This week (Monday, 6th March) Joel James MS was warmly welcomed to the Project Seagrass Nursery in Pendine Sands, Carmarthenshire, where he was given an extensive tour of the new facility.
During his visit, Joel met with Louise – Project Seagrass’ Fundraising and Relationship Manager, Emily and Carly – Seagrass Nursery Officers, to learn more about the nursery’s aims, developments and future ambitions.
From his in-depth conversations, Joel learnt that the nursery enables the charity to run several trials, focussing on planting, germination and sediment types to gain a greater understanding of seagrass. It is hoped that the work carried out here, will allow for more success in restoration attempts along the Welsh coastline.
Unfortunately, the UK has lost approximately 92% of its seagrass meadows due to industrialisation, overexploitation, pollution, and coastal developments. As a result, seagrass has become one of the most rapidly declining ecosystems on earth.
Louise, Emily, and Carly informed Joel that seagrass is a haven for wildlife, a protector of the coastline and a mitigator of the climate. It can store vast amounts of CO2 in its roots, creating the potential to be a natural underwater carbon sink. The benefits seagrass provides to our environment are endless.
After the visit, Joel said:
“It was brilliant to visit the nursery today and learn more about the wonders of seagrass. The nursery is doing pioneering work which, I have no doubt, will make a positive impact and difference to our coastal areas, communities and environment.
I believe that investing in seagrass restoration is investing in our future. I am committed to doing all I can to support Project Seagrass and help ensure the Welsh Government realise the potential our oceans play in achieving our climate targets.”
Project Seagrass is a UK-based marine conservation charity devoted to ensuring seagrass meadows are globally protected. One of their main objectives is to restore our underwater meadows and facilitate their long-term resilience as an ecosystem.
