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Poole Harbour |
| Poole Harbour is one
of the world's largest natural harbours and it's extensive sheltered waters provide a
magnificent haven for recreational sailing and water sports. The mudflats and salt marshes
are of great ecological value for feeding and roosting birds. Sharing the navigation
channels with yachtsmen are cross-Channel ferries and cargo vessels proceeding to and from
the busy commercial Port. The local fishing fleet also arrives and departs at all hours. For over 100 years, Poole Harbour Commissioners have been entrusted to conserve, regulate and improve this contrasting Harbour environment. Their policies are evolved after consultation with Poole Borough Council, Purbeck District Council and Dorset County Council. Also fully involved are other bodies such as English Nature, Southern Sea Fisheries Committee, the Environment Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food. Other associations, such as the Harbour yacht clubs, have built up a close working relationship with the Commissioners. 100 years of successful Harbour Management In the latter part of the 19th century, the
fortunes of a once prosperous Port of Poole were declining rapidly. At that time, the
organisation of the commercial Port was in the 'private' hands of rich merchants and the
Corporation of Poole Town. Little had been invested in new quays and dredging which could
compete with the naturally deep water ports such as Southampton. 
The Port of Poole is an integral part of Poole Harbour. Of it's 10,000 acres, only 60 are devoted to commercial Port operations. The remainder is a very delicate balance between shipping, leisure and the multitude of wildlife. In recent years, the commercial Port has expanded, particularly in the last five years with the increase in cross-Channel passenger traffic Cargoes include continental RO-RO, conventional cargoes, off-shore/on-shore oil support and bulk cargoes such as steel, sand, gravel and fuel. Against strong competition for continental traffic between South coast ports, Poole Harbour Commissioners maintain Poole as a prosperous, medium-sized port well in tune with its Harbour environment. Where does the money come from? The Port of Poole is a Trust Port and is not
subsidised. No money is paid to shareholders. Any surplus, after tax, is retained for use
in future Harbour and Port activities. Otherwise it trades in a similar way as an ordinary
private company and is liable for Corporation Tax and Business Tax. |