The future of fish protection in the Severn Estuary reached an international audience over the weekend. Forbes, the world-leading business magazine, reported on the attempted removal of the acoustic fish deterrent (AFD), by French energy firm EDF, at the Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Plant in South West England.
The article highlights the threat posed to local fish populations around the Severn Estuary if a governmental Design Consent Order is changed.
An Expert Opinion
Fish Guidance System’s managing director David Lambert was quoted throughout the article, and highlighted the environmental and political importance of retaining the acoustic fish deterrent.
“The fact that technology has moved on considerably in the last few years, and systems have now been designed to operate in the conditions of the Severn Estuary” … “Of the over one hundred consultation responses received from individuals and conservation bodies by the Environment Agency regarding the application to remove the requirement for an acoustic fish deterrent, Fish Guidance Systems are not aware of one response that agreed with the removal,” David was quoted as saying.
Growing sense of urgency
Fish Guidance Systems was also recently profiled in Power Technology, who provide information and news on the global energy industry.
There is now a growing sense of urgency in the Severn Estuary. An Environment Agency preliminary decision on the acoustic fish deterrent (AFD) is due in October and a local byelaw has been extended due to the reduced numbers of Salmon in the estuary.
Further developments are expected in the coming weeks.
