Boney,
This thread was originally in the main forum and was then moved by accident.
I have copied a mail from another non Scubaboard forum (unlike the author I do care about the diving since but you can make up your own mind)
"The issue is really not exclusively that of diving on the Hood (though local business and livelihood will definitely suffer from a decision taken with no consultation). Its more about the "longer term" plans of Portland Port that deems diving and other martitime recreational activities as a non-profit maker for themselves. IMHO it strongly links to the plans to build the oil terminal just south of the entrance. The windmills are just an add-on.
Most likely these will lead to the removing the Hood (which, as you say, has been there for decades). This has always been believed to be the primary objective of PP. In order to give way to larger (deeper) vessels.
If this happens all entrances of the harbour will suddenly be vented ~ possible leaks and pollution from the oil terminal then being a secondary concern.
This could well mean an environmental/ecological change of a great magnitude. Far more greater a responsibility to be trusted to contracting company who uses its contracting companies to draw conclusions.
As everyone who's come to Portland will know, the harbour is currently a port for many species including near extinct species of birds, the so-called migrated form of the "African Blenny", a variety of Sea Pens and a small yet dramatic settlement of the Red Band Fish (among many others). Further, it actually feeds and vents the Fleet which is a precious nature reserve. And I do mean very precious.
Neither Apex, not Portland Port, nor even the local Enevironmental agency (notr even the government ones) are currently equipped with any information or research that should allow the 'plan' with unknown consequences --if there is such a one-- to proceed. I'm saying years, not months, are required to gauge the long term effects of such a 'removal'.
As for collapsing wrecks, ban penetration of all wrecks. <G> Can anyone show a single wreck in tidal conditions over six decades topside down (to quote the PP's argument) that is not *not* "degraded" and that is *not* "collapsing on itself"? The Spaniard, though shallow, could become a death trap in low visibility conditions. The bows of the countess (the holds) are collapsing. The Bombardon Unit is somewhere any diver could get squeezed in etc. etc.
An all-out ban with no consultation, no second opinion, no talks, no known government contact especially in the midst of a major oil terminal project and at the base of proposed future windmills is suspicious, yes, but not a superficial issue. i.e. what will happen when the terminal is launched, what will happen if the Hood is removed, what the "silt level" changes and full oxygenation will mean for what life this place harbours are the real issue :-( Personally, I couldn't care less about the diving side."
