Early signs of ecological recovery are beginning to surface along the Sussex coastline, as scientists and fishers report encouraging changes. Introduced in 2021, the Nearshore Trawling Byelaw removed destructive bottom trawling from more than 300 km² of seabed. Evidence now suggests the measure is beginning to deliver tangible benefits for marine habitats and coastal communities. With the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project at the centre of the recovery effort, mussel beds are re-establishing themselves across parts of the seabed, while populations of commercially important species such as Black Sea Bream are showing signs of increase. Clare Brook, Blue Marine Foundation’s CEO, says ‘There is so much evidence from around the world that if you protect the marine environment, then life can bounce back… If you protect nature and give it the space to regenerate, then that is exactly what it does.’
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