100 ways we’re connected to the Ocean
Today, Sir David Attenborough turns 100 years old!
Buoys installed in Looe Harbour will protect one of the biggest meadows in the West!
A new collaboration between us and Looe Harbour Commissioners is helping to protect one of the largest seagrass meadows in the South West.
This spring, a series of our Blue Meadows Sensitive Habitat Marker Buoys have been installed in Looe Bay, to highlight areas of seagrass. Produced by marine navigation specialists Hydrosphere, these buoys mark a voluntary no-anchor zone, encouraging water users to avoid anchoring, which will help to reduce seabed damage.
To further reduce pressure on the seabed, three Advanced Mooring Systems (AMS) have been installed. Designed as a low-impact alternative to traditional anchoring, these innovative moorings suspend chains above the seabed using mid-water floats, preventing disturbance to sensitive habitats below while remaining safe and practical for water users.
The measures are a key part of our programme, which works across the south coast alongside coastal communities to protect seagrass ecosystems.
Seagrasses are hugely important ecosystems, capable of storing vast amounts of carbon, supporting a rich diversity of marine life and helping to stabilise our coastlines. These habitats provide essential ecosystem services, keeping our seas and our communities healthy.
But despite their importance, these habitats are in decline, with the UK estimated to have lost over 40% of its seagrass since the 1940s. Pollution, physical disturbance from anchoring, bottom trawling and dredging as well as coastal development, have all contributed to its decline.
“Looe is home to a remarkable seagrass meadow, one of the largest known in the south west,” said Eden Stevens, Blue Meadows Community Engagement Officer. “It is fantastic to be working alongside Looe Harbour Commissioners to safeguard this important habitat by reducing impacts to the seabed, while supporting the livelihoods of Looe’s community.”
Dave Bond, Looe Harbour Commissioner, said ‘‘Looe Harbour Commissioners are proud to support the vital work Blue Meadows is undertaking to protect and restore the seagrass meadows within Looe Bay. Looe is a small but thriving Port. Home to both commercial and leisure vessels. This habitat lies at the heart of our jurisdiction, and protecting it is essential to the long-term health of our marine environment. We recognise the importance of this project and are committed to working together to help these valuable ecosystems thrive for generations to come.’’
This partnership highlights how collaborative action can help restore and protect vital marine habitats, ensuring they continue to provide benefits for wildlife, climate and people long into the future.
More blog posts
Blue Carbon Part 2: how do we know that seagrass can help combat climate change?
Our Mini Meadows Ocean Fund
Find out why Bexley Beaumont has chosen to support it for two years running!
