Cornwall Wildlife Trust is doing the sea search driving project, a partnership between the Marine Conservation Society and other organisations, which collets species and habitat information from all around the UK and sees seagrass for the first time. And their critical importance to human health and wellbeing.
Seagrasses are marine flowering plants, located in shallow, sheltered coastal areas down to a depth of 10-15m. There are extensive meadows formed on all continents with the exception of Antarctica, whilst there has been a global decrease of seagrass due to threats by anchoring and mooring of boats, decreasing light and water clarity, and water temperature increases due to climate change.
Seagrasses provide substantial functions including carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage, stabilising sediment underwater, and forming habitat and nursery ground for important commercial fish species. Seagrass was found in Fowey Harbour by a remotely operated vehicle survey and a scuba diving survey which seemed to be thriving health and home to several marine creatures. In the UK the seagrass most commonly found is eelgrass (Zostera Marina).
