Seagrass Restoration

Seagrass Restoration written by Francesca Raybould

The UK has lost up to 92% of its seagrass. Its historic range suggests that significant parts of the UK coast are well-suited for seagrass restoration, which is increasingly being considered for carbon removal. This is because seagrass accumulates organic matter which, if left alone, can hold carbon for millennia. Not only does seagrass restoration remove carbon, but it also aligns with broader socio-ecological objectives, a key net zero principle (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-021-01245-w).

This blue carbon strategy can provide vital habitats for wildlife, protect coastal areas from storms, and improve water quality. Seagrass restoration is an example of a nature-based solution, working with nature to benefit both society and the environment. Of course we need to protect existing meadows, but we also need pilot projects to restore seagrass across the UK coast, and to conduct research.

However, there are some issues with UK seagrass restoration, including the associated costs and a need for mapping and UK-specific data. Moreover, though seagrass can store carbon, it may increase the emission of methane and nitrous oxide. Evidence suggests that meadows remain net carbon sinks, but more research is needed to understand these non-CO2 emissions in the UK. Several seagrass restoration projects are already underway, undertaking novel research. One example is ‘Seeding Change Together’, where Cornwall Wildlife Trust is collaborating with Seasalt to restore seagrass on the River Fal (https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/restoring-cornwalls-seagrass).

The #AgileInitiative at Oxford Martin School with the Nature-based Solutions Initiative has suggested some next steps towards a UK seagrass carbon code, which would help formalise assessment methods for seagrass restoration sites, and would also offer an accepted framework for generating credits.

A carbon code is also vital to ensure the contributions made by seagrass meadows are recognised in national policy targets. This recognition could lead to the valuation of seagrass benefits, which would help fund projects. More generally, it is important that Highly Protected Marine Areas are established, allowing ocean recovery and resilience in the face of climate change. 

Read more at: https://www.agile-initiative.ox.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/A-blue-carbon-code-for-UK-seagrass-Nov23.pdf