News of the Solent Seagrass Project
22 August 2011
Seagrasses are nationally scarce marine plants that form a complex habitat in shallow coastal areas. Seagrass beds are extremely important; they enhance biodiversity by providing feeding, breeding and nursery grounds for fauna such as seahorses, and shelter from predators and strong currents. They also enhance water quality by stabilising sediment and reducing turbidity, and where dense beds occur, they are able help prevent eutrophication by utilising excess nutrients. Seagrasses are also a major carbon sink as they provide ~15 % of total ocean carbon storage worldwide. Zostera (eelgrass) habitats are recognised as an important habitat by national and international legislation, including the Marine Coastal Access Act 2009. We’re working hard to ensure seagrass habitats in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are included in the nationwide network of Marine Conservation Zones that are currently being set up under this Act so that they receive adequate protection from damaging activities.
Since 2006 The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust have been running the Solent Seagrass Project, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of this habitat and further our knowledge through a comprehensive programme of mapping and monitoring along our coasts. The Trust holds the most comprehensive records of seagrass for the area in their inventory, a two part report that provides both a baseline of knowledge on the current Zostera (eelgrass) populations along the coasts and a review of seagrass ecology, ecological services, and conservation status. Data gathered over the years has indicated potential increases in seagrass bed extent on some areas but declines in others. Negative impacts have also been identified which appear to threaten the viability of some seagrass beds. Data from the Project has been provided to the statutory bodies to ensure its consideration in management decisions. For further information and a copy of the inventory please email the Trust’s Marine Officer Amy Dale at AmyD@hwt.org.uk.
