APPG meets to discuss marine restoration and its benefits

The APPG for the Ocean was delighted to host a meeting exploring how marine restoration can support nature recovery, strengthen coastal and national resilience, and create lasting economic benefits.

We were pleased to hear from Eric Smith and Catrine Priestley, Co-Founders of Sussex Underwater; George Birch, Founder and Business Lead of Oyster Heaven; and Dr Lewis White, Seascape Recovery Lead for Sussex Bay and Honorary Research Associate at the University of Sussex, who shared their expert perspectives with our members.

During the meeting, attendees explored:

🔹 The environmental, economic and coastal resilience benefits of restoring marine habitats.

🔹The importance of reducing destructive pressures, including bottom trawling, to support natural restoration

🔹 The benefits and barriers to restoration at scale to build healthier, more resilient marine ecosystems.

🔹The roles of government, philanthropy and private investment in financing marine recovery.

🔹 The need for coastal communities and fishers to help shape, deliver and benefit from restoration.

🔹How lessons from Sussex and other locally led restoration projects can be applied across the UK.

Thank you to our speakers and APPG members for an insightful and constructive discussion.