Climate change impactsrnon UK port and navigationrninfrastructure

摘要

Climate change will affect both existing port and inland waterway infrastructure and proposed new developments.rnThose responsible for existing assets must decide whether (and when) to modify, retrofit or replace, or whetherrnfundamental changes in operation or maintenance practices are required. Ports, harbours, and inland waterwaysrnrelying on older infrastructure – particularly smaller, less well-resourced organisations – will likely face the greatestrnchallenges. The design of new port, harbour, marina or inland navigation infrastructure will need to take into accountrnthe projected changes in relevant climate parameters. However, there may also be implications for the environmentalrnimpacts of proposed developments as climate change affects already-sensitive or vulnerable environmental resources.rnFor waterborne fishing and recreational activities, climate change will bring both challenges and opportunities. Warmerrnair temperatures may increase demand for recreational boating facilities. Warmer water temperatures may affect therndistribution of species of interest to commercial fishermen, recreational anglers or wildlife-watchers, with associatedrnconsequences for the provision of infrastructure. Notwithstanding these broad conclusions, there remain significantrnuncertainties (for example, with regard to storminess, wind, fog and the frequency of extreme events) and notable gapsrnin the information required to support informed decisions. Data gaps and research needs are therefore highlighted.