#6: The Ocean Doesn't Care About Political Boundaries

The Sussex And The City Podcast

– Episode 6:
The Ocean Doesn't Care About Political Boundaries

Host: Richard Freeman
Guest: Dr Lewis White – Marine Scientist and Research Lead, Sussex Bay

This episode is brought to you in partnership with:
Be Well. Live Well. – An integrated wellbeing model transforming Sussex organisations through diagnostic-driven action plans. Powered by Little Jasmine Therapies and Nostos restaurant and catering group.
👉 bewelllivewell.co.uk

🔍 Episode summary

In this episode, Richard Freeman talks to marine scientist Dr Lewis White, the research lead for Sussex Bay — a bold and growing coalition driving environmental and economic recovery across 100 miles of coastline.

Lewis is no ordinary scientist. A global expert in aquatic genetics, he brings a powerful, pragmatic perspective to the role of nature in regional development. With Sussex Bay gaining international attention and cross-party praise, this conversation explores why the coast is an untapped asset for health, jobs and sustainable growth.

From ecosystem restoration to inclusive governance, this episode dives into:

• Why Sussex Bay is a model for post-devolution regional planning

• The myths of environmental work as separate from economy and education

• How over 400 collaborators are already making decisions without borders in Sussex

• What it really means to centre local voices in nature recovery

• Making environmental policy digestible (and fundable) through natural capital

• The case for cross-sector language that policymakers and scientists can both use

• Ocean literacy and the public’s emotional connection to the sea

• How marine conservation can unlock jobs, boost wellbeing, and fight hidden homelessness

• Advice for Sussex mayoral candidates: don’t bolt environment on — build it in

Lewis also explains how a £50m investment target is a call to build infrastructure that doesn’t just withstand climate change, but actively improves lives.

This is an inspiring and grounded take on how regionalism can work with nature, not despite it.

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📚 Key references and further reading

• Sussex Bay: A strategic partnership for marine and coastal nature recovery across Sussex.

• Ocean Literacy by UNESCO: Understanding how the sea affects us and how we affect the sea.

• DEFRA Natural Capital Programme: UK government’s approach to ecosystem valuation, once led by Lewis.

• The Living Coast Biosphere: Brighton & Lewes UNESCO Biosphere, collaborating on coastal resilience.

• Local Nature Recovery Strategies (DEFRA): Legal requirement for each county to plan for biodiversity and green infrastructure.

🎧 Production credits

Host: Richard Freeman
Guest: Dr Lewis White
Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey
Production management: Letitia McConalogue
Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton

📣 Get involved

Want to join the conversation on devolution, environment and the Sussex of the future?
👉 sussexandthecity.info