Scotland’s first handbook for seagrass restoration has just been published.
The handbook has been developed by NatureScot in collaboration with Marine Scotland and Project Seagrass as a result of increasing interest in the potential of restoring marine habitats to store blue carbon, enhance coastal defences and increase biodiversity in our seas.
Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that can grow in dense beds or meadows and are often found in shallow, sheltered areas along the Scottish coastline.
Scotland holds 20% of the seagrass beds in north-west Europe but globally the habitat is in decline as a result of a range of factors including human activities, climate change, invasive non-native species and disease.
Following successful seagrass restoration projects in Wales, attention has turned to the potential for seagrass restoration in Scotland, where trials are in the early stages.
The handbook provides essential information and guidance on all aspects of seagrass restoration, such as site suitability, licensing, biosecurity, techniques and monitoring.
More information and to download the guide click here