Seagrass Restoration Thrives in UK Waters, Reviving Marine Life

Seagrass meadows, vital for marine life and declining since the 1930s, are showing signs of recovery in UK waters. Project Seagrass, led by Dr. Richard Unsworth, has successfully replanted over a million seagrass seeds in Dale, witnessing a resurgence of life in the bay. Seagrass meadows serve as crucial nurseries for fish, including cod, plaice, and whiting, enhancing their chances of reaching adulthood. The primary threat to seagrass is water quality, particularly excess nitrates and phosphorus, which cause algal blooms and oxygen depletion. Despite setbacks, including damage from illegal fishing, the project demonstrates the potential to restore these critical habitats. Dr. Unsworth emphasizes the need to re-establish seagrass in estuaries where it once thrived, aiming to revitalize ocean ecosystems and support fisheries.