The removed sediment is sampled and not harmful to the environment, Brighton Marina's owner says.

Campaigners have protested to try and stop what they say are harmful sediments being dumped into a protected marine conservation zone.

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) and the Sussex Wildlife Trust oppose the renewal of a license allowing Brighton Marina to dispose of dredged sediment at a site in Rottingdean, sitting in the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone.

SAS member Atlanta Cook told the BBC material from dredging fills nearby rock pools with a “black, thick, slimy, petrochemically smelling sludge”, which she claimed harms the environment and people.