Seagrass meadows shelter adult fish, shellfish, crustaceans and sea anemones. They act as nursery grounds for juvenile fish, and allow for the natural regeneration of fish stocks. We aim, over a three-year period, to survey the inshore seabed around Kintyre to locate seagrass beds. Once surveyed, the sites will be evaluated to determine if a programme of regeneration is appropriate. Training will be given to volunteers in how to conduct inshore and inter-tidal zone surveys.
Volunteers wishing to help gather seagrass shoots (rhizomes) from existing beds will be given snorkel training by BSAC-qualified staff. Having gathered the rhizomes, more volunteers will process these for either seed extraction or replanting. These are methods successfully used by the Seawilding team at Craignish and other community groups around Scotland.
Our Plan
Stage One
In consultation with stakeholders and those connected with the environments concerned, plan and fund the initial survey of existing and potential future additional seagrass fields.
Stage Two
Conduct training for, and equip, volunteers for appropriate survey work, alongside outside help from interested and experienced agencies.
Stage Three
Plan, fund and establish a base, equipped to cultivate seagrass. Train volunteers in seagrass husbandry, establishing at least a medium-term commitment to planting.
Stage Four
Monitor the progress of new and existing seagrass fields, adapting plans, locations and timeframes as required by findings. Continue to consult with all interested parties to help guide future development.
