UPDATE 31 March 2023: Dorset Wildlife Trust received information that the pipeline in Poole Harbour had been depressurised but was still leaking fluid. We have asked Poole Harbour Commissioners for further information on this and they have categorically assured us that the pipeline is no longer leaking and they are very happy with the containment measures that have been put in place. 

Poole Harbour is an incredibly important place for wildlife with many species of birds reliant on the area for feeding which makes this type of pollution very dangerous for them. The impact on marine species is also of great concern; Poole Harbour is a bass nursery and an important area for molluscs which feed by filtering seawater and other filter feeders which may be particularly badly affected, as well as seahorse which breed in the harbour and the seals.

Our wardens are closely monitoring the Brownsea lagoon where the common and Sandwich terns have started to gather on the nesting islands and the northern shoreline to monitor the impact on wildlife. We are liaising with Poole Harbour Commission to raise our concerns and to discuss any appropriate actions that need to be taken over the coming days and weeks. If people discover any wildlife that have been affected by the oil spill, please contact PHC directly by email: pooleharbourcommissioners@phc.co.uk