Source link River Tees dredging has once again continued despite the recent deaths of marine life. The recent controversial works have been implemented in order to deepen the river and facilitate large vessels.
The Tees River dredging project has been in the works since 2007, and is estimated to cost £14 million when completed. This controversial project has been met with public opposition due to the project’s effect on the environment, including birds, marine life, plants, and greater river ecosystems. After a break due to environmental reviews and project changes, the works were resumed in April of this year.
Unfortunately, within the span of a few months, the project has had a serious impact on the marine life in the river. On the 22nd of June this year, the Sedgefield CoastandCountryside Partnership conducted a survey along the river and found several dead fish, as well as evidence of sand eels and other species struggling to survive. This prompted an immediate action from the Environment Agency, who noted their deep concern with the results and resumed their monitoring of the river and dredging activities.
Other organisations such as the Salmon and Trout Conservation charity, the Salmon and Trout Rivers Trust, and the Tees Rivers Trust have also expressed their concerns over the environmental impact of the Tees dredging project.
At the time of writing, works have still resumed along the river, although with extra monitoring and precautions being taken to minimise any further damage to the environment.
The public have openly expressed their outrage at the recent activity, but despite this the works must still go on. It is important that everyone involved in the project work together to ensure that the environment is taken into consideration and the appropriate measures are taken to preserve the marine life.
