Project Dates: 1.9.25 to 1.9.26

WHY SEAGRASS MATTERS

In the UK, we’ve already lost over 90% of our seagrass beds – one of the most important and under appreciated ecosystems in the ocean. Seagrass is a powerhouse:

🌿Sores up to 35x more carbon than tropical rainforests

🐟Provides nursery grounds for many species of fish and other marine life

🪸In Devon, seagrass meadows are home to protected species like the short-snouted seahorse

Brixham’s Fishcombe Cove is one of the few places in Devon where seagrass still thrives – but we need to learn more to protect it.

SEAGRASS THREATS  

Torbay’s seagrass faces threats from pollution, anchor damage, coastal development, and climate change, leading to significant habitat loss for a multitude of marine species.

However, Torbay’s seagrass beds have been valued at £5.72 million for their carbon sequestration services alone, making them an invaluable resource that needs to be monitored and protected.

LOCAL SOLUTIONS

Our grantee, The Cove Discovery Project, has identified three key sites: Fishcombe Cove, Breakwater Beach, and Shoalstone Beach to commit to regular dives over 5 years to investigate and monitor the seagrass.

They aim to build the case to turn Fishcombe Cove, Brixham into a Voluntary No Take Zone – stopping the damage, supporting biodiversity and allowing nature to recover, while working with local fishers and our community to ensure shared benefits and regenerate our local community ensuring sustainable long term outcomes.

 

This project has been generously supported by Regatta Great Outdoors. You can add your support via our Summer 2025 Seagrass Crowdfunder.