EA SURVEY OPERATIONS EASTERN SOLENT 7 - 23 MAY 2025

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the King's Harbour Master Portsmouth that scientific surveying training operations will be conducted by the Environment Agency (EA) for Seagrass and Kelp surveys within the Eastern Solent in Osborne Bay and Bembridge. This activity will take place between 7 and 23 May 2025. 

2. The sampling platform will be the 8.5m Environment Agency survey vessel “SOLWAY SHEPHERD” (MMSI 235091049) operated by Briggs Marine and Environmental Services Ltd.

3. The aim of our work is to train our staff in the methodology and equipment used for surveying kelp and seagrass beds later in the year. The vessel will be manoeuvring between camera drop stations and running lines over differing substrate between 3 and 5 knots.

Please see the maps below which displays the site locations.

Osborne Bay

Bembridge

4. Mariners are requested to keep a good lookout and pass at slow speed while surveying operations are being conducted. The survey craft will maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 11 throughout operations.

5. KHM Harbour Control will be kept informed of work in progress and will de-conflict movements with other marine traffic. They can be contacted on VHF Ch 11 or by telephoning 02392 723689 for the latest information. 

6. Cancel this LNTM on 30 May 2025.