05 May 2026
Photo by Ben Elliott The Marine Management Organisation has published a 53-page practical guide to help port operators and developers navigate the marine licensing process more effectively, drawing on learning gathered through a joint initiative with the UK’s largest ports. The document, published on 1 May and entitled Marine Licensing Top Tips, has been […]
21 Apr 2026
Photo by Karl Hanssens Two developments this week have put Sussex’s marine conservation zones in the spotlight – one bringing new protections, the other raising fresh concerns about the integrity of a neighbouring site. Trawling ban takes effect off Beachy Head A new law banning trawling and scalloping in a zone of 101 square […]
11 Nov 2025
Photo by Mark Bennis Sussex Wildlife Trust has achieved a significant legal victory in its battle to protect the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) from sediment dumping, after the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) conceded it had failed to properly assess the environmental impacts of a controversial 10-year dredging licence. The High Court […]
02 Sep 2025
Photo by Liam McGrath Environmental campaigners are warning of a potential “catastrophic disaster” as plans emerge to dump 850,000 tonnes of contaminated sediment at sea as part of a £150 million redevelopment of Cornwall’s Falmouth Docks. £150 million development at environmental cost Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company and A&P Falmouth have applied for planning permission […]
19 Aug 2025
Photo by Noemi Lusetti Conservation campaigners have appealed directly to King Charles to protect the historic Goodwin Sands from commercial dredging, warning that the treacherous sandbank containing over 2,000 shipwrecks could face destructive aggregate extraction despite its marine protected area status. The Goodwin Sands Conservation Trust has written to the King as head of […]
27 May 2025
Image: Brighton Marina by Being Momentx The MMO has been heavily criticised for renewing a licence for the Brighton marina to dispose of sediment, in Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone. While the marina needs to be dredged to allow vessels to access the marina, there are fears that the sediment is smothering marine […]
26 Mar 2024
Draft legislation requiring Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) on scallop dredge and large pelagic vessels in Scottish waters have been introduced in Parliament. Marine Directorate Scotland has stated that the implementation of ‘The Sea Fisheries (Remote Electronic Monitoring and Regulation of Scallop Fishing) (Scotland) Regulations 2024’ will oversee a crucial role in supporting more sustainable fisheries […]
27 Jun 2023
A decision taken by Marine Scotland last year to vary sea fishing licences for vessels using methods believed to be harmful to marine life has been branded unlawful by a judge. The Court of Session in Scotland has ruled that the Scottish Government’s current approach to licencing of scallop dredging, and bottom-trawling is “unlawful”. Lord […]
