Three years of the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project

By George Short

Sussex Kelp Recovery Co-ordinator

We are celebrating three years of seabed protection and of the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project.

In March 2021, over 300km² of seabed was protected from trawling by the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority. This saw the creation of the largest marine rewilding project in the UK - Sussex Kelp Recovery Project.

Since then, we have initiated an enormous research and monitoring program to understand how marine ecosystems recover when we take away the human pressures and let nature lead in its own recovery.

After decades of destructive practices, it will take time for the ecosystem to fully recover but after three years, we have some initial glimmers of hope for recovery in Sussex seas. Combinations of anecdotal observations from freedivers and fishers, and as well as research evidence, are now allowing us to see huge expanses of Mussel beds returning to Sussex, gradual increases in Lobster catches and increases in Black Sea Bream in our waters.

We want to take the opportunity to thank the supporters of our project, including researchers, funders, citizen scientists and local communities. Your help is essential in creating seascape level change and your efforts are literally helping us put kelp back on the map.

Find out more on the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project website