New partnership to help Bay’s underwater rainforest

Two local names with international reputations are joining forces to help a very special – but largely unknown – species. Living Coasts, Torquay’s coastal zoo and aquarium, is linking up with Valeport, the Totnes-based underwater measuring instrumentation specialists.

The focus of their partnership is seagrass, a remarkable plant that flowers underwater and forms dense meadows in shallow coastal areas. These meadows capture carbon at a greater rate than tropical forests, making them important in combating climate change. Like coral reefs and rainforests, these underwater gardens are full of life. And like those better-known habitats, they are under threat.

Living Coasts Curator Clare Rugg said: “This is going to be a tremendous collaboration. Valeport’s support will allow us to continue our scientific research, aided by local volunteer divers who collect data on the seagrass. Living Coasts is testing ways to propagate seagrass, and we look forward to Valeport supporting our research with their instruments and expertise.”

Guy Frankland from Valeport added: “This new partnership is marking Valeport’s 50th anniversary, but it’s a natural fit for a designer and manufacturer of high-quality underwater measuring equipment to join forces with a coastal conservation charity. We are delighted to support the important Save Our Seagrass project and help study and protect local habitat with international significance.”

Global estimates suggest the planet loses an area of seagrass around the same size as two football pitches every hour; protecting what is left is critical. The seagrass meadows of Tor Bay act as vital nursery beds for young fish and are also home to key species such as seahorses. The meadows are threatened by pollution and by indiscriminate anchoring, which can unknowingly rip plants from the seabed.

For more information go to www.livingcoasts.org.uk or ring 01803 202470