The Sussex Wildlife Trust has called for the disposal of sediment dredged from Brighton Marina to take place at a new offshore site, expressing continued concern over plans to utilize an area off the coast of Newhaven.
Brighton Marina has been searching for a long-term solution for waste disposal since 2025, when the trust successfully challenged a license that permitted dumping sediment at Rottingdean. The marina stated that regular dredging is essential for maintaining safe navigational access and noted that viable disposal options are scarce.
Sussex Wildlife Trust highlighted that the Newhaven location is adjacent to the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). While the trust did not explicitly endorse Newhaven as an alternative, it emphasized that it has not promoted the site over other possibilities.
Opponents have previously described the dredged material as a “black, thick, slimy, petrochemically smelling sludge.” In response, Premier Marinas, the owner of Brighton Marina, insisted that the silt undergoes routine sampling to verify it is harmless.
John Cervenka, chief operating officer of Premier Marinas, stressed that keeping the marina accessible is a legal obligation crucial to its operation. He noted the site’s economic importance, stating that approximately 150 businesses rely on it, supporting around 1,200 jobs and attracting over eight million visits annually.
Although Premier Marinas suggested Newhaven was identified as a potential option by the trust, the wildlife organization clarified that it has no position on the suitability of Newhaven without further ecological data. The trust added that the nearby port already conducts dredge disposal in that area, and there is currently no available information on the impact of additional deposits.
The trust stated it would evaluate any future license applications based on the ecological evidence provided. Brighton Marina anticipates submitting a marine license application to the Marine Management Organisation in November, with maintenance dredging potentially resuming the following spring if approved.
Is there any transparency on how the ‘routine sampling’ is conducted? Seems like a lot of vague assurances.
1,200 jobs depend on this marina, but dumping untreated sludge offshore feels like a short-term fix with long-term damage.
Hope they prioritize the MCZ over quick profits. We can’t afford more sludge near Beachy Head.