– Project Manager Retires

2018 marked the 25^th anniversary year of the Milford Haven Waterway Environmental Surveillance Group (MHWESG). Regrettably 2018 also marked the year Blaise Bullimore retired from the role as the Group’s project manager.

Around these parts, the name ‘Blaise Bullimore’ is synonymous with protection of the seas around the Pembrokeshire coast and beyond – from Skomer Marine Nature Reserve to management of European Marine Sites, Seasearch, and the Sea Empress oil spill clean-up. The MHWESG has also been fortunate to have benefited from Blaise’s expertise and passion for marine life and its protection – first as a contributor to project planning and later as the member representing the Countryside Council for Wales for 13 years, followed by MHWESG project manager for a further 12 years.

Blaise has been there from the beginning and has been instrumental in shaping the group into what it is today. Over the years, there have been changes in membership as industries come and go, members retire or change jobs. Blaise’s presence has ensured a level of continuity within the partnership, being familiar with its history and evolution.

Blaise has provided his scientific input into the design and implementation of most of the MHWESG’s projects over the years – projects on bioaccumulation, bird surveys, benthos and infauna, sediment profiling and contamination.

One of the most ambitious and expensive surveys undertaken by the MHWESG was a sediment profile survey. This was carried out by the developer of the sediment profile imaging technique and involved flying half a ton of equipment from the developer’s base in Seattle, USA. Over a period of twelve days in May 2012, more than 550 stations were successfully sampled using a seabed penetrating camera system.

It is worth mentioning here the warm gratitude in the sediment profile report for Blaise:

‘for coordinating this entire effort, from initial inquiries back in 2009 to contract negotiations, in-country logistics/housing arrangements and final report review; his local knowledge and technical expertise combined with his friendship, hospitality, and winning personality helped to make this survey one of the best experiences our staff has ever had. We thank you all for a truly excellent adventure and memorable time.’ 

Blaise has also coordinated a suite of projects on sediment contaminants including forensic analysis of hydrocarbons, investigations into sediment transport and levels of contamination. Working alongside an independent consultant, these projects have spanned over a decade of work and required more than a degree of patience and tenacity to complete. Incomparable laboratory methods required the organisation of an intercalibration exercise whereby samples were analysed using modern and older laboratory techniques, ultimately enabling older data to be used in the development of a timeline for sediment contaminants going back to the late 1800s (using data from isotopic dating of deep core sediments).

In 2015 the MHWESG’s Memorandum of Agreement was out of date, as the majority of the members had been subject to name changes, dissolution or merging, and no longer reflected the actual membership. So Blaise put away his survey equipment, sharpened his pencils and for the next two years negotiated with members’ legal representatives a comprehensive ‘Collaboration Agreement’. This agreement outlines the governance and modus operandi of the Group, providing a framework for the MHWESG to operate within and addressing details such as financial management, liability and intellectual property rights etc. This Collaboration Agreement will underpin the MHWESG work going forward.

Paul Howells, chair of the MHWESG, remarked that ‘the success of the MHWESG is a group achievement. However Blaise’s enthusiasm, thoroughness and conviviality over the years has unquestionably contributed to the successful collaborative approach demonstrated by the group. We wish him enjoyable diving!’. 

Soon after the 25^th anniversary event held in April 2018, Aethne Cooke started as project co-ordinator. Aethne has worked as a marine biologist in Pembrokeshire for over 15 years and is familiar with the Milford Haven Waterway through survey work and various research projects. Aethne can still be contacted at the email address mhwesg@gmail.com.