Volunteers at Calshot Beach near Southampton have been up early to collect seagrass seeds, which are crucial for the conservation of underwater meadows in the south of England. The area's seagrass meadows have been severely depleted over the last century, with disease, disturbance, and pollution taking their toll. However, seagrass has a unique ability to absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide, making it an essential component of the fight against climate change.
Seagrass supremo Tim Ferrero, from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, led the morning's fingertip search for the volunteers. 'Seagrasses are the only marine flowering plants,' he explained. 'They do everything that a plant does on land, but underwater.' The seeds collected will be taken to the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences at Eastney, where they will undergo a process called 'rotting out' to release the seeds from the stem.
Once the seeds are separated, they will be stored in high-salinity water tanks for the winter, kept at a chilly 1-3C. Come the spring, volunteers will again be setting their alarms to sow their precious crop. The project is a critical step in rebuilding the UK's depleted seagrass meadows and creating habitats for thousands of marine species.
The UK's loss of seagrass meadows has been devastating, with over 90% of its seagrass beds disappearing in the last century. However, conservationists are hopeful that this project will make a significant impact in restoring the country's underwater ecosystems. 'It's just a passion for me, really,' said volunteer Jackie Mellan. 'Any opportunity I can come out and help with restoration projects then I do.'