Support Our Call for Transparency on Camel Estuary Sand Dredging

The attached letter to the Padstow Harbour Commissioners outlines our community's concerns about sand dredging in the Camel Estuary. We believe greater transparency is needed regarding dredging volumes, environmental impacts, and how sand sales benefit the harbour.

By signing this petition, you are simply adding your name in agreement that this letter should be sent to the Commissioners, showing a strong collective voice for responsible stewardship of our beloved estuary. Your support helps us urge them to provide a comprehensive public report.

Please read the letter below and add your signature to show your approval.

TO: The Chief Executive and Board of Commissioners Padstow Harbour Commissioners The Harbour Office Padstow Cornwall PL28 8AQ

Subject: Request for Comprehensive Report on Sand Dredging and Environmental Stewardship in the Camel Estuary

Dear Chief Executive and Esteemed Commissioners,

We are writing to you today as a group of concerned local residents and stakeholders who value the health and vitality of the Camel Estuary, its unique ecosystem, and the vital role Padstow Harbour plays within our community. We understand and appreciate the critical function the Padstow Harbour Commissioners perform in maintaining safe navigation channels, which is essential for both commercial and leisure activities in the area.

However, there is growing public concern and discussion within the community regarding the volume and perceived impact of sand dredging operations within the Camel Estuary. While we recognise the necessity of dredging for navigational safety, there is a desire for greater transparency and detailed information about these operations, particularly concerning the long-term environmental effects and the quantities of sand removed.

To address these concerns constructively and foster greater public understanding and trust, we respectfully request that the Padstow Harbour Commissioners undertake a comprehensive study and publish a detailed report on the sand dredging activities in the Camel Estuary. Such a report would be invaluable in demonstrating your commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and in alleviating public anxieties that the estuary might be over-dredged.

We suggest the report could cover, but not be limited to, the following key areas:

Rationale for Dredging: A clear explanation of the criteria and surveys used to determine the necessity, location, and depth of dredging for maintaining safe navigation.

Dredging Volumes: Historical data and current annual volumes of sand extracted, presented in an accessible format.

Sediment Dynamics: An overview of the natural sediment budget of the Camel Estuary, explaining how much sand naturally enters and leaves the system, and how dredging fits into this balance.

Environmental Impact Assessments: Summaries of any environmental impact assessments undertaken, including findings on marine ecology, habitats, and coastal morphology.

Monitoring Programs: Details of ongoing environmental monitoring programs (e.g., bathymetric surveys, ecological surveys) and how their results inform dredging practices.

Beneficial Use of Dredged Material: A clear explanation of how the dredged sand is utilized (e.g., for sale, beach replenishment) and how the proceeds contribute to offsetting the costs of essential harbour maintenance.

Stakeholder Engagement: Information on how the Commissioners engage with relevant environmental bodies (e.g., Marine Management Organisation, Natural England) and local community groups regarding dredging plans.

Future Strategy: An outline of the long-term dredging strategy, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and balancing navigational needs with environmental protection.

We believe that such a proactive and transparent initiative would significantly enhance public confidence in the Commissioners' operations and reinforce your role as responsible custodians of the Camel Estuary. It would provide factual information to counter speculation and demonstrate your dedication to both the economic viability of the port and the ecological health of our natural environment.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this vital matter.

Yours sincerely,