Biodiversity concerns over proposed Sea Link cable

The proposed location of a major power line development in Kent has been questioned by campaigners after the confirmation of endangered eels on the site.

The National Grid have put forward Minster Marshes in Thanet as the location for a large converter station for Sea Link – a 90-mile undersea electric cable linking the Suffolk coast to Kent.

However, George Cooper, of Save Minster Marshes, raised concerns that the character of the land would be lost if the plans go ahead.

A National Grid spokesperson said extensive ecological surveys had been conducted as part of its planning application.

Kent Wildlife Trust is urging the National Grid to reconsider the cable route, which would include Pegwell Bay as the spot the cable comes ashore into an electricity sub-station.

The trust said a more suitable location would be the Isle of Grain.

Nina Jones, a warden at Pegwell Bay, said she was concerned about the potential disruption building work could cause to the seal population and migrating birds.

"Cabling through this wonderful protection area is going to impact the habitats here at the salt marsh and the mud flats," she said.

"We're expecting 13.6 hectares of land to be disturbed at Minster Marshes, so we're really worried about the long-term impact on habitat and wildlife."

The European eel has experienced a population decline of about 95% since the 1980s, leading to its classification as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Minster Marshes provide essential wetland habitat that supports the complex life cycle of the European eel, Mr Cooper said.

He said that the habitat at Minster Marshes was a "sanctuary for incredible wildlife".

"It is utterly disgraceful that National Grid plans to destroy this unique and irreplaceable ecosystem when viable alternatives exist," he said.

The Sea Link project aims to lay 90 miles (145km) of undersea cable that comes ashore near Sandwich in Kent and between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh in Suffolk.

The proposed cable would carry renewable power from offshore wind, interconnectors and nuclear power to where it is needed.

A sub-station and converter station have also been planned for Minster, near Ramsgate, and near Saxmundham in Suffolk.

The Planning Inspectorate will decide whether to accept the application.

A National Grid spokesperson said its assessments had considered impacts on local habitats and species, including the European eel.

"We will continue to work closely with environmental specialists and local stakeholders, including Kent Wildlife Trust, to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to protect habitat and enhance biodiversity in the area," they added.

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