As a result of the progress of the cleanup operations, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revised previous advice and indicated that people are able to once again use the beaches and water in the Poole Harbour area for recreational use.
This includes swimming, bathing and watersports. Pets are now safe to walk near the water in the Poole Harbour area. The public are however requested to stay clear from Ower Bay.
This update will be in effect from 00:01 on Wednesday 5 April 2023.
PHC will continue the cleanup operation. Should anyone see oil on the water, sightings should be reported to Harbour Control on 01202 440 230 or via [email protected]
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is in the process of removing the signage at harbour beach areas and slipways that previously advised visitors not to swim in those areas until further notice.
In the Dorset Council area, signage is being removed from the Studland beaches, Knowle Beach, South Beach, Ferry Road and Shell Bay that previously advised visitors not to swim in those areas until further notice.
Fishing and/or netting for fish in Poole Harbour can resume.
Those fishing should avoid any areas of the Harbour which are evidently contaminated with oil (spill site). Any fish found to be dead, dying or visibly contaminated with oil residues should not be consumed or marketed.
Shellfish harvested from Poole Harbour from Sunday 26 March onwards should not be relayed or marketed. This advice regarding shellfish remains unchanged, due to the difference in metabolism between fish and shellfish.
BCP Council and Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (SIFCA) have carried out sampling of shellfish from the aquaculture grounds in Poole Harbour and are awaiting the results of this testing, and further assessment by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), to inform the position regarding shellfish.
The latest updates will be posted on the SIFCA website: https://www.southern-ifca.gov.uk/
We continue to ask that members of the public do not try and help with the clean-up at Poole Harbour, specialist trained teams are working hard on the ground.
It is unlikely that there will be any long term health effects from short exposures (eg days). Anyone who has come into contact with the spill should wash immediately with soap and water for ten minutes. If eyes have come into contact with the spill, they should be rinsed with water. Anyone who has been exposed to fuel oil and is feeling unwell please contact NHS 111 or seek medical attention from your GP.
A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) restriction remains in place in Poole Harbour until the 9th April. Commercial drones are being used as part of the response and have a dispensation from the NOTAM. All other drones should avoid the area.
Further Frequently Asked Questions are available to view on the Poole Harbour Commissioners website: www.phc.co.uk/oil-spill-frequently-asked-questions-faqs/
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