6,000 voices for our sea. Thank you.

admin
, 16 April 2026
6,000 voices for our sea. Thank you.
Tompot Blenny © Julie Hatcher

By Sarah Ward

Marine Conservation Officer

Over the last few weeks we have seen an overwhelming response to our e-action for responding to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) consultation on Brighton Marina’s application to continue disposing of their dredged sediment in a Marine Conservation Zone.

Over 6,000 of you responded and we want to say a huge thank you to you all!

Although we must now await the MMO’s decision, we are really pleased with the remarkable engagement from our members and supporters on this issue and hope that the number of responses demonstrates how seriously we take this issue.

What happens now?

The consultation is now closed and the MMO will review the responses, alongside the application itself and advice from statutory bodies, before making a decision on whether to grant the licence and any conditions it may have. Unlike terrestrial planning, there is no strict timeframe within which a decision must be made, however we anticipate the MMO will try to reach a decision reasonably promptly.

Over the next few weeks, we will be working up our plans for the next steps. We fully expect the licence to be granted in some form, but the devil will be in the detail and this will dictate our next action. Please do watch this space for further updates on this issue.

Leave a comment

Comments

  • Jean O’NEILL:

    Very well done! Clearly the future will necessarily involve an increased need for people throughout the world to ‘stand up fo wildlife’ as their habitats are diminishing at an incredible fast rate.
    So this kind of ‘demonstration’ is absolutely vital and so it’s an increasingly necessary part of humankind.

    16 Apr 2026 10:33:00

  • Anna Jarvis:

    Thank you for all the amazing work you’re doing. I’m proud to be a supporter of the Sussex Wildlife Trust. It’s educational, endlessly interesting and inspiring.

    16 Apr 2026 10:48:00

  • Sheppy Shepherd:

    Unfortunately we as humans think out of sight out of mind. Anything below the surface of the sea is invisible. But these environments are fragile and we, as the dominant species, must bear responsibility for the planet. We cannot keep taking the cheapest option just so that companies can make a profit and pay dividends to shareholders.
    Keep up the good work

    16 Apr 2026 10:59:00

  • Mica:

    Good news … so far! Thank you (and all) for your fantastic engagement!

    16 Apr 2026 11:16:00

  • Beryl Ferrers-Guy:

    wel done thus far – keep us all posted, there are many of us willing to continue our support

    16 Apr 2026 11:21:00

  • Daivd Payne:

    Please keep us informed, such a good job

    16 Apr 2026 11:24:00

  • Julia Dance:

    I am willing to come to the Marina to help any protest, in or out of the water.

    16 Apr 2026 11:35:00

  • ALISON DENCH:

    Let me know if you need more information. I have just done a Masters in Toxic Marine Dredging. I used this case as one of my examples.
    Alison Dench

    16 Apr 2026 11:41:00

  • Susan Kerrison:

    Great but need to remember that they have a license for stuff from Eastbourne mains in Beachy Head East

    16 Apr 2026 13:07:00

  • Sally Griffin:

    Thank you, SWT, for working to protect our marine environment. It can too easily be ignored or overlooked by the public (people like me) because it is out of sight, so thank you for making us aware of the issues affecting it, and for campaigning to protect it from industrial damage.

    16 Apr 2026 13:30:00

  • Catherine Senger:

    I am disappointed that “only” 6000 people raised their concern, given that the combined population of the East and West Sussex coastal region is an estimated 1.4 Mio and you know, water travels…. This issue deserves a public outcry! Anyways, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a positive outcome. Onwards!

    16 Apr 2026 14:50:00

  • Elizabeth Slough:

    Fingers ( and fins!) crossed

    16 Apr 2026 15:09:00

  • Gerry Stanley:

    I would like to know what decision is reached. Thank you.

    16 Apr 2026 15:15:00

  • Christine Stacey:

    When we know so much about how the health of ours seas, how can any authority regardless of local, regional or national level agree to the destruction of a fragile eco system

    16 Apr 2026 15:48:00

  • Jean Brown:

    Encouraging news. Thankyou. It seems that there is some hope for our seas but a need to keep caring. Look forward to hearing the result of the consultation and happy to submit further comments if needed. …..

    16 Apr 2026 16:34:00

  • Peter Watts:

    Great let’s hope they really do take notice of the response.

    16 Apr 2026 16:56:00

  • Geoffrey Bragg:

    Why can’t the marina dump elsewhere? Are there alternative sights that can be used and if so why are they not being considered?

    16 Apr 2026 17:38:00

  • Alan Walker:

    Keep pursuing the matter. Get back the reef and its wildlife.

    18 Apr 2026 11:48:00

  • Mary Green:

    Brilliant! Thanks to the Sussex Wildlife Trust for your commitment and energy. Our marine environment is so important. Let’s hope the MMO pays attention.

    18 Apr 2026 16:04:00

  • maxine rawlings:

    Thank you for highlighting this issue, agreed with another about the numbers who voted against. Perhaps even more publicity when the decision is made hopefully in common sense decision against.

    19 Apr 2026 07:10:00

  • peter winmder:

    keep fighting

    30 Apr 2026 18:55:00

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