BHE MCZ Acoustic Survey

*Responses by email only*

BHE MCZ was designated in 2019 under the MCAA (2009) and covers an area of 19,486.51 ha between Beachy Head lighthouse in the west and Haistings Pier in the east. The MCZ extends just beyond 6nm offshore.

Since designation, it has been increasingly clear that, although evidence was sufficient to designate features within the site itself, it is not sufficiently comprehensive to undertake a condition assessment of the features of the site. It is also not currently possible to accurately assess the impacts of certain activities due to uncertainty over the extent of feature habitats.

Therefore, to ensure site features are protected, conservation advice for the site is precautionary (as required under the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009). This survey will gather acoustic data on the seabed and bathymetry within the site to enable locations to be identified for further camera work to be undertaken at a later date. The surveys will provide coverage, scale and quality of ecological evidence and analysis will enable a better understanding of the distribution and extent of designated habitat features of the site.

Overall outputs of the approach:

• Gather acoustic (side scan sonar and bathymetric) data to identify seabed characteristics and relate these to existing mapping of seabed sediments and potential habitats within the agreed sample area.

• Using previous survey and habitat information and the acoustic survey information gathered, provide a survey report and suggest likely candidates for further video transect and camera work.