CLARK'S REEF

Now the i360 has been given the go ahead on the West Pier site. It is certain that the collapsed concert hall will be removed. Sadly this will of course dessimate the marine life and existing reef that has grown on the fallen debris.

To my thinking the debris can be put to good use rather than using the short sighted view of simply scraping the debris.

Way back in 1996 i had an idea about using the West Pier wreckage as a base to form a multifunctional reef.
I was asked by the Council Marine Biodiversity Officer recently to provide baseline marine life info on the West Pier and its debris. I’m the only person to have studied and logged the wildlife down there. Apparently they require whoever clears the seabed to provide a marine life mitigation plan. So I think its time to go for the idea I had back in 1996. Clark’s Reef. (appologies for the self titled project).
 
My idea already has the backing of the council’s bio officer, environment agency representatives and Brighton’s famous Booth Museum. I mentioned this to Rachel Clark of the West Pier Trust last week who also showed some interest. I have now formally submitted my idea to the engineers working on the project and hoped they will respond favourably. Sadly the idea has been dismissed without proper consideration.
 
My initial idea is for a multi-functional reef similar to those already in use in Australia, California and proposed plans for Bournemouth. Utilising the existing marine life colonised debris as a base for the reef. These reefs are shaped in a way to form a good surf break with an ideal marine growth environment. In this case one that is already well established. This provides superb areas for diving, snorkelling, fishing and of course surfing while providing sheltered paddling areas on the beach. All of these items are good for tourism which we all know Brighton and Hove Council are very keen on.
I just hope that someone listens to my idea and helps me get it going.

For photographs of the underwater world below the West Pier, please visit our marine galleries by clicking on the links top left on this page.
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