The proposed Maritime Conservation Zone between Yarmouth to Cowes, which covers an area from Fort Victoria to Gurnard, could mean that moorings, anchoring and dredging operations are banned or severely restricted, according to the Commodore of Yarmouth Sailing Club.
Commodore Alan Toms has told Island Echo that such a restriction would have major repercussions for Yarmouth Sailing Club’s activities and also for those of other Yarmouth organizations.
Mr Toms said:
“As Commodore of Yarmouth Sailing Club I am extremely concerned that if this Zone is designated, without first defining the Management measures to be applied, we will find that all our activities off the shores of Yarmouth are severely compromised.
“We could be forbidden to lay Moorings and Racing Marks and to anchor either our Race Control or Safety Boats. This would make our Club Racing and Training for both children and adults extremely difficult if not impossible.
“Our club’s activities have a minimal impact on the maritime environment and I am sure that nearly all of us heartily support measures to improve that environment, but should these be at the expense of long-established and traditional uses by which many islanders earn their living?”
Suggestions have been made that moving the western boundary of the zone to around 800 metres east of Yarmouth Pier would remove much of the conflict and would remove only a small percentage of the total area.
