticsinthewatercolumn154AdditionallythestudyexaminedasampleoftheCMRNephropspopulationforthepresenceofplasticsIntheCMR841ofNephrops sampledwerefoundtohaveplasticintheirgutLargerindividualshavealargergastricmillandlargergapsbetweenteethmakingthemmorecapableofdigestingplasticsAsthegutliningisshedduringmoultingindividualswhicharenewlymoultedhavealowerweightofplasticintheirgut

142Rosset al2009143OSPARCommission2009b144MurrayandCowie2011145ThisfigureisestimatedbasedontheAnnualSurveyofHoursandEarnings2015ProvisionalResultsmedianfull-timegrossweeklyearningsbyelementaryoccupationsfromtheOfficeforNationalStatistics146FishingforLitter2004147Mills2012a148Dyson2011149UniversityofPlymouth150EuropeanCommission2016d151Galgani2010152UnitedNationalenvironmentProgramme2015153PottsandHastings2011154Welden2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 28: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

70

suggestingthatlangoustinesarecapableofreducingtheirplasticloadThelargeamountofmicroplasticfibersintheCMRindicatethatNephropsareatincreasedriskofthebiologicalimpactsofplasticingestionthiscanincludefalsesatiationwhichmayaffectbodycondition155156

National and local action on reducing marine litter and marine litter data in the Clyde Marine Region NoagencyinScotlandhasoverallresponsibilityforcoordinatingeffortstoreducemarinelitterJustasarangeofregionalandnationalpoliciescreateaframeworktoadviseandguideactivityonthereductionofmarinelitteranetworkoflocalregionalandnationalstatutorybodiescharitiesNGOsandorganisationshavearoleinlitterreductionactivitiesSomeofthesebodiesdealwithlitterwhereitenterswatersourcesorwhenitendsuponcoastalhabitatsThisincludesScottishWaterwhichhasresponsibilityformaintainingseweragesystemsTosupporttheimplementationoftheMarineLitterStrategyforScotlandMarineScotlandhasformedtheMarineLitterStrategySteeringGroupThereisageneralperceiveddeteriorationinmarinelitterespeciallyamongstcommunitiesdirectlyaffectedbyitwithgrowingconcernoverincreasingmicroplastics

SRDendsupinthemarineandcoastalenvironmentwhencombinedsewersoverflowduringheavyrainorfloodingeventsresultinginSRDbeingwashedouttoseaScottishWaterundertakeseducationinitiativessuchasthelsquoBagitdonrsquotbinitrsquocampaignTheScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)hasaroleinregulatingandmaintainingriversandwaterways

DutybodieshaveresponsibilityforkeepingpublicbeachescleanDatacollatedin2011intheFirthofClydeForumrsquoslsquoMarine Litter Strategy for the Firth of Clyde Step 1 Defining the Status Quorsquo reportfoundthatintermsofLocalAuthorityactivitythefrequencyofbeachcleansamongstthesevenLocalAuthoritieswithacoastlineintheCMRregionvariesbetweeneachauthorityanditisthoughtthateffortinbeachcleaningishigherduringthesummerseasonandisdependentontheeconomicimportanceofthebeachtothearea157

MuchworkoncleaningupmarinelitteriscarriedoutbyvolunteerscommunitygroupsandcharitiesIntheCMRtherearebull theGroupforRecyclinginArgyllandBute(GRAB)

TrustrunstheBeachesampMarineLitterProjectacrosstheArgyllandButearea(excludingHelensburghandLomond)andmanagestheArgyllandButeBeachForum

bull TheHelensburghEastEsplanadeProtectionGroup(longestrunningbeachcleanintheUKoperatingsince1995)

bull ArranCoastalWaybull CommunityofArranSeabedTrust(COAST)bull FieldStudiesCouncilMillportIsleofCumbraebull BeachwatchButeremoves10tonnesoflitterfrom

theislandrsquosbeacheseveryyear158

bull LochLomondandTheTrossachsNationalParkatArrocharandLochgoilhead

bull GirvanAllowayAyrPrestwickandTroonRotaryClubs

bull ClydeMuirshielRegionalParkrangersatLunderstonBay

bull TheMCSoperatesanationalcitizenscienceprogrammeofbeachcleanscalled lsquoBeachwatchrsquo159160

bull TheGreatNurdleHuntndashClydeNurdleQuest

WhilstnotallbeachcleansintheCMRcollectdataforinclusionintheMCSfiguresbetween2010-2015atotalof90MCSbeachcleanswerecarriedoutoveratotal269598hours161ThemosttimewasspentandmostlittercollectedwasinArgyllandButeNobeachcleaningthroughtheMCSprogrammewascarriedoutinWestDunbartonshireandsonodataareavailableforanybeachcleansthatmayhavebeencarriedoutinthisLocalAuthorityTable7providesayearlybreakdownofbeachcleaningdatabyeffortaccordingtoLocalAuthorityareas

ThedatafromMCSbeachcleans2010-2015(figure46)showsthatoverallplasticisthemostprevalenttypeoflittercollectedthroughoutallLocalAuthorities(doesnotincludetheLocalAuthoritiesownbeachcleaningactivities)FollowingthiswerelevelsofsanitarywasteinArgyllandButeandInverclydeandpolystyreneinRenfrewshireandSouthAyrshireThedataforNorthAyrshireshowedequalproportionsofpolystyreneandsanitarywastewascollectedAhighlevelofcottonbudswerecollected

155Welden2015156WeldenandCowie2016157Dyson2011158ButeCommunityLinks159MarineconservationSociety2014160MCShasbeencollectingdataonmarinelitterthroughthecitizenscienceprogramBeachwatchsince1994andhasthusamassedalargebankofdatadetailingbothtypeandsourceoflittertobefoundintheUKTheprotocolsandmethodologyusedarecompatiblewithothersystemsonaEuropeanandworldwidebasisThedataisanalysedbyMCStoidentifythequantitiestypesandsourcesoflitteraffectingtheUKcoastlineandtheimpactsoflitteronmarinelifehumanhealthandlocaleconomiesprovidingevidencethatcanbeusedtotargetspecificpollutersandpollutantsatlocalnationalandinternationallevelsBeachwatchdataisfedintotheOSPARprojectonMarineLitterMCSalsodesignedandhoststhecurrentOSPARmarinelitterdatabaseBeachwatchdataformedtheevidencefortheGovernmentrsquostworeportsChartingProgress1andChartingProgress2onthestateoftheUKseasDefraacknowledgedthatBeachwatchldquoprovidestheonlylong-termdatasetrdquoforbeachlitterintheUKMCSweretheleadauthorforthebeachlittersectioninChartingProgress2MCSisamemberoftheEUTechnicalworkinggrouponMarineLitterwhichisdevisingguidelinesforthemonitoringofmarinelittertoensureconsistencythroughouttheEUfortheMSFD161DataprovidedbyMCS2015ItisnotpossibletocalculatethenumberofvolunteersinvolvedasitislikelythatthesamepeoplecarriedoutmorethanonebeachcleanperyearintheMCSsurveys

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 29: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

71

Table 48 Data from MCS Clyde beach clean 2010-2015 showing beach clean effort according to local authority area162

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Argyll and Bute North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Inverclyde Renfrewshire

Totalnumberofbeachcleans 2010-2015 51 7 13 15 4

Averagebeachlitterdensitypermetreofbeach(totalnoofitemstotallengthofbeachcleaned)

252 305 179 775 230

Totalweightcollected(kg) 204215 25025 4565 3936 58

Totalnoofvolunteerhours 158724 4792 303 73242 254

2010

Noofbeachescleaned 13 4 3 1 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 176 291 157 728 458

Totalweightcollected 414 20825 171 25 Nodata

Totalnovolunteerhours 2883 2125 90 26 18

2011

Noofbeachescleaned 6 1 4 2

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 16 035 592 805

Totalweightcollected 2005 2 99 585

Totalnovolunteerhours 22925 4 1155 5275

2012

Noofbeachescleaned 10 1 2 5

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 135 094 1063 1008

Totalweightcollected 195 20 131 1095

Totalnovolunteerhours 2193 667 505 49917

2013

Noofbeachescleaned 5

Nodata

2 3

NodataAvebeachlitterdensity 314 025 687

Totalweightcollected 873 555 394

Totalnovolunteerhours 2215 295 255

2014

Noofbeachescleaned 8

Nodata

1 4 1

Avebeachlitterdensity 758 014 652 038

Totalweightcollected 935 Nodata 1612 224

Totalnovolunteerhours 41642 175 129 6

2015

Noofbeachescleaned 9 1

Nodata Nodata

2

Avebeachlitterdensity 324 018 131

Totalweightcollected 1136 20 3

Totalnovolunteerhours 21247 16 34

Figure 46 Proportions by weight of types of marine litter collected as part of MCS beach cleans in the Clyde Marine Region 2010-2015

whichoverallaccountfor77ofallsanitaryitemscollectedItisalsointerestingtonotethathighproportionsofcottonbudsandothersanitaryitemswerecollectedrepeatedlyinLunderstonbayinInverclydeandHelensburghinArgyllandButesupportinginformationthattheseareasareknownlittersinks

TheresultsabovearelargelytypicalforeachLocalAuthorityhoweverRenfrewshirerecordedthehighestamountpolystyrenecollectedintheCMRrecording18NorthAyrshirehadthehighestpercentageofplasticsrecording67andInverclydereportedthatsanitaryproductsmadeup20ofalllittercollectedalsothehighestamount

162DataprovidedbyMCS2015

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 30: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

72

forlitterofthistypeAspartoftheirrequirementsundertheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveDEFRAhascontractedtheMCStosupplydatafourtimesayearonbeachlitterlevelsat19beachesacrosstheUKfourofwhichareinScotlandOneofthesebeachesisLunderstonBayduetothelongandrobustdatasetavailableforthebeachhereTheFishingforLitter(FFL)initiativeisaUK-wideprojectandhasbeeninactionsince2005FFLworkswithfishermenandharbourstaffprovidingcollectionfacilitiesforfishermentodisposeofanymarinelittertheycatchwhileatseaTheschemecurrentlyoperatesinfourharboursintheCMRTarbertCampbeltownRothesayandTroonandthereispotentialfortheprojecttoexpandintootherharbourswithintheCMRTheschemehasrecentlybeguninTroonTarberthasfivevesselsregisteredCampbeltownalsohasfiveandRothesaycurrentlyhastworegisteredvesselsFrom2008-2011fourtonneswerecollectedatRothesayandfrom2008-2014approximately60tonnesoflitterhavebeen

collectedfromTarbertThisequatestoone11yd3 skipfilledeverysixweeksorenoughtofill25localswimmingpools163

GlasgowCityCounciloperatesaworkboatlsquowaterwitchrsquocalledSt MungowhichscoopsordredgesrubbishanddebrisoutoftheRiverClydeThewaterwitchwasemployedaspartofamajorclean-upoftheClydeanditcollectsbothnaturallyproduceddebrissuchastreebranchesandweedsandman-madecreatedlittersuchaslargeitemsdumpedintheriverincludingshoppingtrolleysandgasbottles

ItisprobablethattherearemanymoreunpublicisedcommunityactionsbeingcarriedoutbynumerousgroupsandindividualsTheneedforsuchgroupssignifiesamajorissuewithmarinelitteritoftenfallstopeopleandauthoritieswhoarenotresponsibleforitscreationtodealwithcleaningitupAlargepartofreducingmarinelitterwillfalltoachievinglongtermsocialchangeinregardtopeoplersquosbehavioursandattitudestowardswaste

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES164

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food

PlasticingestionbyfishandshellfishcouldhaveaneffectonproductivityandfoodchaindynamicsduetoimpactssuchasfalsesatiationeffectslossofbodyconditionanddeathConcernsexistovertheimpactofmicroplasticsonNephrops in theCMR(andotherareas)Researchintotheimplicationsforhumanhealthisatanearlystage

Regulating

Cleanandsafewater

PresenceofSRDonbeachesandintheseafromcombinedoverflowsmayindicatecontaminationandpoorwaterqualityThishasbeenanissuenotedinparticulararoundHelensburghandtheheadsofthesealochsinthepast

Protectionagainstcoastalerosionandstormdefence

Mechanicalremovalofthestrandlinetoremovelittercanaffectresilienceofthebeachtophysicalprocessesandextremeweatherandmakingthemmorevulnerabletoerosion

Lifecyclemaintenanceandbiologicalregulation

Plasticingestionorentrapmentbymarineorganismscanresultinchangesinlifecyclemaintenanceandpopulationdynamics165

Cultural

Aestheticbenefitsoftheseascapelandscapeandsenseofplace

MarinelitterintheenvironmentinhibitspeoplersquossenseofplaceculturalheritageandappreciationofaestheticandinspirationalqualitiesofbeachesItcandetrimentallyimpacttourismandrecreationalactivitiesThisisparticularlytrueoflittersinksintheCMRattheheadsoflochsandthenorthsideoftheClydeestuary

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

MarinelittercancontributetocreatinganoxicconditionsonseabedsedimentswhichcanaffectnutrientcyclingoccurringinthiszoneEntanglementoflitterinstrandlineseaweedcanalsopreventitseffectivedegradationandthereforenutrientcyclingwhilstremovalofthestrandlinetakesimportantnutrientsupplyandhabitatawayfromthecoastalecosystem166167 AccumulationsoflitterinthestrandlinehavebeenreportedinparticularattheheadsoflochsintheCMRandinmanylocationsfollowingastormevent

16320mx8mwith135maveragedepth164Galganiet al2010165Dyson2011166Mills2012a167Dyson2011

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 31: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

73

IntroductionUnderwaternoiseisincreasinglybeingrecognisedasanimportantstressortomarinelifePriortothemid-19thcenturyIndustrialRevolutionlow-frequencynoiseintheoceanwasduetosprayandbubblesassociatedwithbreakingwavessoundsgeneratedbymarinelifeseismicnoiseandothernaturalsoundsTheIndustrialRevolutionmarkedthebeginningoftheuseofpowered(ratherthansailing)vesselstotransportgoodsandprovideservicesIncreasesincommercialshippingsincethattimehavecausedlow-frequencynoiselevelstoincreaseinmanyoceaniclocationsandimpulsenoisesassocatedwithacousticdeterrantsorpilingtypeactivitieshavealsoincreased168

Current status of underwater noise in the Clyde Marine RegionItisunknownhowunderwaternoisehaschangedintheClydesincetheindustrialrevolutionhoweverthereisacorrelationbetweenincreasingbackgroundunderwaternoiseandtheincreaseintheworldfleetgrosstonnage169AlsotherehasbeenageneralincreaseinhumanactivitiesincoastalareasaroundtheClyde(forexample-harbourconstructionandrecreationalboating)butagaintheeffectthismayhaveonmarinelifeiscurrentlynotwellunderstoodIntheClydesignificantunderwaternoiseislikelytocomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingshippingbutalsodevelopment(egpilingandcablelaying)fishing(dredge)anddefence(submarinemovementsandotherfacilitytesting)ndashseetable49forfurtheranalysis

Legislation and regulation of underwater noiseUKregulationsmeanlicensableactivitiesmustbelicensedornotifiedandconductedunderstrictconditionsMarinelicencesareissuedbyarangeofbodiesincludingMarineScotlandAspartofthelicensingprocessdetailsofnoise-generatingactivitiesarerecordedinthenoiseregistryWherenoise-generatingactivitiesarenotlicensablenoiseinformationwillbecollectedviaavoluntaryreportingschemefurtherinformationonthisschemeisincludedlaterinthischapterForexamplemilitaryactivityisnotlicensedbuttheMinistryofDefence(MoD)isvoluntarilyco-operatingwiththesystemandmaysubmitdataasoperationallyappropriateduringactivitiessuchascontrolledexplosionsofhistoricordnanceandwhenusingactivesonar170

Alicencemayincludemitigationmeasuresandmayincludetimingrestrictionsonnoisyactivitiesduringperiodswhenmarineorganismsareattheirmostvulnerabletodisturbance(egfishspawningseasonsormarinemammalbreedingseasons)useofnoisedampeningtechnologiestoreducesourcelevelsortheuseofalternativedesigns171

Issues related to underwater noise UnderwaternoisecanhavesignificantnegativeeffectsonthemarinelifewhichinhabittheCMRHighlysusceptiblespeciessuchasporpoisesanddolphinsaswellasotherfishandeveninvertebratesmaybeimpactedbyexcessivenoiseAlthoughtheextentoftheimpactisnotwellknownthereisevidenceofthedetrimentaleffectsofnoise

copyPETERSANDGROUND

168Discoveryofsoundinthesea2016169Tyacket al2015170Frequencyband10Hzto10kHzexceedingtheenergysourcelevel186dBre1μPasup2msup2sorthezerotopeaksourcelevelof224dBre1μPasup2msup2171Marinelicensingasintroducedbypart4oftheMarineandCoastalAccessAct2009(MCAA)andpart4oftheMarine(Scotland)Act2010

49Noise

Very little Clyde specific data exists

Coloursareexplainedinthekeyatthebeginningofthedocument

KEY SUPPORTING EVIDENCEScotlandrsquosMarineAtlasClydescorenotincluded

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 32: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

74

oncetaceans(whalesdolphinsandporpoises)andpinnipeds(seals)ThereisalsosomeevidenceavailableforfishbutverylittleforinvertebratesCetaceansareparticularlysensitivetodisturbanceandinjuryduetoexposuretoexcessivenoiseShorttermchangesinbehaviourcanleadtoisolationofanimalsthroughfragmentationofgroupsreducedfeedingandbreedingsuccessandchangestoswimmingdivingandcommunicationbehavioursLongertermeffectsarelesswellunderstoodbutcanincludeabandonmentofpreferredfeedingandbreedingareasabandonmentofcalvesandincreasedmortalityandinjuryincludingfromstrandings172173Thishasthepotentialtoaffectthebiologicalfitnessoftheseanimalsbuthowthisthenextrapolatestopopulationeffectsisnotwellunderstood

Manystudieshaveshownthatcetaceanslikehumansareveryindividualintheirbehaviourndashthresholdsforoneindividualmaynotbethesame

fortherestofthespeciesandsignsofdisturbancecanvary174

SoundtendstobetheprimarysensorymodalityunderwaterbecauseoftheexcellenttransmissionofsoundthroughwaterIncomparisonthetransmissionoflightisverylimitedThevariousanimalspeciesthatliveunderwaterlikefishandmarinemammalseachhavetheirownspecifichearingsensitivityandfrequencyrangeThedifferenceinhearingabilitieswillmeanthatthesamesoundsourcemaynothavethesameeffectoverallexposedspecies

WhatisgenerallyacceptedisthatmarinelifeisnowinhabitingaworldthatisincreasinglymorenoisythanthatforwhichitisnaturallyadaptedtoThereisincreasingevidencethatanimalsarerespondingtoandbehaviourallycompensatingforinfluencesfromanthropogenicsounds

UnderwaternoiseiscategorisedaslsquoimpulsiversquoorlsquocontinuousrsquoImpulsivenoiseischaracterised

Table 49 Sources of noise in the underwater environment AspectswhichmaybeofparticularrelevancetotheCMRarehighlightedinbold

NATURAL NOISE SOURCES ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE SOURCES

IMPULSIVE NOISE

bullLighteningbull Geologicalnoise

bull Acoustic deterrent devicesbull Coastal industry including construction

(eg pile driving etc)bull Explosivesmineandbombclearancebull OffshoreindustryPlatformconstruction(piledrivingalternativemethods)

bull Shipshocktrialbull Acoustic transpondersbull Doppler current profilerbull Fish-finding sonarbull Military search sonarbull Minesweeping equipmentbull Multibeam echo sounderbull Normal-incidence echo sounderbull Obstacle avoidance sonarbull Research sonarbull Seismic explorations Sidescan sonarbull Sub-bottom profiler

CONTINUOUS NOISE

bull Biotaotherthanmammalsfishandcrustaceansbull Breakinggravity(surf)wavesbull Crustaceansbull Fishbull Flownoisebull Gravelnoisebull Mammalsbull Precipitationotherthanrainbull Rainbull Thermalnoisebull Wave-waveinteractionsbull Wind

bull Acoustic camerasbull Acoustic communications equipmentbull Dredging pipe laying cable layingbull Fishing vesselsbull Flownoise(pipelines)bull Industrialharbour noisebull Oilampgasplatformspumpingdrillingassociatedsupplyandmaintenance)

bull Platform maintenance (supply tugs)bull Platform operation (eg tidal turbines)bull Shipping commercial vessels leisure craftbull Windfarmdecommissioning

Thermalnoiseisnotsounditcontributestothebackgroundnoiseofanymeasurementsystembasedonthedetection ofpressurefluctuations

172WeilgartLS2007173MarineScotland2014a174ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode2017

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 33: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

4 CONDITION OF THE REGION ndash CLEAN AND SAFE

75

asasoundwithashortrisetime(egimpulsepiling)whereasenginenoiseforexamplewouldbeclassifiedascontinuousThedifferencesinthecharacteristicsofthenoisesourcemayhaveimplicationsformarinelifeineitheracuteorchronicexposuresandtheeffectofeithertypeislikelytobedifferentdependingontheexposure

Underwater noise in the UKTherearedataavailableoverthelast70yearsorsorelatingtotheunderwaternoisecharacteristicsofambientbackgroundnoiseThereisarelativelygoodunderstandingonthemajorunderwaternoisecontributorsintermsoftheiracousticcharacteristicsMostofthesestudiesareindeepwaterandhistoricallyconnectedtothemilitaryrsquosuseofsonarforsubmarinedetectionsHoweverthereisanincreasingamountofevidencerelatingtounderwaternoiseincoastalregionsincludingarecentstudyusing12sitesaroundtheUK175 ThisstemsfromanincreasedawarenessastothepotentialimpactsofnoisyactivitiessuchasmarineconstructionHowevershallowseaevidenceisstillrelativelylimited

TheUKinitialassessmentfortheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirective(MSFD)indicatedthatitwasnotpossibletoprovideanassessmentofunderwaternoiseanditsimpactsortoprovidearelevantbaseline176Itconcludedthattherewascurrentlyinsufficientevidencetoprovideaquantitativeassessmentofunderwaternoise

OnestudyofnaturalandanthropogenicsoundsourcesandacousticpropagationintheNorthSeaconcludedthatthereisinsufficientinformationonthephysiologyandbehaviourofthemarinefaunaoftheNorthSeatomakereasonablepredictionsofimpactandproposalsformanagementThereisalsoalackofknowledgeontheeffectsofthevariousanthropogenicsourcesofsoundontheecosystemoftheNorthSeabothindividuallyandcumulatively177

ThislackofdataarereflectedintheCMRwherenoprimaryresearchhasbeenpublishedonunderwaternoiseTheMODwhilsthavingnorelevantCMRspecificdatasetsavailablehasexpressedaninterestinworkinginpartnershipwithpotentialunderwaternoiseresearchers

InareasoutsideoftheCMRwheresoundrecordsexistanthropogenicnoiseintheoceanhasbeenincreasingacrossmuchofthefrequencyspectrum178179andespeciallyatlowerfrequencies (lt500Hz)180

Filling the data gapsDataonunderwaternoiseintheCMRisextremelylimitedsoanyfreshsourcesofinformationwouldbeapositivestepUndertheMSFDworktowardsestablishingamarinenoiseregistrytorecordassessandmanagethedistributionandtimingofimpulsiveanthropogenicsoundsourceshasbegunbutthedataarelimited181182183TheworkismanagedbytheJointNatureConservationCommitteeandtheregistrywaslaunchedinthesummerof2016ThesedatawillthenbeusedinfutureresearchtoassesslevelsandpatternsofimpulsiveandlowfrequencycontinuousnoiseinordertodeterminewhetherornotthesecouldpotentiallycompromisetheachievementofGEnvS

TheoverarchingaimstatedbyDEFRAintheMarineStrategyFrameworkDirectiveisthathumanactivitiespotentiallyintroducingloudlowandmidfrequencyimpulsivesoundsintothemarineenvironmentaremanagedtotheextentthatnosignificantlong-termadverseeffectsareincurredatthepopulationlevelorspecificallytovulnerablethreatenedspeciesandkeyfunctionalgroups184Wearenotyetatthestagewhereweareabletodefinewherethethresholdmaysit

GoodpracticeguidancehasbeenpublishedtotrytoensureastandardisedmeasuringandrecordingofunderwaternoiseDifferingtechniquesandmetricscurrentlyandhistoricallyusedformeasuringunderwaternoisecanleadtomisunderstandingsandmisinterpretationofresults185TheInternationalOrganiastionforStandardisationisalsoprogressingworkwhichwillenableimprovedstandardisation

ResearchcarriedoutintheMorayFirthhasrevealedthatnoisediffersgreatlybetweensitesandthroughoutthedayeffectswhicharelikelytobemagnifiedintheClydewherethecomplexunderwaterprofilecoupledwiththehighlyurbanisedinnerClydeandindustrialandtransportuseswillmakeforacomplexitywhichwillrequiredetailedstudytocreateausefulunderwaternoiseprofilefortheplanarea186

MarineScotlandhasproducedguidanceonEuropeanProtectedSpecieslegislation187 and JNCChasproducedstatutorynatureconservationagencyguidelinesforminimisingtheriskofinjurytomarinemammalsfromseismicactivitiespilingandexplosiveuseTheapplicationoftheseguidelinesisfrequentlysetasalicenceconditionInadditiontheInternationalMaritimeOrganizationhasproduced non-mandatorytechnicallsquoGuidelinesforthe

175Merchantet al2016176HMGovernment2012177Ainslieet al2009178Andrewet al2002179McDonaldet al2008180Frisk2012181JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c182InternationalCouncilfortheExplorationoftheSea183JointNatureConservationCommittee2016c184DepartmentfortheEnvironmentandRuralAffairs2015185Robinson2014186Merchantet al2012187MarineScotland2014a

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge

Page 34: 4. Condition of the Region CLEAN AND SAFE...Scale 1:848,925. CLDE ANE EN ASSESSEN 1 46 68. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, F 69. Due to improvements in data collection and

CLYDE MARINE REGION ASSESSMENT 2017

76

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

SERVICE TYPE BENEFITS PROVIDED COMMENTARY

Provisioning Food(fishandshellfish)

Excessivenoisecanlimitthesystemrsquosprovisioningabilitybynegativelyaffectingbreedinghuntingandfeedingsuccessinawiderangeofspecies

Cultural WellbeingRecreation

ManypeoplereflectonthemeditativequalityofthemarineandcoastalenvironmentlisteningtothewavesisanimportantpartofatriptothebeachformanypeopleThisisalsotruefordivingenthusiastsMarinenoisepollutioncannegativelyaffectculturalservices

Supportingservicesunderpintheprovision ofotherservices

TheabsenceofnoiseisasimportantasnoiseitselfAnabsenceofnoiseallowscommunicationbetweenindividualsofaspecieswithingroupsanditfacilitateshuntingToomuchunderwaternoisewilllimitindividualandgroupcommunicationpotentiallyphysicallydamagingordisturbingspeciesandtheecosystemservicestheyprovide

188JointNatureConservationCommittee2015189JointNatureConservationCommittee2010b190JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a191JointNatureConservationCommittee2010a192InternationalMaritimeOrganisation2014

reductionofunderwaternoisefromcommercialshippingtoaddressadverseimpactsonmarinelifersquowhichpromoteshipquieteningtechnologiesforbothpropellersandequipment188189190191192

Ourunderstandingoftheeffectonthemarineenvironmentfromanthropogenicnoiseisstillyoungandfurthertargetedworkisrequiredtostartfillingthegapsinknowledge


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