Restoring Sussex's Kelp Forests: A Blueprint for Marine Conservation and Climate Action
The Sussex coastline, once adorned with vibrant kelp forests stretching over 40 kilometers, is on the path to recovery thanks to Project 2162 – Sea Kelp Recovery and Management. This project aims to enhance biodiversity, promote blue carbon habitats, and drive climate action along this vital stretch of the UK’s shores.
Historically, kelp forests off the Sussex coast formed one of the planet’s most productive and biodiverse marine environments. These underwater jungles provided critical shelter, feeding, and nursery grounds for a myriad of species including cuttlefish, lobsters, seabream, and bass. Beyond their ecological importance, kelp forests are also potent carbon sinks, aiding in the fight against climate change by capturing carbon and improving water quality. Additionally, they play a crucial role in coastal protection by absorbing the power of ocean waves, thereby reducing erosion.
However, since 1987, Sussex’s kelp forests have faced a devastating decline, with over 96 percent destroyed due to destructive trawling and other human activities. Recognizing the urgent need for action, the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) proposed a transformative byelaw in 2019 to prohibit trawling over 300 square kilometres of seabed. The objective was clear: to enable the recovery of the lost kelp forests and protect essential fish habitats and populations.
In March 2021, the Nearshore Trawling Byelaw 2019 was approved, marking a significant milestone. This byelaw created one of the largest inshore areas closed to trawling in England and launched the first kelp restoration project in the UK. Esteemed naturalist Sir David Attenborough heralded the byelaw as a “landmark decision for the management of the UK’s coastal waters.”
Following the introduction of the byelaw, this ambitious initiative unites conservation and government organizations, scientists, and local communities in a collective effort to restore the kelp forests. Pioneering research is underway to monitor the kelp’s return and the myriad benefits it provides for people, nature, and climate.
An extensive research program has been established to assess the impacts and benefits of excluding trawling on wildlife and inshore fisheries. This includes baited remote underwater video surveys to monitor mobile benthic species, studies of crab and lobster populations, and socio-economic surveys with fishermen. These efforts aim to provide comprehensive data on the recovery process and its implications.
Beyond enhancing biodiversity, the project underscores the significant role of kelp in mitigating climate change. Globally, sea kelp is estimated to capture approximately 5 million tonnes of carbon each year. By restoring these kelp forests, this project contributes to this global effort, highlighting the critical intersection between marine conservation and climate action.
The revival of Sussex’s kelp forests stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaborative conservation efforts and innovative environmental policies. As the kelp forests begin to reclaim their former glory, they bring with them a renewed hope for the future of marine ecosystems and the fight against climate change.
By supporting projects like the Sea Kelp Recovery and Management initiative, Carbon Neutral Britain and its partners are not only restoring a vital natural habitat but also setting a blueprint for marine conservation and climate resilience. The Sussex coastline is poised to once again become a beacon of biodiversity and a powerful ally in the battle against climate change.
