Cowes Port Handbook 2014-2015 April 2014

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015 Wildlife of the River Medina ................................................. The Medina Estuary is a great place for wildlife. Its tidal waters, saltmarsh and mudflats are home to a wide range of plants and animals that are specially adapted to living in the challenging conditions. River Medina IW Estuaries Project Saltmarshes are essential to the estuary’s ecosystem. They contain rare and vulnerable plants and provide nutrients for invertebrates that are food for waterbirds. They are important resting and feeding sites throughout the tidal cycle from late October to early March and a safe haven for young birds in summer. Saltmarshes help to reduce bank erosion by absorbing boat wash but are very vulnerable to trampling and sea level rise. Intertidal mud contains huge numbers of worms and snails that support the birds that spend the winter in the estuary. When the mud is underwater the birds retreat to roost on the saltmarsh or sometimes the pontoons in Cowes fairway. Wading birds like dunlins, oystercatchers and lapwings can often be seen on pontoons at High Water and the buoys, navigation markers and piles provide a convenient resting spot for cormorants and terns in the summer. Code of conduct • Be aware of sensitive areas and local wildlife • Don’t throw any litter overboard • Stay below 4 knots and limit your wash HARBOUR • Don’t land or walk on the saltmarsh COMMISSION • Keep noise to a minimum C WES 70 COWES.co.uk

Cowes Port Handbook 2014-2015 April 2014 | Page 70