Photo by Ben Wicks
The Marine Management Organisation has granted a marine licence for a pioneering kelp restoration initiative led by Newcastle University and the Marine Biological Association aimed at reviving native kelp beds along England’s northeast coast. The Green Gravel Kelp Restoration Project will combat climate change and biodiversity loss by reintroducing juvenile kelp into ocean waters using an innovative cultivation technique.
The project involves growing juvenile kelp (Laminaria hyperborea) in laboratory conditions and attaching it to gravel before depositing it back into the sea. Scuba divers will mark and monitor restoration plots quarterly, with seasonal out-plantings scheduled for summer and winter to assess environmental impacts on growth success. The initiative is designed to future-proof English kelp beds against climate and human-induced stresses.
Kelp forests provide critical habitat, food, and breeding grounds for marine species while supporting fisheries and recreational diving. As a natural carbon sink, kelp aids climate mitigation and contributes to coastal resilience through flood defence and denitrification. If successful, the green gravel method could be scaled up across the UK, marking a significant step in rewilding Britain’s coastal habitats.
MOD and infrastructure projects receive licensing approval
QinetiQ has been granted a marine licence for continued operation and maintenance of the Ministry of Defence’s Weymouth Magnetic Open Sea Range off the Dorset coast. The range plays a crucial role in ensuring Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels remain fit for service, with the new licence allowing ongoing maintenance and repair of testing equipment.
Bridgemarsh Marina in Essex is preparing for a major refurbishment following MMO approval of variations to the original marine licence. The works include replacing existing piles and pontoons, renewing a 125-metre section of sheet pile wall along the quayside, and installing a new crane pad. The improvements will preserve access to the well-used local marine facility and support the regional boating community.
The Environment Agency is advancing the Thorney Island Habitat Creation Project, which aims to transform the western side of Thorney Island with over 20 hectares of compensatory intertidal habitat by 2030. The project forms part of the wider Habitat Compensation and Restoration Programme and underwent scoping and screening through the MMO Marine Licensing team. The planned habitat will support local biodiversity, providing essential feeding and breeding grounds for marine and bird species, while delivering improved environmental resilience for the Chichester coastal region.
Norfolk offshore wind UXO investigations underway
Two marine licence applications support the safe development of the Norfolk Vanguard West offshore wind farm, with investigations targeting unexploded ordnance (UXO) across key project areas. The first licence covers investigation of up to 570 targets outside the Sabellaria spinulosa reef, including 310 potential UXO targets within the export cable corridor, 200 within the wind farm array area, and 30 archaeological targets. A recent variation request seeks to add five more UXO targets.
The second licence focuses on 126 UXO targets and 30 archaeological targets within 50 metres of the Sabellaria spinulosa reef, including conditions to ensure coordination with local fisheries following requests from the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority. Both investigations will use visual surveys with remotely operated vehicles and small vessels, with small-scale excavation using water jets or dredge pumps for buried items. The works are essential to ensure safe installation of offshore cables and infrastructure while maintaining safety standards for the UK’s renewable energy development.