Sussex Kelp Recovery Project
An inspiring recovery journey led by the Sussex Wildlife Trust
Introduction
Vast kelp beds along the Sussex coast once supported a wondrous diversity of marine life. They absorbed carbon, filtered the water and protected the coast from storms. But by 2019, 96% of Sussex kelp had disappeared due to storm damage and the subsequent devastation by bottom trawling.
The Mission
The journey to kelp recovery started in March 2021 with the Sussex Nearshore Trawling Byelaw, pioneering legislation which created one of the largest trawling prohibited areas in the UK.
At the same time, the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project was formed. Chaired and coordinated by the Sussex Wildlife Trust, the project is a partnership of organisations to champion, study and facilitate the return of kelp through progressive, coherent and collaborative action. The partnership brings together policy makers, scientists and organisations whose vision is to see the recovery of kelp and other essential fish habitats in Sussex, to support a thriving and sustainable marine ecosystem that benefits nature, fisheries, coastal communities and our planet.
SKRP is led by science, thus a substantial aspect of work involves a sophisticated monitoring and research program,following the recovery of the seabed and the identification of factors which may have an impact on the success. But for success, the project needs the support of others -so the Trust provides a window beneath the waves to our lost underwater forests and the ecosystems they once – and we hope will again – provide.
And there are glimmers of hope – recent reports from divers and fishermen tell of the growth in mussel beds (onto which kelp spores can attach and grow) and increased number of sea bream, which were not only targeted by the trawlers, but also whose habitat and nursing grounds were destroyed.
The Sussex Wildlife Trust
Rewilding is a journey – a journey led by nature, at nature’s pace. You can follow this journey @susssexkelp to track the Sussex seabed’s road to recovery and the rewilding of our seas.
At Meaningful Planet, we're proud to be partnered with the Sussex Wildlife Trust to make projects like this possible - with every customer's bill helping to fund such vital work.
