27/04/2025
In 2019, the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) introduced a nearshore trawling ban to help restore the seabed and local marine ecosystem. The near-shore trawling ban prevents fishing boats dragging their heavy trawling machinery across the sea floor, ploughing up the seabed and destroying the marine ecosystem. Without the trawlers, it is hoped that the seabed along the Sussex coast will recover.
The early stages of a recovery will include plants beginning to take root and bivalves and other filter feeders establishing themselves. It is hoped the area will act as juvenile fish nursery, helping restock the local fisheries. The whole ecosystem should help reduce coastal erosion by binding the seabed together. And as the life blossoms, it will absorb and store carbon dioxide, helping reduce the impact of climate change.
Today we dived a site inside the new protection area and saw many of these beautiful juvenile cat sharks.❤️
In 2019, the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) introduced a nearshore trawling ban to help restore the seabed and local marine ecosy...
