Sussex Bay
About Sussex Bay
We are proud to be the hosts of Sussex Bay, a collaborative project working to help restore our great marine ecosystem.
Stretching from Selsey Bill to Camber Sands, Sussex Bay is supported by dozens of organisations, including councils, ecological partners, and universities. While supported by the public sector, the project is externally funded.
Sussex Bay officially launched in June 2024 and is now operating within a network of more than 450 local, regional and national organisations. It's also leading or assisting with dozens of projects across the county, including some benefitting our coastline and communities.
These include initiatives to support marine biodiversity, fishing net recycling schemes, improved facilities for independent commercial fishers, and coastal-themed art exhibitions that inspire action. You can find out more on these below.
To learn more about Sussex Bay's work the long-term vision for marine recovery, see:
Photo: Aerial photo of Worthing seafront and pier (looking west)
Southwick Reef
Southwick Reef launched in January 2026, marking a major step forward for marine biodiversity, research and community engagement along the harbour arm.
Now the UK's largest living sea wall, the reef aims to transform the marine environment within the area. It incorporates three distinct features designed to increase ecological complexity and support marine life.
We are proud to have been part of the pioneering project, which was led by Shoreham Port and supported by Sussex Bay, Brighton & Hove City Council, Sussex Dolphin Project and the University of Brighton.
The reef is publicly accessible from Basin Road South, which runs alongside Southwick Beach. We would advise any residents wishing to take a closer look at the wall to check tide times ahead of their journey, to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
To find out more about Southwick Reef, visit:
Photo: Southwick Reef
Windsor Lawns Rotunda
Work has been taking place to transform our tired, unutilised rotunda into a space where the town's community of commercial fishers can prepare and sell their locally-caught fish.
We've been planning the transformation with Worthing Fishermen's Society since the rotunda was boarded up in 2021 following a spate of antisocial behaviour, but the project has been brought to life after securing essential funding.
The Marine Management Organisation - the government body tasked with creating a prosperous future for seas, coasts and communities - is the largest contributor to the project, and there have been supporting funds from our Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Neighbourhood Fund, Sussex Bay and the marine conservation charity Sea-Changers.
Photo: Windsor Lawns Rotunda and fishing boats on the beach
Worthing-based business Julian Church & Associates has also kindly project managed the construction of the new facility free of charge.
The repurposed structure hosts an ice-making machine, a cold storage facility, a shower, and a community notice board. It's hoped the facility will give a boost to the town's once-thriving fishing scene.
Sussex Bay has been pivotal in delivering the new dedicated facility, where the town's independent commercial fishers will be able to prepare and sell their locally-caught fish. It's due to officially open this summer.
If you would like to find out more about the history of fishing in our seaside town, check out the Sussex Bay-funded augmented reality boards on the southern side of the rotunda, which will generate animations on your phone if you hold it close to the boards.
Photo: Windsor Lawns Rotunda and fishing boats on the beach
Net Recycling Scheme
Fishing equipment used in Adur and Worthing is being recycled for free through a green initiative that is delivering growing environmental benefits.
The scheme, launched by partners including Sussex Bay, Sussex Wildlife Trust and Shoreham Port, provides a simple and accessible way for local fishers to dispose of old nets and equipment, which are typically made from hard-to-recycle plastics and nylon.
Previously, fishers often faced a choice between paying for private disposal or sending unwanted gear to landfill - an option with clear environmental consequences.
Adur and Worthing are home to a small fleet of commercial fishers, many of whom rely on gillnets. While effective, these nets can become a significant source of waste at the end of their working life.
The project is already diverting substantial volumes of waste from landfill, with around seven tonnes of fishing gear collected and recycled in 2025 alone. The recovered materials are being repurposed into new products such as sunglasses and surfboards, highlighting the circular potential of what was once considered waste.
The initiative forms part of wider efforts to protect the local marine environment while supporting the fishing community with practical, sustainable solutions.
Photo: Net Recycling Scheme - collected old nets and equipment
Art exhibitions and workshops
Sussex Bay has funded a series of coastal-themed art exhibitions and workshops at venues across the region, helping to engage local communities with the coastline's natural beauty and the project's marine recovery ambitions.
Art plays a powerful role in connecting people to our coastline - celebrating its unique character while showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists.
These initiatives have included multiple events at Colonnade House - Worthing's dedicated studio and gallery space for local creatives - where Sussex Bay supported two weeks of hands-on workshops for young families, alongside exhibitions celebrating the work of seven artists inspired by the coast.
Together, the programme highlights both the importance of protecting the marine environment and the vital role of creativity in bringing communities closer to the sea.
Photos: Sussex Bay art at Colonnade House
More information
Together, these projects show how Sussex Bay with partners is helping to restore the health of our marine environment while supporting local communities, livelihoods and culture along the coast. It's also doing loads of amazing work across the county.
To find out more about Sussex Bay's work and get involved, visit: