Scientists turn the tide on our vital sea meadows

SCIENTISTS have brought about a sea change on vital underwater meadows that are threatened by Britain’s poor water quality.

- By Steph Spyro

Project Seagrass has spearheaded the UK’s largest restoration initiative for the habitat in the coastal village of Dale, in Pembrokeshire.

Seagrasses provide food and shelter for thousands of species but have declined globally sine the 1930s.

In the last century, 92% of the plants were lost from Britain’s coasts and areas once covered by seagrass are now lifeless seabeds.

Swansea University’s Dr Richard Unsworth, of Project Seagrass, said: "Water quality is the biggest threat to it now. Historically, it was land development.

"The key thing is that seagrass is really important for animal life, particularly its role in supporting fisheries.

"The fish you might see in a fish and chip shop — cod, plaice, whiting — all of those favourites spend their young years in a seagrass meadow. If a young fish grows in a seagrass nursery, it’s much more likely to get to adulthood and spawn."