Around 6,000 people have objected to a fresh marina dredging application after the previous licence was quashed following legal action.
Sussex Wildlife Trust said the objections from members and supporters were sent to the Marine Management Organisation’s (MMO) consultation on Brighton Marina’s new application.
Sarah Ward, marine conservation officer, said the response has been “remarkable” and “sends a very clear message about how seriously the public takes the protection of our marine conservation zones (MCZ)”.
She added that the trust “recognises the need for Brighton Marina to carry out maintenance dredging”, but that it has “a responsibility to challenge practices that risk harm to designated sites and the biodiversity they are meant to protect”.
The new application was made after the previous ten-year marine licence, which permitted continued maintenance dredging at Brighton Marina, was cancelled after judicial review.
The initial application faced opposition from wildlife campaigners and residents who feared the dumping of sediment in the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) was impacting the sensitive chalk reef and harming its wildlife.
Premier Marinas, which operates the marina, said dredging is necessary to fulfil legal and harbour safety obligations and ensure continued safe navigation in and out of the marina.
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Brighton Marina has now applied for a one-year marine licence application to enable maintenance dredging and sediment dispersal at Brighton Marina. The interim application will give the marina time to come up with a longer-term solution.
Ms Ward said: “Sussex Wildlife Trust remains fundamentally opposed to the disposal of dredged material within an MCZ. We want to see commitment to the removal of this activity from Beachy Head West MCZ for good.
“We now await the MMO’s decision and will be scrutinising the detail of any licence granted very closely.
“In the midst of a nature and climate crisis, it’s vital we take every step possible to secure nature’s recovery – so we’ll keep working hard to make sure Beachy Head West, and all marine protected areas, get the proper protection they deserve.”
Katie Sullivan, spokeswoman for Brighton Marina, said: “We recognise that people care deeply about the local marine environment, and we share that concern. Brighton Marina has operated alongside this coastline for decades, and protecting it is fundamental to how we operate.
“The public consultation is an important part of the process, and we understand there has been a high level of interest. The application is now in the Marine Management Organisation’s review phase, which is based on detailed scientific evidence and factors in advice from statutory environmental bodies.
“It’s important to note that decisions of this nature are made by the regulator following careful consideration of all the evidence, alongside consultation responses.
“Maintenance dredging remains a legal requirement to ensure safe navigational access to the marina, and this is a long-established, tightly regulated activity. All dredged sediment is tested and subject to strict licensing controls.
“We will continue to work constructively with the regulator as this process progresses and await the MMO’s determination.”