Storrington Conservation Society: The Sea – It Needs Looking After
Does the left hand know what the right hand is doing?
In the 1980’s Sussex kelp (that grand flat brown seaweed sometimes hung up as a weather forecaster) began to disappear from our shores, poor water quality and intensive commercial trawling of the seabed being among the causes. By 2000 96% of the kelp was gone, and with it sea life from seals to starfish, crabs, mussels and bream spawn. Local and national figures became concerned and a pioneering campaign called Help our Kelp was started. As a result in March 2021 trawling was banned from an area stretching from Chichester to Rye (including Beachy Head, see below). Sussex Kelp Recovery Project was started and continues to support and check on progress. It is good to report that Bream and Mussels are returning as the kelp recovers. It is great news, but it will take time to restore what has been destroyed. Sussex Wildlife Trust is co-ordinating the organisations involved.
Water quality is another relevant factor. The Companies have ambitious plans to stop releases of untreated sewage into the sea. Our bills are going up as a result. We need to keep pressure on them to fulfil their duty. Sewage spills in 2025 nearly halved mostly due to drier weather (even so in 2025 1.9 million hours of spills were recorded nationally. Disgusting). It will be interesting to learn what the very wet winter has done this year.
Now the left hand
It is breathtaking that Brighton Marina has applied to The Marine Management Organisation for a one year licence to dump sediment in the Beachy Head Marine Conservation Zone, when only last November they were refused a licence. The Zone includes a rare chalk reef and is home to threatened marine wildlife, including seafood we enjoy. In principle the idea of placing any waste in it is simply wrong. To suggest thousands of tonnes of mud being dumped in any MCZ should be unthinkable. Dredging is necessary if the Marina is to provide for the intended leisure activities, but have alternative solutions been properly considered? Fly tipping on land is rightly deplored. Is it OK at sea?
The work party on Saturday 4th April met at Chanctonbury Leisure Centre Car Park to clear litter from local footpaths and byways. Sadly necessary. The usual rubbish, some found hear litter bins and much recyclable. Like the dog with her puppies looking at the notice which read: ‘Take your litter home’. On 2nd May the next work party is at 10.00am, meeting in the Library Car Park to clear the stream and its banks in preparation for the annual Duck Race. Join us for the fun of clearance (wellies are advised) and then enjoy the race.
For information about this and our other activities, or on becoming a member, or offering advice, please get in touch with Chairman Mick Denness on 01903 745971, or see our website. www.storringtonconservation.org.uk/.
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