Licence fee hike may impact small harbours

News editor

The UK Harbour Masters’ Association (UKHMA) is warning that the increasing cost of marine licences, which are required for harbour authorities to carry out work such as dredging, could result in some navigable channels in small ports and marinas being left to silt up.

The executive officer and secretary of that are within proximity (usually 5km) of an EU designated site – such as Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) – are now subject to a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA). This usually requires an Environmental Impact Assessment. Many smaller harbours and ports will have to employ a consultant to do the work. The HRA may be applied to existing marine licences retrospectively.