Isle of Wight Biosphere's seagrass boost and new steering group

Trial sites have been planted, including at Yarmouth and Seaview, as environmentalists work to restore fast diminishing underwater plant habitats.

Led by World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Swansea University and the conservation charity Project Seagrass is working with Isle of Wight environmentalists, ARC.

One of only a handful of underwater plants in the world, seagrass creates a complex habitat for marine wildlife, including acting as a place to hide for young fish, feeding birds in the winter and filtering water to make it cleaner.

Seagrass at Bembridge. Photos by Swansea University's Evie Furness.

It also captures and stores carbon, making it an amazing ally in the battle to combat climate change.

In the UK, 90 per cent of seagrass has disappeared in the UK.

The Isle of Wight remains and stronghold and it is hoped this new project will help secure its survival.

Leanne Cullen-Unsworth at Project Seagrass said: "Seagrass supports and provides habitat for thousands of species of fish (including commercially important cod, pollock too), invertebrates, birds, reptiles and mammals."

The team began exploring the Isle of Wight last summer, carrying out initial habitat surveys, including drone mapping, remote camera work and dive surveys and more to gain a clear understanding of the local environment.

Evie Furness, from Swansea University, said: "We’ve worked with Natural England, Ocean Conservation Trust and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to perform extensive seagrass meadow health surveys around the Solent.

"Last winter, we planted small scale trials at three sites (Yarmouth, Seaview and on the mainland, at Beaulieu) which will help us to test the success and suitability of our planting methods."

Meanwhile, the Isle of Wight Council has approved a move to put the Biosphere at the heart of its plans and decisions.

Isle of Wight Council cabinet member Jonathan Bacon.

It will appoint an independently-chaired Biosphere Steering Group, drawn from all sectors of the Island, including environment, business, art and culture and wellbeing.

It will steer and advise the council, working closely with the new Mission Zero Hub — an Island-wide partnership currently being set up to work towards the Island's net zero emissions targets.

Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for environment, heritage and waste, said: "Through the work we’re doing and will do through our climate and environment strategy, we’ll not only be protecting our Island for future generations, but enhancing our biosphere and doing our bit for the rest of the world.

"What we have here is a massive opportunity and massive potential and we must now work to realise that."

Natasha Dix, strategic manager for contracts, waste and environment, said: "Every decision the council takes will have regard to supporting, sustaining and enhancing our biosphere status as well as our climate and environment change strategy.

"We will work closely with town, parish and community councils to encourage and support them in helping to achieve our aspirations — and we will challenge the utility companies and our partners to support us in making the Island a sustainable place to live and work."