Mor Nature

Seagrass is one of the most valuable and biodiverse habitats on the planet and is one of the few habitats that provide multiple benefits to the environment.

• Haven for biodiversity
  Seagrass meadows allow biodiversity to flourish, including rare endangered species like seahorses and stalked jellyfish. A single hectare can support 80,000 fish and 100 million small invertebrates.
• Support system for fisheries
  Seagrass acts as a nursery for many commercially important fish species, helping to sustain fish populations and support local fishing industries and coastal economies.
• Carbon store for the future
  Seagrass is one of the world’s most effective natural carbon sinks. It captures carbon from the atmosphere and locks it away in seabed sediments for decades or even centuries, helping tackle climate change. Seagrass meadows absorb carbon up to 35 times more efficiently than tropical rainforests, and despite only covering 0.2% of the seabed, they store 10% of the Ocean’s carbon.
• Water quality improvements
  Seagrasses have been shown to filter excess nutrients, improve clarity and reduce the presence of harmful bacteria from the surrounding waters by up to 50%. Their root system helps to anchor sediments, reducing turbidity, whilst trapping nutrients, nitrogen and pollutants via their leaves.
• Defence for coastlines
  Seagrass roots help stabilise the seabed, while the plants reduce wave energy. This helps reduce coastal erosion, protect shorelines and improve resilience against storms and flooding.
• Benefits for coastal communities
  The benefits extend far beyond the ocean itself. Healthy seagrass meadows contribute to cleaner bathing waters, better recreational experiences, stronger local economies and more resilient coastal environments.
• Sense of place and wellbeing
  Seagrass ecosystems can inspire stories, local artists and cultural events, which support relationships between people and the sea.  Seagrasses can support traditional, small scale fishing practice which are linked to local customs. Healthy seagrass beds contribute towards the beauty of the coastline, enhancing community pride and improving mental and physical wellbeing.

Native oysters are one of the UK’s most threatened marine habitats and one of nature’s most effective ecosystem engineers. Once abundant around Cornwall’s coast, oyster reefs created complex underwater habitats that supported marine life, improved water quality and sustained coastal communities.

• Haven for biodiversity
  Native oysters create complex reef habitats that provide food, shelter and nursery areas for a wide range of marine species. A healthy oyster reef supports diverse communities of fish, crabs, worms, seaweeds and other invertebrates, increasing the abundance and diversity of life on the seabed.
• Ecosystem engineers
  Often described as the “engineers” of the marine environment, oysters physically shape the habitats around them. As reefs develop over time, they create three-dimensional structures that provide shelter and feeding opportunities for countless species, helping entire ecosystems to thrive.
• Natural water filters
  Oysters improve water quality by filtering seawater as they feed. A healthy oyster population can help remove excess particles from the water column, increasing water clarity and contributing to healthier marine habitats. Cleaner water can also benefit nearby seagrass meadows by allowing more sunlight to reach the seabed.
• Stronger habitats together
  Oysters and seagrass are natural partners. Oyster reefs help improve water quality, while seagrass stabilises sediments and provides shelter for marine life. Restoring both habitats together creates healthier, more resilient ecosystems and delivers greater benefits than restoring either habitat alone.
• Supporting sustainable fisheries
  Historically, native oysters were an important part of Cornwall’s maritime heritage and local economy. Healthy oyster populations can support sustainable fisheries and contribute to thriving coastal communities, helping reconnect people with the rich marine heritage of Cornwall’s estuaries and bays.
• Restoring a lost habitat
  Native oyster reefs were once a dominant feature of European coastlines, covering millions of hectares. However, overharvesting, habitat loss, disease and environmental pressures have caused populations to decline dramatically, with an estimated 95% of European oyster reefs lost. Restoring native oysters helps rebuild one of Europe’s most threatened marine habitats.
• Connecting communities with conservation
  Oyster restoration creates opportunities for local communities, fishers, harbour users and volunteers to play a direct role in marine conservation, through nursery projects, monitoring and hands-on restoration activities.