The Brighton Effect: Scales of Justice

The long-standing partnership between the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) and the University of Brighton continues to play a vital role in the protection of the sustainable marine environment along the Sussex coast.

Collaborative research projects, guest lecturing and student field trips all help in the conservation and restoration of local marine and coastal habitats and their associated species.

Much of IFCA’s invaluable work goes unseen. But, above the water, their patrol vessel, Watchful, (right) is a visible and powerful presence. An 18-metre, twin engined, high-tech high-spec boat, it enables the authority to conduct a range of compliance and enforcement activity, protecting fisheries and conservation sites off the Sussex coast.

“Our officers use it to monitor fishing vessel activity, boarding fishing boats to ensure they’re using the right-sized nets and catching the right-sized fish,” says research manager Kathryn Nelson (a University of Brighton masters graduate).

“It’s mainly used for patrol and bylaw enforcement, but plenty of research is also done on the boat. We’ve recently had students from the University of Brighton on board, helping us conduct valuable plankton trawling and monitoring the amount of microplastic waste in the water. They’re always astonished when they look under the microscope and see how much plastic there is. There’s so much essential research work to be done, so it’s a massive boost having skilled students working with us either on placement or on their final year projects.”

Closer to the shore, the Brighton rock pools at Rottingdean beach (below) are also an ideal location for the University of Brighton to conduct field trips for first year marine biology students.

Located within the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone, the subtidal chalk gulleys are a fragile and rare marine habitat, which supports abundant wildlife, including threatened species such as blue mussels, sea horses and native oysters.

“Run in conjunction with the IFCA, the field trips are always a highlight,” says Corina Ciocan, a senior lecturer in marine biology at the University of Brighton. “Every year, two or three of their officers accompany myself and the students, and organise an intertidal survey, helping the students record the number and variety of species in the pools. It’s vital data for conservation and the protection of species. But more than that, the officers’ lectures about their work are fascinating and really inspirational for the students. It’s an invaluable collaboration that hugely benefits all parties.”