Notice of Underwater Works within Chichester Channel
- Mariners are advised that underwater works for a native oyster restoration project will be taking place within the Chichester Channel from Monday 13 April and continue for 10 working days. Operations will not take place at weekends.
- The area of operations is in the Chichester Channel between Roman Port Lateral Marker and Chalkdock Starboard Marker within the area marked by the following set of co-ordinates:
Lat: 50°48’25.83″N Lon: 0°53’31.43″W
Lat: 50°48’23.97″N Lon: 0°53’29.68″W
Lat: 50°48’35.73″N Lon: 0°53’6.83″W
Lat: 50°48’33.50″N Lon: 0°53’5.35″W
- The northern edge of the works area will be marked by orange cylindrical marker buoys.
- A thin layer of gravel and shell substrate (known as ‘cultch’) will be laid on the seabed to create preferable oyster habitat. The layer will average 20cm high and no more than 50cm. It will not create a navigational hazard.
- Material will be transported once a day in to the harbour and to the project site by the split hopper barge ‘Needles’. Needles will be in operation on site in the morning for several hours, commencing around 7am.
- Material will be deployed at the site from the backhoe dredger ‘Doreen Dorward’. Doreen Dorward will remain moored at the location throughout the works.
- Doreen Dorward and Needles are both restricted in their ability to manoeuvre during operations. Mariners are requested to keep clear of both vessels.
- The oyster restoration project within Chichester Harbour is part of the Solent Seascape Project. Further information about the project can be found at www.conservancy.co.uk/nature-recovery/oyster-reef/
- Cancel this LNTM 24 April 2026.
Captain Jo Cox
Harbour Master
09 April 2026