8/13/2019 Kingmere MCZ

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Kingmere recommended Marine Conservation ZoneRob Clark1, Ceri James2and Rob Irving3

Publications

JAMES,J W C, PEARCE, B, COGGAN, R A, LEIVERS, M, CLARK, R W E, PLIM, JF, HILL, J M, ARNOTT, SH L, BATESON, L, DE-BURGH THOMAS, A, &

BAGGALEY,P A. 2011. The MALSF synthesisstudy in the central and eastern English Channel. British Geological Survey Open Report OR/11/01

EMU (2011) Area 435/396 Monitoring report, report no 11/JJ02/1843/1184 & 11/J1/06/1850/1232.

IRVING, RA. 1999. Report of the Sussex SEASE/IRCH Project, 1992-1998. Published by the Sussex SEASEARCH Project. English Nature, Lewes.

Location of KingmererMCZ.Containsi nformation from the Ordancne Survey copy-

right and database right 2012. Ordance Survey 100022021. UKHO data British

Extent of Sonar dataf rom within KingmererMCZ from which surficial sedimentsand habitatsare inferred. For the mainsurvey

area data wasgathered by Sussex IFCA on 5th May 2010 Sussex IFCA2010 using a Benthos1624 duo sidescan sonar

interpreted using Triton Imaging sonar suite. Additional sonar surveydata provided by Marine Ltd and Hanson Marine Ltd. as

part of ongoing surveysby EMU ltd forming part of a geophysical Survey of Area 435/396

Marine Conservation ZonesThe Government aims to have clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas. An eco-

logically coherent network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is an essential part of this strategy. Marine Conserva-

tion Zones (MCZs -a type of MPA) are a component of this and Government has a duty to designate MCZs under

the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. The procedure to identify MCZs will help to deliver the Governments aim

of a well-managed network of MPAs that is understood and supported by stakeholders. This poster is intended to

contribute to the understanding of the Kingmere rMCZ.

Kingmere rMCZKingmere rMCZ is an inshore site measuring 48 km off the Sussex Coast. The site is being recommended for des-

ignation as an MCZ in 2013 . The following features within the site have been identified for protection: subtidal chalk,

Black Bream (Spondyliosoma cantharus), Moderate energy infralittoral rock and thin mixed sediment and Native

oyster (Ostrea edulis). This poster updates information on the location of the subtidal chalk Feature of Conserva-

tion Interest and the Moderate energy infralittoral rock and thin mixed sediment Broadscale Habitat. The charac-

terisation of the surficial geology is based upon side scan imaging gathered by Sussex IFCA, Tarmac Marine Ltd

and Hanson Marine Ltd. The sonar data is informed by data gathered as part of the Sussex Searsearch project and

published in Irving 1999.

Surficial geologigy within the Kingmere rMCZ

BKingmere Rocks

Kingmere Rocks is a sandstone bolder reef of moderate energy infralittoral rock

(EUNIS A3.2) that is composed of large sandstone boulders which form a con-

spicuous feature which extends 2-3 m off the seabed and ranges in depth from 6

to 14 m BCD. The sandstone boulders which form the reef are regularly 1-2 m in

length and 0.2 0.5 thick. The upward facing surfaces of sandstone bedrock

and boulders are covered by marine life, the tops of the shallower ones < 8m

depth BCD having a covering of foliose red algae, whilst those slightly deeper

are dominated by a dense animal turf; particularly the bryozoans Bugula spp.

and Flustra foliacea. Irving (1999)

AChalk outcrops

Chalk outcrops occur within the rMCZ. Linear chalk outcrops are exposed to

the south of Kingmere Reef, (within the rMCZ) and extend > 1km (EMU 2011,

2009), forming, what appears to be preferential bream nesting habitat. Sur-

rounding the principal reef exposures and the infilled paleaochannels the bed-

rock is of the Tertiary Bracklesham Group (and associated lignite), and chalk is

covered with a veneer of coarse sediment. Smaller areas of coarse sand are

associated with depositional areas near to the exposed reefs. Worthing Lumps

is the best example of an exposed chalk outcrop and consists of two separate

northerly facing chalk exposures, ranging in height from 2-3m. Worthing Lumps

in the SE corner of the Kingmere rMCZ box.

AB

Right Top : Worthing Lumps as seen in the sonar record

and Right Below as described in Irving, 1999

Right Top : Kingmere Reef as seen in the sonar record

and Right Below as described in Irving, 1999

Contact Mr Robert Clark rweclark@gmail.com

[1] Sussex Inshore Fisheries& Conservation Authority, Shoreham, BN43 6RE

[2] School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, LL59 5AB

[3] Sea-Scope, Marine Environmental Consultants, Combe Lodge, Bampton, Nr. Tiverton, Devon EX16 9LB

AB

Rock

Sand

Gravel

Rock outcrop

Ridge or crest