Each week hundreds of ships pass along the north and south coasts of Cornwall. This includes between Lands End and the Isles of Scilly.
Each of these ships present some risk of pollution to the coast. This might arise as a result of many incidents. These could include:
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collision
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grounding
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sinking
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structural failure and
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loss of cargo overboard
A major accident occurring many miles from the Cornish coast could affect the County. Even on the other side of the English Channel.
The main authorities to deal with a coastal pollution incident in Cornwall are:
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Cornwall Council
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Harbour Commissioners and Harbour Masters
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Natural England
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Environment Agency
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Counter Pollution and Response Branch of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
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Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
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Marine Management Organisation (MMO)
