Subtidal mud (nominated)

2025 target

TBC

Current resource (Kent Habitat Survey 2012)

TBC

Rationale

The subtidal mud across Hythe Bay harbours a rare and very rich community of burrowing spoonworms, large shrimps and other animals, that supports fish populations which are commercially important to local fishing fleets. There is a recognised gap in the MPA network in the south east for subtidal mud, and surveys in 2012 showed that some of the key burrowing species have declined since the 1980s. Work with local stakeholders is needed to identify ways to ensure this rare community is able to persist in the Bay.