Stop Dumping On Our Reef rally

Charlotte Wells
, 15 January 2025
Stop Dumping On Our Reef rally
Stop Dumping On Our Reef Rally © Kai Hilton

By Charlotte Wells

Communications Trainee

It’s not about the dredging, but the dumping!

Last Saturday, a group of Sussex Wildlife Trust staff and supporters went to support the Surfers Against Sewage Rally, aimed at stopping Brighton Marina dumping dredged sediment onto the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ).

A total of 91 Marine Conservation Zones have been created since 2013. Each is an area designated as being a vital space where we need to protect diverse species and habitats.

The sun was out, the placards and flags were at the ready, and the turnout of people rallying together to stop this unbelievable practice was inspiring. Alongside Sussex Wildlife Trust, councillors, Sussex Underwater and local residents also attended in support. The XR Drummers Brighton led the way with the beats to our chants ‘Stop dumping on our reef!’ and ‘What do we want? Clean seas. When do we want it? Now!’. Some terrific speakers captivated passers-by, whilst a community Beach Clean gave a strong sense of unity in the fight for an important cause.

We are not against the practice of dredging, which is the main argument used by Brighton Marina to continue dumping sediment on the chalk reef. Dredging of the Marina is essential practice for maintaining correct water depths and allowing boats to use it safely.

What we are against, and what the ‘Stop Dumping On Our Reef’ rally was about, is the dumping of dredged materials on this Marine Conservation Zone.

Brighton Marina was allocated its licence to dump dredged sewage in this area before it was a Marine Conservation Zone, but now their licence is up for renewal, the practice needs to be stopped.

Imagine if someone came along and dumped tons of sludge on the flower-filled chalk grassland of the South Downs? There would be outrage! But because the seabed and our precious protected reefs are not as visible, this dreadful dumping has been allowed to happen.

So, what are we campaigning for? A better disposal site, and a better solution that protects residents using the beach as well as wildlife. 

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) recently ran a public consultation on the renewal of Brighton Marina’s licence. Find our response and the concerns we raised here.

The MMO's decision is expected soon, and our next steps will depend on the outcome. You can subscribe below to receive the latest updates.

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Comments

  • Sandra Cherrill Ward:

    Things need to change and there have to be other ways this can be done. This is obviously the easiest for the company involved, who perhaps don’t want anything to change as it’s convenient. Other solutions can be found, just need to be inventive.

    16 Jan 2025 14:29:00

  • David Smith:

    Contact all local Councils along the South Coast for support by each one of them for a total ban on dumping sludge in the sea, especially in a Marine Conservation Zone.

    16 Jan 2025 16:53:00

  • Julian Ford-Robertson:

    WHEN is the licence to dump expiring?
    Have you complained officially to the relevant MP AT WESTMINSTER?
    Surely the protection of the Reserve in Law is your aid? Any abuse will be detrimental to the hard work going into re-kelping of the Reserve going on with hopeful signs of success. These plants are vital for sea-floor health as a refuge for fish as well as bathing benefits.

    16 Feb 2025 23:11:00

  • Sussex Wildlife Trust:

    Thank you for your comment and interest in this matter.

    The current licence to dredge and dispose of the material expires on 31st May 2025.

    Sussex Wildlife Trust has lodged comments during the consultation on this marine licence (which was held in September 2024); this is the most appropriate method of ensuring the relevant bodies / decision makers understand why we do not think this activity should be going ahead in this protected area.

    Since then we have been raising the profile of the issue publicly, and have also met with Chris Ward, who is the MP for the area.

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