Legal action launched to stop the dumping of sediment in East Sussex
Permission was granted for the continued dumping of 100,000 tonnes of dredged spoil into Beachy Head West every year, for the next ten years.
Sussex Wildlife Trust has launched legal action to stop the dumping of sediment in Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone.
The trust says it is " an activity that should not be allowed in a protected area".
They said: "Beachy Head West MCZ is a nationally important wildlife hotspot, home to Short-snouted Seahorse, Blue Mussel beds and a unique chalk reef. Dumping dredged sediment in this protected area is impacting the sensitive chalk reef and harming its wildlife."
Brighton Marina’s application for a renewed licence to continue dumping dredged spoil into Beachy Head West MCZ was approved by the MMO in May this year.
Sussex Wildlife Trust, alongside other environmental charities and hundreds of individuals, responded to the consultation to object to the renewal of the Marina’s licence.
Over 1,500 emails were also sent to Secretary of State, Steve Reed MP, sharing concerns about continued dumping in a protected area.