Dr. Mark Everard, Associate Professor of Ecosystem Services at the University of the West of England, took to BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today on Monday 25th November 2024, to advocate for the installation of an Acoustic Fish Deterrent (AFD) at Hinkley Point C.
The interview, which can be found on BBC Sounds, highlights the positives of the AFD, while addressing the concerns.
What is the AFD?
The AFD uses sound to deter fish from entering the water intakes at Hinkley Point C.
In the Radio 4 interview, Dr Everard stated, “An Acoustic Fish Deterrent does exactly what it says… This isn’t experimental; it’s globally recognised, mature technology that works.”
The AFD is still included in EDF’s development consent order (DCO) and has been mandated by the Secretary of State, the Welsh Government, the Environment Agency in their original assessment, and a public inquiry. Dr. Everard stated: “This isn’t optional—it’s a legally required part of the plan.”
Tackling EDF’s Concerns
EDF claims the AFD is untested, risky to install, and excessively noisy, likening it to “a jumbo jet taking off for 60 years.” In the interview, Dr. Everard countered each point:
- Noise: “Yes, it’s loud, but only underwater and 3.5 km out to sea. No one on land would hear it.”
- Safety: “Installation is handled with vessels and remotely operated vehicles—health and safety concerns don’t hold water.”
- Proven Technology: “AFDs are used globally and have a track record of reliability and effectiveness.”
Why Salt Marshes Won’t work according to Prof Mark Everard.
EDF’s proposed alternative involves creating up to 1,500 acres of salt marshes, but Dr. Everard was clear: “Salt marshes are fantastic for nature-based solutions, but they don’t address the massive fish mortality caused by Hinkley’s cooling system.”
- Many fish species wouldn’t benefit.
- Salt marshes could harm early fish life stages, compounding ecological damage.
Dr. Everard summed it up: “This isn’t a real solution—it’s a distraction.”
What’s Next?
For EDF to drop the AFD, they’d need government approval to amend their DCO—a tough sell given the wide-ranging support for the AFD from government bodies, environmental agencies, and public inquiries.
As Dr. Everard put it: “The AFD is not just the best solution; it’s the only solution that directly tackles the ecological damage.”
Final Thoughts
EDF’s attempt to replace the AFD with salt marshes has drawn criticism from experts, local communities, and environmental advocates alike. Dr. Everard’s message on Radio 4 was clear: the AFD is essential for protecting the Severn Estuary and its marine life.
The call for EDF to honor its commitments and install the AFD grows stronger. This is about more than technology—it’s about ecological responsibility and upholding the promises made to safeguard the environment.
Fish Guidance Systems, and the Acoustic Fish Deterrent Delivery Group both have a constant offer to EDF to work with them on designing and delivering an AFD that works for everyone.
