Project overview
What? Seagrass (Zostera marina)
Why? Seagrass meadows are important carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests
How? Raising awareness and installing advanced mooring systems to protect seagrass beds
Where? Marine habitats in Devon
When? Since 2017
Our mission: Wild Planet Trust is committed to monitoring and protecting seagrass beds in the Tor Bay area
Save Our Seagrass
We have been working to monitor, understand and protect seagrass since 2017.
The ‘Save Our Seagrass’ project uses a team of volunteer divers to survey key seagrass sites in Tor Bay. Over the course of multiple dives, six beds – around 52 hectares – of seagrass have been identified, while dozens of species have been recorded within these meadows.
In Tor Bay, one of the key threats to seagrass is leisure crafts causing damage while anchoring and creating turbulence in the water. In a bid to protect the beds, we have partnered with Valeport, makers of oceanographic instruments, the Garfield Weston Foundation and marine conservation charity Sea Changers, and Ocean Conservation Trust to place three advanced mooring systems in Fishcombe Cove. These systems contain floats attached to the mooring chain that prevent the seabed being scoured.
We have already seen a great deal of support for these moorings, along with a decrease in harmful anchoring within the cove. As well as installing these seagrass-friendly moorings, we continue to monitor their usage, promote the wider protection of seagrass, and continue to assess the health and abundance of the Tor Bay seagrass meadows. This work is supported by Devon Environment Foundation.
Why is seagrass important?
Seagrasses are unique! They are the only true marine flowering plants and have been around for almost 100 million years.
Seagrass is a key player in the fight against climate change, as it absorbs carbon dioxide up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests. It also helps protect communities by preventing coastal erosion. Seagrass does this by stabilising the seabed by binding sediments with its dense root systems (known as rhizomes). The long leaves, which grow up to 1 metre in length, also help to slow wave action, reducing the impact of storm damage to coastlines.
Seagrass also provides refuge for fish when they are at the most vulnerable stages in their life cycle, providing a nursery ground for species such as cod, plaice and herring. It supports a vast number of other species too, ranging from tiny shrimp to elegant seahorses.
Unfortunately, due to several threats such as damage by dredging, anchoring and certain fishing methods, along with disease and unfavourable growing conditions caused by poor water quality, the UK has lost more than 90% of its seagrass meadows in the last century.
Blue Meadows
Wild Planet Trust are proud to be collaborating with Ocean Conservation Trust on their Blue Meadows programme.
Together with the Tor Bay Harbour Authority, we have been striving to protect the delicate seagrass meadows in the Tor Bay. Our joint efforts have been focused on educating water users about these fragile ecosystems. In the summer of 2024, we installed educational signage near each of the seagrass meadows.
Additionally, we have been instrumental in the installation of Advanced Mooring Systems. These systems allow boaters to enjoy the marine environment without inflicting anchoring damage to the seagrass meadows.
Our Seagrass Champions
We’re proud to partner with a wave of local businesses who share a deep connection to the sea and a passion for protecting Torbay’s precious marine life. These are our Seagrass Champions – businesses who are stepping up to safeguard the seagrass meadows that help our coastal ecosystems thrive.
To find out more click here
Help us Save Our Seagrass!
Our work to protect seagrass is urgent, and it relies on the generosity of our supporters to allow it to continue. Please, if you can consider supporting our work, click the ‘Donate Now’ button below, or reach out to our team by emailing fundraising@wildplanettrust.org.uk
Annual Reports
Click the links below to view our annual seagrass reports:
