Dive pioneer urges more protection for Cromer chalk reef

A diver who helped discover the scale of the Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds—described as Britain’s “Barrier Reef”—is urging stronger protection a decade after the site was designated a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). Rob Spray, chair of the Marine Conservation for Norfolk Action Group, said the protection has not translated into real safeguards. The reef runs about 20 miles (32 km) along the Norfolk coast from Happisburgh to Weybourne and lies roughly 8 m below the surface. Spray said recent seabed surveys in the North Sea, affected by a heatwave since February, are showing unusual species moving in, alongside increases in spiny spider crabs and sea hares. He also warned future fishing and cable access could harm the habitat.