Sussex Underwater – our chosen charity for April
Protecting the underwater ‘forests’ of the Sussex seas
Each month throughout 2026 we select a charity to support – one that is close to our hearts – and each time, a different member of our team gets to pick which one. This time it’s the turn of senior surveyor Raphael Stipic, who chose Sussex Underwater to support for April. We asked the team there to tell us a bit more about their work, so that we could share this inspiring background with you.
Sussex Underwater is a community‑led conservation charity driven by one simple belief: when people truly connect with the sea, they are inspired to protect it. We are a collective of passionate local people working to ensure that the Sussex sea is never ‘out of sight, out of mind’.
Our story
Our journey began with the inspiring story of our co‑founder, Eric Smith, a 78‑year‑old local diver who spent decades exploring the Sussex seabed. Over time, Eric became an eyewitness to the devastating effects of destructive fishing practices, particularly bottom trawling, which stripped the vast kelp forests from the sea floor.
These underwater forests were like the rainforests of Sussex, giving vital habitats for marine life and mitigating climate change. By the year 2000 only 5% was left.
Refusing to accept this damage as inevitable, Eric became a dedicated campaigner to ban trawling along the Sussex coast. His tireless efforts played a key role in securing the Sussex trawler ban in 2021 and were later featured in the BBC documentary Our Lives: Our Sea Forest. The film highlighted how one individual’s passion and persistence can mobilise a community and drive meaningful change.
Eric and his daughter Catrine decided to start Sussex Underwater, so this underwater world would never be out of sight and out of mind again, and to connect people with the recovery starting to happen.
Eric and Catrine
What we do
In collaboration with partners, including the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project, we explore, document, and showcase the natural recovery of the Sussex seabed since the trawler ban. Using free diving, underwater photography, film, and citizen science, we are gathering evidence of how marine ecosystems can rebound when given the chance.
Our work focuses on showing what recovery looks like — from returning kelp and healthier habitats to increased biodiversity. By sharing this anecdotal evidence, we aim to support wider protection for UK seas and advocate for other inshore trawler bans across the UK.
Bognor Reef. Photo: Sussex Underwater
Our values
Community‑Led Conservation
Everything we do is rooted in our local community. Our work is driven by locals, for locals, ensuring that the benefits of a healthy sea are shared by Sussex residents now and in the future.
Harmony with Nature
We choose free diving as our primary way of engaging with the underwater world. This low‑impact approach allows us to observe marine life closely while minimising disturbance and supporting natural recovery.
Climate Optimism
Despite the challenges facing our oceans, we remain hopeful. By documenting recovery, sharing knowledge, and inspiring action, we believe positive change is not only possible — it is already happening.
Our vision and mission
Our vision is a future where the seas around Sussex thrive: where trawler bans are extended to all Marine Protected Areas, where healthy marine ecosystems help combat climate change, and where sustainable fishing practices support livelihoods for generations to come.
Our mission is to spread awareness and understanding of our marine environment. Through education, School workshops, talks, events, and outreach, we document the resurgence of the seabed and inspire stewardship of the sea — now and for the next generation.
Eric and Catrine taking it into the classroom
How you can get involved
At our talks and events, people often ask how they can help. There are many ways to get involved:
Citizen Science Schemes
If you spend time on the coast, you can contribute valuable data by taking part in projects such as the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project’s kelp recording scheme, the Shark Trust’s Great Eggcase Hunt, the Marine Conservation Society’s Big Seaweed Search, Sea Search, and Shore Search.
Get Hands‑On
Join a cuttlefish egg rescue in spring and summer, share your sightings with us on Facebook and Instagram, take part in a beach clean (or organise your own), or learn to dive with Mulberry Marine Experiences in Selsey.
From kelp washed up in autumn to egg cases, cuttlefish eggs, and rock pool treasures, our beaches tell a powerful story of the sea’s resilience.
Support Sussex Underwater
Support for our work is vital. We now have over 20 thousand supporters in our Facebook group. Being part of this growing community brings hope and inspiration to our future Sea Protectors.
Together, Eric hopes we can bring back the seas of his youth for his grandchildren and future generations.
Please see the Sussex Underwater website sussexunderwater.uk for more details of the work they do and how to book a talk. Or follow them on social media for updates on the recovery happening under the waves @sussexunderwater.
