Barrow-in-Furness Dock Management
Since 1988 APEM has been involved in assessing the ecological impact of a power station's heated effluent to a low salinity coastal dock in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. The dock is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar Site. The presence of the macrophyte Ruppia maritima is fundamental to the ecology of the dock. Our survey team use hydroacoustics to map and geo-reference macrophyte height, coverage and Percentage Volume Inhabited (PVI) and to assess relative change in plant spatial and temporal distribution. This information informs a cutting programme within an overall Conservation Management Plan designed to protect water quality and maintain this unique ecosystem.
