| Seagrass Beds |
|
||
| LBAP Home | Habitats | Common themes |
|
||
| LBAP involvement | 20% | |||
{lbaps} |
|
{image} SW
Resource Breakdown:2
1Action for biodiversity 2SW Biodiversity Audit (1996) |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Definition1 An area of soft or mixed marine substrata characterised by one or more of the three UK seagrasses: eelgrass Zosteria marina, narrow-leafed eelgrass Zostera angustifolia and dwarf eelgrass Zostera noltii. All three species are considered nationally scarce, (occurring in between
16 to 100, 10km squares in the UK). Dwarf eelgrass is found highest
on the shore, often adjacent to lower saltmarsh communities; narrow-leafed
eelgrass on the mid to lower shore; and eelgrass predominantly in the
sublittoral. The plants stabilise the substratum, are an important source
of organic matter, and food particularly for wildfowl, and provide shelter
and surface attachment for other species. Current Extent1 Sites within the region which supports seagrass beds are known to occur in both estuarine, open coast and saline lagoon conditions. However, the distributionj, extent and quality of the South-West eelgrass resource or the current range and severity of impacts affecting regional populations is not fully knownExamples of important sites in the South West1 Severn Estuary (Avon) Looe, Fal Estuary, Helford Estuary, Fowey, Mounts Bay (Cornwall) Poole Bay/Harbour, The Fleet lagoon Weymouth to Ringstead Bay, Portland Harbour, Studland) Habitat Loss1 Seagrass suffered a severe decline during the 1930's following teh spread of a wasting disease. This disease, a slime mould called Labyrinthula is still present and may result in the future die-back of stressed populations. Unfortunately the current lack of information allows for little analysis of population fluctuations.Associated Species1 Wigeon, brent goose (Birds) Seahorse Hippocampus ramulosus, Flatfish, (Fish) Cuttlefish, Squid Rissoa membranacea, Akera bullata (Molluscs) Current
factors affecting the habitat in the SW
UK biodiversity objectives and proposed targets Maintain extent and distribution of seagrass beds in UK waters. South-west biodiversity objectives and proposed targets OBJECTIVE 1Increase our knowledge of the distribution, extent and quality of Zostera beds in the South West. TARGET: by 2002 OBJECTIVE 2 Identify and quantify natural* and human factors** affecting seagrass beds in the South-West TARGET: :by **by 1997, * ongoing OBJECTIVE 3 Seek to halt any decline in Zostera populations in the South-West resulting from human impacts TARGET: ongoing OBJECTIVE 4 Seek to increase the current size of the Zostera resource in the South-West. TARGET: ongoing OBJECTIVE 5 Raise the profile and increase public awareness of seagrass beds and their associated species.
Seagrass populations in the Isles of Scilly are being monitoed annually by Coral Cay Volunteers under direction from EN. This follows occasional monitoring studies in the area by EN since the easly 1980s. These studies have involved aerial photography and are recordingchanges in the extent of the seagrass populations. Volunteer studies are also underway examining the extent and condition of seagrass throughout the year in the Helford estuary. This is being co-ordinated by the Helford Voluntary Maine Conservation Area Working Gro Policy and legislation
none Management
Induce national action to identify and quantify issues affecting
the seagrass resource, both natural and human
LEAD: EN Advisory Provide advice to Local Authorities and other organisations on how best to minimise impacts to the regional seagrass resource TARGET: ongoing LEAD:EN PARTNERS: DWT, RIs Research and monitoring
Encourage local surveys to assess the distribution*, extent* and quality** of seagrass populations in thr region . TARGET: (*by 2000)m (**by 2002) LEAD: EN(CCW) PARTNERS: WTs, RIs, ISET, WWF, MCs, HVMCA Develop and distribute a seagrass survey methodology and protocol TARGET: 1997 LEAD: JNCC PARTNERS: RIs Conduct a review of literature regarding seagrass populations, both in the UK and, where relevant, overseas TARGET: by 2000 LEAD: EN PARTNERS: WTs, RIA, ERCs Ensure the integration of all seagrass information gathered by different organisations and individuals TARGET: ongoing LEAD: DWT PARTNERS: WTs, RIs, ERCs, ISET Identify key regional sites for monitoring feasibility TARGET: 1997 LEAD: EN PARTNERS: DWT, RIs On completion of a regional audit (1-4) produce a review of current seagrass knowledge in the region TARGET: 2003 LEAD:EN (CCW) PARTNERS: WTs, RIs, ERCs, WWF, MCs Encourage research into the ecology of Zostera to cover in particuar disease (Labyrinthula), interspecific interactions and reproductive strategy. TARGET:ongoing LEAD: EN (CCW) PARTNERS: WTs, RIs, ERCs, WWF, MCs Develop a list of key possible regional impacts for research TARGET: 1997 LEAD: EN PARTNERS: WTS, ERCs, WWF Investigate the feasibility of developing a seagrass restoration programme TARGET: 1998 LEAD: RBG, EN PARTNERS: DWT, RIs If deemed necessary and feasible, develop a seagrass restoration programme at appropraite sites. TARGET: by 2005 LEAD: EN PARTNERS: RIs, WTs Education and awareness
raising
Produce articles in newsletters and journals which increase awareness and understanding of the regional seagrass resource and bidiversity action process. TARGET: by 1998 LEAD: WTs PARTNERS: WTs, HCS, EN Provide production of interprative material at key sites TARGET: by 2000 LEAD: LAs PARTNERs: HCs, EN, WTs, WWF Fulfilling the biodiversity objectives of this habitat action plan
is likely to bring about a number of additional important benefits to:
|
| Home page |
