ABPmer Predicts Thames Estuary Habitat Loss

ABP Marine Environmental Research Limited (ABPmer) has completed ground breaking research for the Environment Agency and Natural England to predict the effects of climate change on intertidal habitats in the Medway, Swale and Thames Estuaries.     Using innovative computer modelling techniques the study predicts that there will be changes in all three estuaries; the Thames Estuary, for example, stands to loose in the region of 1200ha of internationally designated intertidal habitat over the next 100 years as a consequence of the existing fixed tidal defences and sea level rise.  

The research has formed the basis for the Greater Thames Coastal Habitat Management Plan (CHaMP), a non-statutory document that informs the development of Shoreline Management Plans, flood and coastal defence strategies, together with associated planning of maintenance and capital works.

The plan is based on the best available scientific knowledge of the physical processes and morphology of the Thames estuary, including its potential geomorphological evolution over timescales of the next 20, 50 and 100 years.

Stephen Hull, Director at ABPmer explained “Under European Law we need to replace these designated habitats which are home to internationally important birds and invertebrate species. The new replacement habitat needs to be created in such a way as to support the ecological function of the habitat that will be lost.   Therefore, in addition to providing these predictions, ABPmer’s experts in the field of habitat creation and managed realignment also provided an initial broad level assessment of habitat creation opportunities”.

The Greater Thames CHaMP was launched in Gravesend, Kent on March 9.    A copy of the plan is available from the Environment Agency’s TE2100 team at te2100@environment-agency.gov.uk or on 0208 3054138.

ABPmer will be giving a presentation on the science behind the Greater Thames CHaMP at the ECSA Symposium on April 21, in London:   http://www.hull.ac.uk/iecs/ecsa/conferences.htm

ABPmer will also be exhibiting at the Environment Agency’s TE2100 Technical Conference on April 1, in London:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/104695.aspx

Enquiries:
ABPmer Communications
Tracey Hewett
Tel: 02380 711840

Environment Agency
Thames Press Office
All media enquiries: 0118 953 5555
Environment Agency news releases, both national and regional, can be found on its web site: www.environment-agency.gov.uk