Intertidal chalk and subtidal chalk (nominated)

2025 target

To identify suitable locations and establish scientific reference areas for specific areas of chalk reef (by 2022).

Current resource (Kent Habitat Survey 2012)

1145.58 ha (total current mapped extent of SAC designated chalk reef )

Rationale

There are currently no reference areas and so this will be done along the lines of the Education Conservation Areas that have been established by the Sussex IFCA in the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone. These have been designed as intertidal gathering no-take zones, which provide a valuable education resource and improved understanding of the populations of species in areas where there is no gathering.