We'll continue to update this page with new questions and answers as they come in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs Sussex Bay?In an area of 1.76 million residents across 100 miles of coastline, the Head of Sussex Bay, Dean Spears, set Sussex Bay up and runs it, with support from the Seascape Research Led Delivery Lead, Dr. Lewis White, and a part time project coordinator, without public funds. You can read more about the team here.
Is Sussex Bay community focused?We work with hundreds of existing and emerging community groups, residents, scientists, high integrity funders, businesses, education providers, regulators and more. The concept of Sussex Bay was developed from ideas and discussions with community groups working in the ocean and in projects that explore the relationship between land and ocean. Groups identified a need for meaningful collaboration.
Where is Sussex Bay?Sussex Bay supports nature recovery across Sussex, from Selsey Bill to Camber Sands, including its intertidal river systems, coastline and marine area out to 12 nautical miles, UK.
Why is a Blue Natural Capital Lab needed?The Blue Natural Capital Lab helps us better understand, measure and value the benefits that healthy seas and coastlines provide. Across the UK, there is no long-term, sustainable funding model for our oceans, despite the enormous environmental, social and economic benefits they provide. That is where we come in. By bringing together science, data and local knowledge, the Lab helps build the evidence needed to attract investment into nature recovery, support better decision-making, and create lasting funding for the health of Sussex Bay and beyond.
How is Sussex Bay governed?Sussex Bay is not a charity nor funder and does not receive public funding through Council Tax or other taxation. We are an externally funded programme hosted by Adur & Worthing Councils, supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and other funders. Like many externally funded programmes within local government, we operate under the Councils established governance, financial and democratic decision-making arrangements.
Although hosted by Adur & Worthing Councils, we work across the whole of the Sussex region, collaborating with all 11 local authorities, alongside businesses, educational providers, charities, universities, environmental and conservation organisations, and regulators to deliver benefits for nature, people and prosperity.
Is Sussex Bay trademarked?Yes, the words together, Sussex Bay, and the Sussex Bay logo are registered trademarks®, owned by Adur & Worthing Councils. Please contact the team directly if you would like to chat more: hello@sussexbay.org.uk