Diving to protect our coast

The divers from the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) in Worthing have been supporting Sussex Seasearch by using their expert knowledge and equipment to explore the coast of Sussex and gather information about marine wildlife and document habitats and geological features of the area. One of the areas surveyed over the summer is Kingsmere Rocks off the coast of Littlehampton, which is a nesting area for Black Bream.

The regional Marine Conservation Zone project is called Balanced Seas. It is gathering information from local stakeholders, including Seasearch, about in-shore and off-shore waters and will recommend sites to the Government to be designated as Marine Conservation Zones by the end of 2012. The Government has committed to designate Marine Conservation Zones (as a result of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009) off the coast of England.

Christian Williams, Lead Marine Advisor at Natural England, said: “This is part of an ongoing process to gather information about our marine environment so we can build an accurate picture of what lies beneath our coastal waters and ensure that it is protected for years to come. The knowledge of the local species’ habitats is crucial for the evidence base for these sites.  Worthing divers have been very helpful in helping Seasearch conduct surveys.”

Geoff Loader, Director of Communications at Southern Water, said: “It is great that the Worthing divers are using their expertise to assist with this survey work and contribute to such an important project that will help protect and enhance the environment off our coastline. Southern Water has spent millions of pounds over the last 15 years to improve the quality of wastewater treatment and bring cleaner seas to Sussex. That is why it is so important to support the divers, Seasearch and Natural England as they work to find out more about the environment off our coastline.”

Rob Walker, from Worthing Sub Aqua Club, said: “Many people think that diving is purely recreational but there is a serious side to it as well. We are delighted to be contributing to this important project and helping to ensure the long-term protection of the interesting and diverse habitats and wildlife off the coast of Sussex.”

For more information visit www.seasearch.org.uk  and www.balancedseas.org/.

For previous West Sussex updates, click here.