Marine Conservation Zones

In Sussex there are nine Marine Conservation Zones, covering 22% of the Sussex seas. We also now have a Highly Protected Marine Area (HPMA) in Sussex waters, which falls under the same legislative framework as MCZs - this site is called Dolphin Head, and falls partially within the Offshore Brighton MCZ.

Since 2011, 91 MCZs have been designated nationally, as well as three HPMAs.

1. Offshore Brighton

In the deeper waters of the English Channel the gravel seabed is less disturbed by wind and waves allowing a wider range of species to colonise it. The gravel and accompanying rocky reefs provides rich hunting grounds for skates, ray and other fishes.

2. Offshore Overfalls

Sand and gravel beds form important habitats for Undulate and Blonde Rays, flatfish, Tope Sharks, Sand Eels and commercially important Cod and Bass. Ross Worms form biogenic reefs which shelter a variety of smaller animals and juveniles. The whole site is extremely diverse, and thought to be one of the most species rich areas in the South East.

3. Utopia

Utopia supports one of only two regional examples of fragile sponge, coral and anemone communities. Over 15 species of sponge have been recorded with many more yet to be identified. Named after the Tope Shark, this area is thought to be an important pupping grounds for this species.

4. Selsey Bill and The Hounds

Remarkable and unusual outcrops of limestone and clay are captured within this area. The numerous ledges and crevices provide homes for many marine species. These include Short-Snouted Seahorses, Squat Lobsters and crabs. Bottlenose Dolphins have also been recorded here. The Hounds limestone reef is covered by a fascinating array of sea squirts, sponges and soft coral. Tompot Blennies and Leopard-Spotted Ggobies are often seen on cliff ledges, whilst colourful wrasse can be observed near the top of the cliff face.

5. Pagham Harbour

One of only three places in the UK where the exceptionally rare Defolin’s Lagoon Snail occurs. Other species include the lagoon sand shrimp, found in Ferry Pool on the west side of the harbour, the beautiful Starlet Sea Anemone, Native Oysters, adult eels and elvers.

6. Kingmere

This area contains excellent examples of rocky habitats, which support abundant marine life. Black Sea Bream aggregate in the early summer months in this area to build nests and lay their eggs; they require a particular habitat to build their nest (which is sometimes called a 'lunar pad') which will then be guarded by the males until the eggs are ready to hatch.

7. Beachy Head West

A wave-cut platform of sub- and inter-tidal chalk gullies and ledges is home to all kinds of marine life here. The surface of the chalk is pitted with holes, mostly caused by burrowing Piddocks and boring worms. Ross Coral, sponges, sea squirts, anemones, bryozoans and hydroids all cloak the chalk reefs. This MCZ also protects the Short Snouted Seahorse, which come to the area in the summer to breed.

8. Beachy Head East

This area is characterised by the Sovereign Shoals, an extensive wildlife-rich chalk and sandstone reef with outcrops of chalk. Soft corals also colonise the underside of slab surfaces together with tube worms. The biogenic reefs present provide homes for a diversity of marine life. Fishes found amongst this area include Short-Snouted Seahorses, Cuckoo Wrasse and large numbers of Bib and Poor Cod.

9. Inner Bank

Relatively rare for the south east region, this area features significant areas of exposed rocky reef. The rocky habitat is able to support a rich diversity of animal life, for example European Lobsters. Elsewhere in the area the movement of the thin veneer sediment which covers the rock can be colonised by a variety of species.

10. Dolphin Head HPMA

Designated in 2023 as one of only three sites to be afforded this high level of protection, Dolphin Head has the potential to be incredibly biodiverse, supporting commercially important species, sensitive species like Ross Worms, and visiting marine mammals and sea birds. Unfortunately the site is in a degraded state; we hope that the new protection will allow it to recover.