Activities with the potential to affect the site have been reviewed and the effectiveness of current management measures for safeguarding the site have been assessed.

The document outlines those activities that are perceived as key risks. Of six topic areas listed as key risks, three are relevant to our sector; access, dredging and watersports. And for the purposes of SEMS, the EU has assumed those three to include anchoring, boat repair/ maintenance, moorings (new and ongoing) navigation, other watersports, recreational boating - power and sail and slipway cleaning and maintenance.

The management scheme is intended to be used as a tool to manage activities within the designated site, says the BMF.

The sites have been selected with many activities already taking place and it is recognised that these are normally compatible with the conservation interest at their current levels.

The BMF says it is not the aim to exclude human activities from the Solent, but rather to ensure they are undertaken in ways that do not threaten the nature conservation interest.

BMF and representatives of BMF South have been involved in the development of the scheme.