Titan to survey Devon seabed

Vessel examining area from Teignmouth to Exmouth

A survey vessel will soon be beaming up picture of the Devon seabed to give experts a better idea of what’s happening under the waves.

Using the latest multi-beam scanning and positioning technology, the survey, conducted by a big bright yellow catamaran called Titan Discovery will give coastal managers an accurate picture of the depths and features of the underwater environment as well as the makeup of the sea bed – whether it’s sand and gravels, mud or rocks – and provide detailed analysis of any wrecks in the area.

Funded by the Environment Agency, the South West Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme has commissioned Titan Environmental Surveys Ltdwill to explore an area between the Ness near Shaldon, across the frontages of Teignmouth, Holcombe, Dawlish, Dawlish Warren and through to Orcombe Point, Exmouth. It will also include a small area of Brixham harbour.

Managing the increasing risks of coastal flooding and erosion depends on officials obtaining consistent and reliable coastal data based on studying the undersea world around our shores. This gives them a deeper understanding of this shifting world to help them better predict future changes.

Cllr Nina Jeffries, Teignbridge’s portfolio holder for coastal management, which leads the project says: “This survey will give us a vital picture of what’s happening beneath the waves so we can understand sediment types and movements, and the effects these have on our much cherished beaches.

“It will also provide a scientific baseline to enable measurement of possible changes to the local environment following storm events. It will form part of the evidence needed to assess modelling and possible changes through developments, including those being proposed to enhance the resilience of the railway line”.  

The survey should start early in November and last several weeks. Local yachtsmen and mariners are being asked to stay clear of the vessel whilst it’s working to enable the craft to work the best survey lines for the task.