Black Sea Bream making all the moves
Exciting reports from divers that Black Sea Bream nests are blanketing large swathes of our Sussex seabed and as a result, their eggs likely numbering in the millions! Not only this, but the Fish Intel Network have looked in more depth on the movements of our fishy friends.
Incredible journeys from our shores
As detailed in our recent Creature Feature blog, ‘Fascinating Fishes’, guest authored by Pete Davies from the University of Plymouth and the Fish Intel Network, research has shown that bream from our Sussex shores undertook seasonal migrations spanning hundreds of miles, moving as far afield as western Brittany and Cornwall during the autumn and winter. Not only that but data also showed an impressive homing ability, with individuals returning to within a few metres of previously used nesting sites, over multiple consecutive years.
For more information, read our blog or download the Fish Intel Network’s article:
Celebrating National Marine Week
The Wildlife Trusts around the country are celebrating this year’s National Marine Week, with the theme Incredible Journeys, asking people to make a pledge for the sea.
Here at home, our partner, Sussex Wildlife Trust is hosting a number of events to celebrate Sussex’s marine life, including:
Youth Coastal Walk
Castle Hill Nature Reserve - Friday, August 7 • 10 AM - 1:30 PM
National Marine Week Quiz and Talk Night
Rottingdean Whiteway Centre, Brighton and Hove - Tuesday, August 4 • 7 PM - 9:30 PM
Jellyfish: Barrel, Blue, Moon and Compass
Jellyfish prove that you don’t need a heart, blood, or even a brain to be successful. Drifting with ocean currents in search of plankton, they follow their food source wherever it leads, often gathering in large numbers when currents sweep them together.
These impressive congregations, known as “blooms,” are a common sight along the Sussex coast during the summer months, with many eventually washing up on local beaches. While there are thousands of jellyfish species worldwide, only a handful are commonly encountered in Sussex waters - so how can you tell which jelly is which?
Sharing the story of Sussex’s seabed recovery with an international audience
Recently, we were honoured to be invited to present the work of the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project to Ireland’s Joint Committee (Oireachtas) on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, sharing lessons from English waters and our experience of marine recovery and best practice in Marine Protected Areas.
Joining us was Belinda Bramley, independent blue economy consultant and Co-Founder and Director of the Protected Areas Foundation.
It was a privilege to speak with a committee so engaged and informed about the future of Marine Protected Areas in Irish waters. Encouraging discussions like these highlight the growing momentum behind marine recovery and the protection of our seas.
Surfrajets swimming The Channel
Six Brighton-based women are swimming The Channel this summer, each raising funds for a charity close to their hearts. Kasia, one of these fabulous superwomen, is raising funds for the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project, to help support the recovery of the Sussex seabed.
The ladies have trained and are ready to go, with their swim window opening on 29th July. Show your support by donating to their efforts and by keeping your kelp crossed for a good weather window. Follow their progress on Instagram @thesurfrajets.
Best of luck Surfrajets!!
See you next month for more News from the Blue!