ENVIRONMENT
Taking it further
The Seagrass Project
Jane Maddocks reports on efforts to find out more about the UK ’ s precious seagrass meadows
What ’ s special about divers ? Well , we are a large cohort of individuals who see what the underwater ‘ landscape ’ looks like whenever we dive . We may see it in glorious swathes of colour on a rocky outcrop , or we may see it as acres of mud , with strange creatures called spoon worms lending an outer space feeling . Of course , usually we see it as a mixture of wreck , reef , fishes , and marine animals . Sometimes we are so deep that we only see the wreck , and fish using it as a habitat .
Some of us have been really lucky and have spent years diving on projects . I have measured anchor scars in seagrass beds ; counted live maerl in one-metre grids ; recorded one of the earliest surviving steamship wrecks in English waters , and measured cannon off the Isle of Mull , to mention just a few things . Some were huge international projects , others , my favourites , were the ideas my branch pulled together into some fun diving with a purpose , with the branch , on something that is relevant to the way your group wants to dive .
I have been able to use my diving skills to engage in projects . Each project has been great fun . They have also been carefully recorded , and the results made public .
As divers , we have a unique opportunity to contribute to Citizen Science projects . citizen science is public participation and collaboration in scientific research to increase scientific knowledge . As with all science the collection of data is checked , and if robust , goes into the record . Seasearch is an impressive example of how citizen science creates records that are respected because work goes into making sure the data are as accurate as possible .
The Seagrass Project is a great example of citizen science , with benefits for all of us . Seagrass is important . Seagrass is an amazing carbon sink , absorbing much more CO ² than trees , but it is under threat . Some 90 per cent of our seagrass beds have been lost since the 1920s . It flourishes in less than 10m of water , best if the viz is good . We could meet 37 % of our carbon reduction target by 2030 if we restore our seagrass beds . There are large projects happening at the moment to replant these beds where possible .
So what relevance is this to divers ? Well , we urgently need to know where our seagrass is . There is an app , ‘ Seagrass Spotter ’ which will allow you to send in reports and images for any seagrass you spot . Because seagrass likes shallow water you might be snorkelling or canoeing , or just swimming . We could make a real difference by downloading and using the app . We need to know where it is . You could help to make a major impact on our carbon sequestration , more so than planting trees .
In seagrass we find one of our two British species of seahorse . Male seahorses get pregnant , carry , and bring up the babies – while possibly the females rush off to find the sexiest male in the seagrass meadow . There is developing evidence that females like to play the field !
If you are diving in seagrass you may come across seahorses . The Seahorse Trust has a series of courses that teach you about seahorse behaviour , and what to do if you come across them . Find out more on their website .
They have a free general introduction to seahorses . Just remember , if you see one , be quite still and don ’ t hassle it and certainly don ’ t handle it . No flash photography is allowed . If it hunches up and goes dark , you are stressing it . Just swim quietly away and report the sighting to the Seahorse Trust .
Divers get to areas others can ’ t reach , and diving with a purpose can be fun and productive .
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