Annual Report October 2003 - September 2004

Networking

One of the main aims of the Helford VMCA Group since its inception in 1987, has been to link community, commerce and conservation in a common goal to improve and protect the sensitive marine wildlife of the Helford River. Four thematic meetings have provided a forum for members, guests and specialists to exchange ideas on topics such as water quality issues, catchment management studies, shellfish culture, control of mechanical harvesting of scallops, the implications of local AONB designations, Cornwall Biodiversity Action Plan update, oil spills and significant business changes such as those within Falmouth Oil Services. Planning issues have ranged from small jetties and foreshore changes to a new quay for fishermen or excessive foreshore in-fill highlighting the importance of the sensitive use of the river and its shores. Reports are circulated widely.

A major cause for concern has continued to be the deleterious effect of off-shore pair-trawling not only on the target species - sea bass - but also on other fish and particularly cetaceans. Group members have had a significant input to governmental deliberations. Various aspects of protection through seasonal banning, No Take Zones and participation in the "Finding Sanctuary" project have brought members into the front line. Linkage to the Strandings Hotline has highlighted the continued carnage amongst the local dolphin population.

Publication of the HVMCA Strategic Guidelines and Work programme 2004-2009 has given an updated framework for the Group's concerns and help with student projects has continued.

Financial support for this work has been forthcoming through substantial grants from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation (2002) with welcome additional support from most of the Associate Members. The Environment Agency has kindly sponsored the 2004 events programme. Sincere thanks are offered to all our supporters.

Events and public awareness

Once again the imaginative series of events offered to the local community during the last year were very well-attended. A film by Vicky and Mark Deeble-Stone "The valley beneath the sea" was shown by special request. In November the remarkable film "Troubled Waters" showed some revealing aspects of the life of an eccentric local fisherman followed in January by the personal conservation experiences of Robin Kewell on the Indian Ocean island of Aldabra. Lizard Choughs and Helford Egrets drew a large audience to the Annual Meeting of the support group HMCS. On the shore Ruth Williams and her volunteers were kept busy with over 100 enthusiasts in April and slightly smaller groups in June and August! Would-be botanists explored the shores of the upper Helford River reaches in May and soon afterwards a weekend Helford River painting competition brought out the artists. Surprisingly little litter was found during Beach Cleans at two sites so the participants could relax at their barbecues. A more energetic 25 took to the water in a snorkelling event assisted by David Ball of the Silver Dolphin Centre. Once more the very popular July Conservation Cruise was blessed with glorious sunshine. An evening talk and search for bats which use the river corridor and adjacent woods attracted 75 people and despite the inevitable noise some intrepid bats were actually heard on the bat detectors. In September, farming and issues of land use in 2004 and historically, drew 70 people to explore a creek-side farm with added geological and mining interest. A group of 18 braved the gales and rain to explore Frenchman's Creek where birds were scarce but fascinating stories abounded. We are very grateful for the enthusiasm of the leaders and volunteers who take part in all these activities.

Helford VMCA Website

With the help of Jayne Herbert, the website has been transferred to a new service provider, updated and extended to include the extracted newsletter, events and news and can be accessed at www.helfordmarineconservation.co.uk. During August 2004 there had been some 440 'unique visitors' recorded generating 10,000 hits.

Projects

Since 1994 the Bass Project has been organised by a tireless volunteer Capt. D C Goodwin. This monitoring of the sea bass status within the Helford Bass Nursery Area has risen in importance as the fishing stocks come under severe pressure. There was further evidence to show that the 2002 year-class, expected to breed in 2008, was exceptional, but 2003 was described as a more moderate year.

Simplified Fishing Regulation sheets for use locally have been updated and distributed as requested.

Volunteer divers report that the sensitive eelgrass beds have been flourishing and the warning buoys appear to have been respected by most boat owners. The Truro Port Authority has issued the HVMCA eelgrass bed warning card to all boat owners using its facilities and a further supply has been printed. The teeming life on the beds, including many species of fish, sea hares, anemones, marine worms, molluscs and cuttlefish, demonstrate the importance of the habitat. One concern is the continued spread of the alien Japweed Sargassum muticum with a potential smothering effect on other species.

Over the years information has been collected about the Trigging activities on the Helford cockle beds and it is hoped that this may be updated and published if time and resources allow. The Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Officer, Ruth Williams, has used the Helford as part of her Sea search project to encourage divers to record species underwater and retains her close links with the Group.

The Helford Marine Conservation Society, the closely linked public membership body (140 strong), has been actively supportive taking a significant role in various events and promoting marine conservation widely.

The future

The HVMCA Group aims to promote the widest possible appreciation of the marine wildlife of the Helford River through its networking role and public awareness programme jointly organised by the coordinator, HMCS and the help of many individuals and organisations who have generously contributed their time and expertise in a variety of ways for the benefit of the whole Helford VMCA - a real joint effort!.

Pamela E Tompsett
Helford VMCA Group Co-ordinator

Extract from HVMCA newsletter No.29 Autumn 2004