A CAMPAIGN to restore kelp forests on the Sussex coast has received backing from Sir David Attenborough.

Help Our Kelp is led by the Sussex Wildlife Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and the Marine Conservation Society, with the aim of launching the first marine kelp “rewilding” initiative.

The world-renowned environmentalist and broadcaster is the voice of a film for the campaign.

Sir David said: “The loss of the Sussex kelp forests over the past 40 years is a tragedy.

“We’ve lost a critical habitat that is key for nursery grounds, for water quality and for storing carbon.

“This marine rewilding project, if approved, will ensure the Sussex seas remain healthy for generations to come, and could have a far-reaching impact for other parts of the UK coast.”

Kelp previously flourished across the Sussex coastline, stretching 40km between Shoreham and Selsey.

But it has diminished since the 1980s due to changing fishing practices, the dumping of sediment spoils by dredging boats and storm damage.

Wildlife has dramatically declined, including cuttlefish, sea bream and crab.

Sarah Ward, living seas officer at Sussex Wildlife Trust, said there were many factors at play but fishing trawlers have played a key part in the decline of the kelp forests.

She said: “Kelp and seaweed don’t have deep roots like trees on land so you can imagine the impact of trawlers on the seabed.

“Any reduction in that dragging is going to allow the kelp a chance to establish itself again.

“The fishing is something we can actively do something about. It’s the first step in a long, but hopefully exciting, journey.”

For the rewilding project to be possible, the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) has proposed a new bylaw to stop trawling within 4km of the coast.

Help Our Kelp aims to gain support for the proposal and is urging the public to respond to a consultation, which closes on Thursday.

Henri Brocklebank, conservation director at Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: “This is a call to action. Sussex marine life needs our help.

“If enough people support us, we can present the campaign to the secretary of state.”

Dr Sean Ashworth, deputy chief at Sussex IFCA, said: “If we want healthy seas that are sustainable, we urgently need to give our kelp forests a chance to regenerate.

“The introduction of a new bylaw to restrict trawling along the Sussex coast is critical and we are now seeking comment and support from the local community to make sure this happens.”

To respond to the consultation, visit www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/helpourkelp.