SCUBAHUB
Mapping seagrass beds
THE INTERIM RESULTS OF THE RECENT Great Seagrass Survey are now in , with 68 seagrass beds located around the UK .
Organised by marine charity , Seawilding , the Great Seagrass Survey saw divers , snorkellers and beachcombers take to the UK coastline to record locations of seagrass beds over the late May Bank Holiday weekend .
Supported by BSAC and Project Seagrass , the aim of Seawilding ’ s survey was to collate data so that a more accurate map of the UK ’ s seagrass population can be created .
As a community-led marine habitat restoration project , Seawilding maximises on citizen science to identify , protect and restore the UK ’ s vulnerable seagrass meadows . The results of the first Great Seagrass Survey will help to shape future restoration and protection projects around the UK coastline .
Katherine Knight , Science and Survey Officer at Seawilding , said the Great Seagrass survey revealed invaluable data , with a total of 46 eelgrass ( Zostera marina ) and 22 dwarf eelgrass ( Zostera noltei ) meadows now formally identified and mapped .
“ This data is going to be really useful for us and for other seagrass restoration projects around the coast and so I ’ d like to say a big thank you to everyone at BSAC for your hard work in getting this project going ,” Katherine said .
With the majority of the recorded seagrass meadows found in Scotland , Katherine said there was still a lot of essential mapping work to do .
“ I am keen to build on this great start to encourage people to keep submitting surveys throughout the summer . We want to encourage some more submissions from England and Wales to make sure other areas of the UK are represented on the map too .”
For more information on the Great Seagrass Survey and how you and your BSAC club can get involved , go to bsac . com / great-seagrass-survey
Wildlife welfare
A NEW MARINE AND COASTAL WILDLIFE code has been produced by DEFRA ( Department for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs ) to encourage responsible behaviour around marine life .
DEFRA ’ s Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code is designed to ensure visitors can enjoy the UK ’ s coast while providing timely guidance on what to do – and not do – when in the presence of marine wildlife .
BSAC environment advisor Jane Maddocks is encouraging BSAC clubs and members to refer to the code when needed during dive trips and time spent on the coast .
“ As divers most of us act pretty responsibly anyway , but the code makes some really helpful points ,” said Jane .
“ It is written for the general public , so as well as diving-related information it could be useful the next time you want to have a picnic on the beach , or watch a walrus or seals hauled out on beaches .
“ The code is a reminder of what we should be aware of , and so worth reading and publicising .”
Information provided by the new DEFRA code includes how to avoid disturbing wildlife ; responsible watercraft usage ; breeding seasons ; reporting wildlife crime and what to do if you discover an injured , distressed or dead marine animal . The code also provides key contacts and organisations for more detailed guidance on marine animal behaviour .
To read the full DEFRA guide , go to bsac . com / coastalwildlifecode
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