Progress Report: Project 2162 - Sea Kelp Recovery and Management Project
This article has been published to provide updates and developments in Project 2162 - undertaking the protection, restoration, and rewilding of Sussex's coastal seabed, providing hope for the resurgence of local marine life and ecosystems.
Conservation Milestones
Introduced in March 2021, so far this project has protected 300 km² of seabed from harmful trawling practices, giving essential fish habitats and kelp forests the opportunity to recover. While full kelp recovery is a long-term goal, the signs of ecological restoration are promising. In the past year, local fishermen and divers have reported a steady resurgence of biodiversity, painting an encouraging picture of the once barren seafloor slowly coming back to life.
Anecdotal evidence suggests the return of vast mussel beds, an essential element of the marine ecosystem. These beds, which had all but vanished due to years of destructive trawling, have been sighted once again, with some growing to the size of football fields. Mussels play a vital role in filtering water, providing food, and creating habitats for other marine species. Their resurgence signals a healthier ecosystem, which is essential for kelp growth.
Another encouraging sign is the increased presence of Black Sea Bream, a benthic species that nests on the seabed. The appearance of their nests, known as lunar pads, is a direct indicator of improving seafloor conditions. This year, fishermen and divers alike have observed a growing number of these nests, suggesting a resurgence of the breeding population.
In a remarkable moment, a critically endangered Angel Shark was caught and released near Brighton in the summer of 2023 – the first sighting of this species in Sussex in decades. This rare sighting further underscores the positive changes occurring in the region.
A Global Connection and Future Outlook
In 2023, Project 2162 achieved another significant milestone by becoming the first global kelp rewilding project to join the Kelp Forest Alliance, a worldwide network of kelp recovery initiatives. This connection places Sussex on the global stage, highlighting the importance of local conservation efforts in addressing broader environmental challenges. It also signifies the commitment to playing a key role in restoring kelp forests, not just locally, but globally.
While kelp coverage in Sussex is still in its early stages, the return of other species and habitats offers hope that full kelp recovery is on the horizon. Over the next 5 to 10 years, annual surveys will continue to monitor marine ecosystem recovery and assess the ongoing impact of the Byelaw. These surveys will also evaluate how external factors, such as pollution, storm events, and climate change, affect the recovery process.
The progress made by the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project reflects the power of collaboration, research, and community involvement. Early signs of marine life returning to Sussex’s seabed offer hope that the underwater forests, once lost, may one day flourish again.
