Stop dumping on our reef!
Brighton Marina Dredging Licence
Sarah Ward, Conservation Officer - Marine
Brighton Marina is currently allowed to dump dredged sediment in Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) but their licence is now up for renewal – and we don’t think this activity should continue.
The licence was originally granted before the MCZ was designated but now that the area is protected, it’s not appropriate to allow this potentially harmful activity to continue.
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is currently running a public consultation on the renewal of Brighton Marina’s licence to dredge and dispose of the dredged material, and we’ll be responding to raise our concerns.
Under the current timeframe, the licence will renew in May 2025 and will set the dredging regime for the next 10 years.
Sussex Wildlife Trust disagrees on principle that such an activity should be allowed to take place in a protected area, and we’re also concerned over the precedent this may set for similar cases elsewhere.
Here are some of the key points we’ll be raising:
MCZ Features
MCZs are designated to safeguard vulnerable or unique marine species and habitats of national importance, which here include Blue Mussel beds, Native Oysters, Short-snouted Seahorses, and Littoral Chalk Communities (known as MCZ ‘features’).
Without up-to-date condition assessments for the features of the MCZ, we cannot know whether the MCZ is meeting its targets and thus a precautionary approach to management should be taken. This should include removing potentially harmful activities from taking place.
The applicant’s monitoring report indicates that extent of Blue Mussels across the disposal area has declined and suggests that this is due to their ephemeral nature and/or natural processes – however, no substantive evidence has been provided to prove this. Furthermore, it is well known that Blue Mussels are sensitive to sedimentation and contaminants in the water primarily as they are filter feeders.
Monitoring the ecological impacts
We have serious concerns about how the site is being monitored to assess the impacts of dredge disposal. So far, ecological monitoring has only looked at three selected MCZ features (Blue Mussels, subtidal chalk, subtidal sediment), crucially missing nine other features and the implications on the overall integrity of the Zone.
In our view, the monitoring is inadequate and fails to address the impacts of sediment movement and potential for smothering. Smothering can cause all sorts of issues for marine life, but in this context the main concern is the community of organisms that live on the chalk bedrock – many of these are sessile filter feeders. This means they are unable to move away if the water gets silted up and may struggle to obtain the nutrients they need from the surrounding water. Many reports by the local community and fishing industry have noted increased siltation in the intertidal zone and this has not been addressed.
Alternative sites exist
There are other disposal sites in the nearby area which could be made use of, and the MCZ site is actually considered a “last resort”. Other than financial implications, there are no substantial reasons for the continued use of the MCZ as a disposal site.
Consultation concerns
The applicant has stated, “the disposal site and ongoing activity forms part of the MCZ baseline characteristics” within application documents and as part of their public engagement. However, there is no reference to this activity in any of the designation orders or assessments of the MCZ and, although the dredging activity was licensed in the Zone prior to designation, we feel that the wording here is misleading.
How to get involved:
This is a public consultation so it is open for anyone to make a representation; you don’t need to be a local resident or representing an organisation.
To read further information about the license application please see the Public Notice Portal. You will need to search for case reference: MLA/2024/00394 on the public register to view the application and associated documents.
If you would like to submit a representation, we’ve put together a template to get you started - download the Word document here: Template response Brighton Dredging
Once you’re done, you can either submit your comments via the portal linked above, or you can email them directly to [email protected]. You must reference the case number and provide a correspondence address.
The deadline for submitting a representation is Friday 27th September.
Comments
This needs to stop
21 Sep 2024 02:26:00
The hundreds of tons of silt dumped daily by the dredger over the summer contains antifouling which is painted onto the underside of boats in the marina and is formulated specifically to kill mollusks. Clearly, this has a major impact on the food chain. To my observation, biodiversity has definitely suffered in the MCZ.
21 Sep 2024 07:21:00
If there are alternative areas to dispose of the sand from dredging, then why take the chance of damaging an MCZ?
21 Sep 2024 08:29:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
I have sent my own very strongly worded comments to the MMO regarding the dumping of spoil in the Beachy Head West MCZ from dredging at Brighton Marina. I highlighted the disappearance of kelp from this area since 2010, and the damage this activity will cause to our fragile and unique chalk reef systems in the Sussex Bay area
21 Sep 2024 08:49:00
Done. Thank you for creating the template so I can wrote to the MMO. I have emailed it to them this evening.
21 Sep 2024 18:57:00
I was shocked to hear Brighton Marina was dumping into an MCZ, needlessly adding to the sediment load in this part of the Channel when it could be dumped elsewhere. Extending the licence to ten years suggests it will go unchecked for a decade. I will definitely be writing to the MMO.
22 Sep 2024 06:59:00
Just stop!
22 Sep 2024 08:06:00
It is imperative we keep the marine conservation zones free of dredging silt. We cannot have the dredging g silt ruining/ changing the ecosystem. Ecosystems are fragile and should not be messed with especially if they are definitely conservation areas as is the one off Saltdean.
Please use alternatives not conservation areas/ less harmful.
22 Sep 2024 08:21:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
This is appalling! It must do NOW! Our marine environment is precious.
22 Sep 2024 08:26:00
Between the wind farm sediment and the Brighton dredging sediment the lobsters and crabs have disappeared from that part of the coast to the point nobody sets and pots because there aren’t any there. I have a recreational boat and have fished along the beachy head reefs for 25 years and have noticed a decline in both the water clarity and lack of frustrations.
22 Sep 2024 08:30:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
You may also wish to consider reporting your comments about the fisheries to Sussex IFCA as they do have a way of storing and reporting on all comments such as this, however anecdotal.
Totally agree with this has to stop
22 Sep 2024 08:40:00
This needs to STOP. It’s a protected area.
22 Sep 2024 08:52:00
Appalling behaviour
22 Sep 2024 09:33:00
Continuing with the dumping makes no sens in a MCZ
22 Sep 2024 10:15:00
This must be stopped before it is too late for any chance of recovery, if it isn’t already too late. In this day and age I find it hard to believe this was ever allowed!
22 Sep 2024 12:00:00
Please will you carry out a proper underwater survey and find areas, preferably some miles out, where the seabed has already been ruined by overfishing, and dump the marina spillage in places with a barren seabed, a long way away from any productive sea beds or marine conservation areas. Thank you.
22 Sep 2024 12:05:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
I’m horrified!!! By this reckless behaviour!!
22 Sep 2024 15:01:00
Dredging sediment needs to stop when the current license runs out, this is a protected area MCZ at beachy head . Other areas have been shown to be possible future sites
22 Sep 2024 15:03:00
This has got to stop, we wouldn’t let them dump it in our back gardens so why are we dropping it in our beautiful ocean gardens. We depend on our oceans stop killing the life we have in it 😡
22 Sep 2024 16:29:00
Save our reef. Dispose of waste more responsibly and keep our beautiful coastline for future generations to enjoy.
22 Sep 2024 16:52:00
Fundamentally, I do not agree that the disposal of dredged material of this nature should be allowed in a protected area it looks horrid and causes deviation.
22 Sep 2024 17:33:00
You might have seen other posts about this issue. I’ve tried to simplify as we need to get locals to spend a few minutes to object please.
Brighton marina has to dredge the entrance and inside the marina to keep boats moving.
For the past 10 years this sediment has been dumped about 50m out to sea between the marina and Ovingdean.
We often see the black sediment and brown sludge in the rock pools. The impact on sea life and for humans swimming isn’t known.
In order to continue dumping, the marina has applied for a new license. I will be objecting to this and hoping that a lot of us will too.
I have also written to Chris Ward, our new MP, to ask him to get involved. The license decision is made by a Government agency.
Please visit the site below to register your objection. Scroll down the list and the marina is 17th on the list:
https://marinelicensing.marinemanagement.org.uk/mmofox5/fox/live/MMO_PUBLIC_REGISTER/search?area=3
There is advice here from The Sussex Wildlife Trust on what to say: https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/stop-dumping-on-our-reef
My suggestion:
“I live in xx and regularly visit the beach and swim in the sea locally.
This area is now protected as part of a I live in the Marine Conservation Zone and so dumping of sediment from the marina is no longer appropriate.
Please refuse this license application”.
22 Sep 2024 17:58:00
I strongly object to the renewal of Brighton Marina’s
Licence . In respect to their practice of discharging dredging spoil in the Beachy head west Marine conservation zone.
This licence, specifically the split barge discharging in the MCZ .Should not in my opinion be renewed.
The newly protected area needs a chance to recover.
Extra toxic anaerobic mud ,sediment and silt washing in on each tide will destroy what already is a very fragile environment.
From a personal perspective having Dived, snorkelled and swam here for the last 27 seasons. I have seen a huge decline in marine biodiversity. Kelp reduction being the most visible.
22 Sep 2024 18:22:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Stop dumping on West Beachy Head beach. It is not necessary or appropriate
22 Sep 2024 19:12:00
It’s a farce. Obviously it is not appropriate to dump sediment in a MCZ. Take it elsewhere.
22 Sep 2024 19:26:00
This need to be stopped. Just plain wrong.
22 Sep 2024 20:00:00
At some point not too long from now we could be powerless to change so many things in our environment. We need to act now!
22 Sep 2024 21:23:00
We are lucky enough to live alongside a potentially thriving marine life but this activity knowingly destroys that habitat. With all we know about the climate now this is our chance to stop and do the right thing.
23 Sep 2024 06:22:00
We need to protect our seas!!!
23 Sep 2024 06:32:00
Please note the progress that has been made in our sea waters since the banning of trawlers.
It is not appropriate or necessary to continue dumping silt in West Beach Head
23 Sep 2024 06:52:00
Brighton is a green council. Why are they allowing this to happen. This has to stop.
23 Sep 2024 06:57:00
The public register seems to be faulty as we cannot access the info or comment.
23 Sep 2024 07:07:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Stop drag net fishing in that zone as well…. it happens and its not being policed
23 Sep 2024 07:12:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Please will you carry out a proper underwater survey and find areas, preferably some miles out, where the seabed has already been ruined by overfishing, and dump the marina spillage in places with a barren seabed, a long way away from any productive sea beds or marine conservation areas. Thank you.
23 Sep 2024 07:27:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Unbelievable!
23 Sep 2024 07:46:00
We’ve been monitoring a colony of 38 grey seals living beneath Bomber Command, plus porpoises and Bottlenose dolphins with their calves. They need a sanctuary here, not an overload of silt. There must be another solution.
23 Sep 2024 07:50:00
I strongly object to contamination of the MCZ.
23 Sep 2024 08:31:00
No more of this please
23 Sep 2024 08:37:00
There is absolutely no point in creating a Marine Conservation Zone if the marine life is not going to be protected. This Dredging License should not be issued for dumping in this area.
23 Sep 2024 10:01:00
Dear MMO Licensing Team,
RE: Consultation on monitoring for MLA/2024/00394 Brighton Marina
I have reviewed the application for the above licence and would like to raise the following concerns.
Fundamentally, I do not agree that the disposal of dredged material of this nature should be allowed in a protected area, and ask that the MMO do not progress this license until the disposal site is moved to another location, away from Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ).
More specifically, the monitoring regime for this license is inadequate to ensure that the features of the MCZ are not being affected by the disposal of dredged material. Only three features of the MCZ have been monitored in any great detail, without any comprehensive study of the effects of sedimentation.
Without an up-to-date condition assessment for the features of the MCZ, a precautionary approach to management should be taken.
The testing of the sediment is also inadequate; there are insufficient numbers of samples and they do not include testing for sewage. Further to this, there has been no consideration of the impact on humans using the sea and beach at the disposal site, at Ovingdean or the newly designated Rottingdean bathing beach.
Other than a cost implication, there does not appear to be any clear reason as to why the applicant should be using the disposal site within the MCZ, when other suitable disposal sites are available nearby, namely at Newhaven and Shoreham-by-Sea. I urge you to better consider the alternatives.
Finally, if the MMO takes this licence forward, it should be for a maximum of two years, not 10. Adequate warnings to sea users should also be set up when disposal is occurring.
Yours sincerely,
Emma Allum
23 Sep 2024 10:05:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Take the dredgings into the deeper water and release into the mid Chanel currents allowing greater dissipation. Surely with the state of our oceans and fish stocks we must do everything we can to preserve and protect the environment.
23 Sep 2024 10:28:00
Is calling for dredging to be stopped reasonable ie closing the marina down. Isn’t the ball on the Trust’s court to demonstrate the achievements/value/potential of the protection zone?
23 Sep 2024 10:58:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Whilst Sussex Wildlife Trust supports and advocates for the designation and enforcement of marine protected areas, they do not belong to us. There are government bodies responsible for ensuring that the integrity of the sites is not undermined by human activities, of which the MMO is one. Sussex Wildlife Trust is responding to this consultation in order to be a voice for nature and protected areas, urging the MMO to put nature first in this instance. In the long term, there will not be value in having protected sites if damaging activities continue to be allowed to take place in them.
We’ve been monitoring a colony of 38 grey seals living beneath Bomber Command, plus porpoises and Bottlenose dolphins with their calves. They need a sanctuary here, not an overload of silt. There must be another solution.
23 Sep 2024 11:58:00
Rewild
23 Sep 2024 12:07:00
Please stop, listen and think … the dumping is destructive, look at the evidence. Continuing this practice is short sighted at best and totally irresponsible at worst. Please take a long term view and do the right thing
23 Sep 2024 13:14:00
As a member of Sussex Wildlife I trust their stance that there has and continues to be some gross misconduct with regards to our seas. When we are in environmental chaos the behaviour of these pollutants is avoidable and lack of legislation is totally unacceptable.
23 Sep 2024 13:17:00
This needs to stop. I have seen the water turn black after this dredging has taken place . I contracted Guardia parasites from surfing in the waters where the dredging is deposited. I have surfed these waters for over 20 years and seen a massive decline in the shellfish. Where I would have to be careful in the past not to cut my feet on the mussels, there is no longer any sign of mussels or other molluscs
23 Sep 2024 16:19:00
Several years ago, I believe Brighton Reef was saved, then GREEN Brighton do this to neighbouring Eastbourne?!!!!!
Stop it at once.
23 Sep 2024 21:27:00
Enough is enough. Stop doing this.
24 Sep 2024 07:32:00
Hi,please can I sign up to stop this pollution .thsnks fiona
24 Sep 2024 10:11:00
why do they need to dump it at sea this is what i understand to contain valuable nutarians much like the farmers spared the cow muck its likely this dredging might also contain valuable metals and copper elements why not plan a long term recycling of this silt in to something valuable for the community
25 Sep 2024 14:19:00
The decision to continue dumping in local protected areas has the potential to be a future benchmark for other protected areas. This reads like its an antiquated permission that needs to naturally decompose. Please make the sensible decision to avoid precious sites. Perhaps it is also an opportunity to look further into what is being created for dumping that is so toxic? How else can we reduce the toxic load for the benefit of all?
25 Sep 2024 18:08:00
Please protect our marine environment.
25 Sep 2024 19:44:00
I’m writing to object to renewing permission to dump dredged sediment in Beachy Head West Marine. As it is now a Marine Conservation Zone this isn’t appropriate
25 Sep 2024 21:57:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Hi Rachel. You've commented on the application via the link? Thank you so much if so
This needs to be stopped
26 Sep 2024 08:20:00
Stop dumping on ecologically sensitive areas. Man pollutes the sea enough with waste, and we are gradually killing our oceans and jeopardising our future and that of all the species that inhabit the sea.
26 Sep 2024 11:17:00
It’s vital to protect oour marine ecosystems. If we can’t protect supposedly ‘protected’ areas, what use are they?
26 Sep 2024 15:25:00
It’s vital to protect oour marine ecosystems. If we can’t protect supposedly ‘protected’ areas, what use are they?
26 Sep 2024 15:25:00
I hope the MMO will make the right decision for the environment and protect the MCZ.
I am concerned a possible solution is Shoreham-by-Sea
Its my feeling dedgred material should be dumped far out to sea, where internatianal industrial fishing boats are hooving up our sea life.
I realise it will the cost the Marina more to travel further away with waste material – but otherwise the cost is to our natural coastal biodiversity
26 Sep 2024 15:43:00
Now more than ever we have to protect our environment. To dump in a MCZ is completely unacceptable.
26 Sep 2024 16:20:00
Let’s all just stop messing up the planet shall we
26 Sep 2024 16:22:00
Stop dumping on our reef!
26 Sep 2024 18:32:00
Please stop killing and suffocating our marine life
26 Sep 2024 19:01:00
I leave in Rottingdean Brighton and swim all year around. I respect and benefit of our sea beautiful environment. Our coast is in the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone, please protect our environment by stopping dumping dredging waste in the MCZ, to protect our precious ecosystem.
26 Sep 2024 19:05:00
Dear MMO Licensing Team,
RE: Consultation on monitoring for MLA/2024/00394 Brighton Marina
I have reviewed the application for the above licence and would like to raise the following concerns.
Fundamentally, I do not agree that the disposal of dredged material of this nature should be allowed in a protected area, and ask that the MMO do not progress this licence until the disposal site is moved to another location, away from Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ).
More specifically, the monitoring regime for this licence is inadequate to ensure that the features of the MCZ are not being affected by the disposal of dredged material. Only three features of the MCZ have been monitored in any great detail, without any comprehensive study of the effects of sedimentation.
Without an up-to-date condition assessment for the features of the MCZ, a precautionary approach to management should be taken.
The testing of the sediment is also inadequate; there are insufficient numbers of samples and they do not include testing for sewage. Further to this, there has been no consideration of the impact on humans using the sea and beach at the disposal site, at Ovingdean or the newly designated Rottingdean bathing beach.
Other than a cost implication, there does not appear to be any clear reason as to why the applicant should be using the disposal site within the MCZ, when other suitable disposal sites are available nearby, namely at Newhaven and Shoreham-by-Sea. I urge you to better consider the alternatives.
Finally, if the MMO takes this licence forward, it should be for a maximum of two years, not 10. Adequate warnings to sea users should also be set up when disposal is occurring.
Yours faithfully,
26 Sep 2024 19:28:00
Sussex Wildlife Trust:
Thanks Nicky. Are you sharing the letter you've sent/posted via the link? If so, thank you so much
This is not welcomed. Especially with the recent findings of flourishing Marine life in Brighton! Just remember the food chain people.
I’ve had trouble downloading the email template from this site. (My phone did not give option for word).
26 Sep 2024 20:54:00
Just please simply stop dumping….
26 Sep 2024 21:36:00
Must stop
27 Sep 2024 08:46:00
Please stop the dumping in the reef
27 Sep 2024 10:02:00
Stop dumping on our reef!
27 Sep 2024 10:58:00
Unacceptable and without respect for nature.
27 Sep 2024 12:48:00
This is awful, do not do this!
27 Sep 2024 12:57:00
Stop dumping harmful substances on our coast. Endangering both human and wildlife
27 Sep 2024 15:31:00
Stop this inshore dumping of silt,it’s disgraceful.
27 Sep 2024 18:21:00
Stop this now!!
28 Sep 2024 08:49:00
Please dont dump on ourprotected reef
28 Sep 2024 12:35:00
Dear Sirs
I have been made aware of the application for renewal of a 10 year license license 2025-2035 for disposing of dredged material from the marina to a MCZ in the Rottingdean area. I understand that since the last license was granted the MCZ has been put in place.
I would like to lodge my objection upon the 5 members of my family (Lisa Barratt, Eloise Barratt, Joshua Barratt, Chloe Barratt).
Please take this into account in your decision.
As keen dogwalkers, swimmers, and surfers in this area we have observed the beauty and bio diversity of the ecological system in this area. It is an area of much beauty and has great value and great lengths should be gone to to protect this.
In particular, I am concerned that a continuation of this license allows dredged and dumped silt laid down over many years contains concentrated toxic antifouling which is painted onto the underside of boats in the marina and is formulated specifically to kill mollusks. Clearly, this has a major impact on the food chain.
Allowing this practice to continue in an MCZ is clearly unacceptable and must be prevented.
Despite the date of 27th being passed, given the gravity of this matter I would like our objection to be fully taken into account.
Best regards
Jamie Barratt
Lisa Barratt
Eloise Barratt
Joshua Barratt
Chloe Barratt
29 Sep 2024 08:12:00
This is where we bring our children to swim. It’s also a Marine Conservation Zone so it’s crazy this is allowed. Stop this happening!
02 Oct 2024 15:17:00
It’s time to stop the dumping of sediment in a MCZ. We should be protecting our seas and wildlife. Put the sediment somewhere else.
10 Oct 2024 05:43:00
I strongly object to contamination of the MCZ.
11 Oct 2024 09:39:00
This needs to stop now.
03 Nov 2024 22:52:00
What a country! This is ecocide.
Water companies should be nationalized. Shareholders should be stripped of their investments and profit. All top dogs at water companies should be stripped of past earnings, profits from shares, options or whatever.
All CEOs, chairmen, members of Board of Directors of any water company, be it for Sussex or elsewhere in the UK or indeed the world, that have polluted the sea, rivers, lakes or whatever water should face criminal charges. Some should go to prison.
Members of government, present o4 previous government, members of the civil service, who were involved in allowing this crime should also face criminal charges and possibly go toprison.
08 Nov 2024 15:38:00
nooooooooooooo
02 Dec 2024 09:25:00
An alternative site must be used. The wording “last resort “ this not there to justify a financial advantage over significant biological damage.
14 Mar 2025 10:39:00
I have personalised the objection and emailed it to Marine Management.
14 Mar 2025 11:53:00
Reefs in Fiji, different in their species I know,
Suffered miserably from SILTATION originating from coastal building operations. Vulnerable are all filter feeders that are sessile to inorganic particles let alone other pollutants.
14 Mar 2025 16:22:00
Completely agree. The sludge is harmful to marine life, plus it is environmentally harmful to swimmers, both in Brighton and Sovereign Harbours. Why is it taken out to sea then released, to cause further harm! Why, in the Premier Marinas orbit of many harbours, is Sovereign Harbour the only one to charge its land-based residents, via its outrageous annual estate Rentcharge and Deeds of Covenant, for annual dredging, flood defence, and other restrictions? Am so glad these matters are now getting world-wide attention
09 Mar 2026 10:48:00