Wightlink is supporting a group of marine biologists from Bournemouth University who are surveying Yarmouth Pier.
Their research is part of the Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners’ project ‘The Piers Tale’ to restore the pier’s piles and timber, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Dr Roger Herbert, Principal Lecturer in Marine and Coastal Biology – who lives in Newport – says:
“We are recording and monitoring fish and other creatures who live beneath the pier and at the mouth of the harbour through scuba diving and using underwater cameras. Over the next two summers we want to find out how piers and other structures such as sea walls, breakwaters and offshore wind turbines affect marine life.” The researchers are sharing their findings on their Facebook pages* and taking part in local events.
“Yarmouth’s historic pier is as important to the town’s heritage as ferries to the mainland,” says Wightlink Operations Director Elwyn Dop. “We are pleased to support researchers from Bournemouth University to travel to the Island to carry out their fascinating work.”
The 140-year-old pier is popular with anglers fishing for pollock and bass as well as residents and visitors who enjoy the sea views. At high tide, the sea at the end of the pier can be up to four metres deep. Researchers are planning to continue their work by surveying other Island piers.
Picture caption: Research students Michael Redford and Mark Eames work on Yarmouth Pier
