A DIVER has warned of a major threat to seals as part of mitigation plans for Harwich’s planned container terminal.
Hutchison Ports, which runs Harwich International Port, will create a new wildlife habitat to compensate for the losses as a result of its plans for Bathside Bay.
Plans for 100 hectares of new estuarine and coastal habitat in Little Oakley were submitted to Tendring Council to ease concerns.
A new mudflat and salt marsh habitat has been approved by the council’s planning committee to be built between Hamford Water and Irlam’s Beach.
Neil Marples, a member of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, warned of detrimental effects, saying seal pups could be abandoned amid disturbances.
With 300 to 600 grey and common seals living in the waters, it could have a great impact on those who come to raise their pups near Harwich.
Mr Marples said pups were readily abandoned if there was a disturbance in their habitat.
"Hamford Waters is a special place. It is a safe haven for our seals and please, this realignment can go anywhere in the country," he told the planning committee meeting.
Labour councillor Ivan Henderson said the plans ensured the Bathside Bay development was “sustainable”.
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