07-08-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
WWF Seagrass project aims to restore marine life in Wales
The seeds are being collected along the north Wales coast as part of the Seagrass Ocean Rescue project, the largest seagrass restoration scheme in Wales.
The project, which began in 2022, aims to plant five million seeds across 10 hectares by the end of 2026, with support from communities in Pen Llŷn and Ynys Môn.
Seagrass Ocean Rescue is led by WWF in partnership with Project Seagrass, Swansea University, North Wales Wildlife Trust, and Pen Llŷn a'r Sarnau SAC.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies visited the site on July 29 to assist with seed collection and see the process in action.
Mr Irranca-Davies said: "Restoring seagrass habitats in Wales is crucial for tackling the climate and nature emergencies so I was delighted to participate in this critically important work.
"Welsh Government funding is supporting collaborative efforts to restore 266 hectares of seagrass habitat, contributing towards our 30x30 conservation targets.
"I want to thank Seagrass Ocean Rescue partners and all volunteers for their hard work and dedication."
Deputy First minister joins the seagrass harvesting briefing (Image: Supplied) The project is supported by a £1 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation and The Moondance Foundation.
Andrew White, director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, also joined the seed collection effort.
Mr White said: "It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of this important milestone for the Seagrass Ocean Rescue project and to see first-hand the beauty of these underwater seagrass meadows – truly breathtaking.
"I was also struck by the dedication shown by volunteers in planting, protecting and managing the seagrass habitats, and it's wonderful that The National Lottery Heritage Fund can support this vital work, thanks to National Lottery players.
"Seagrass is one of our most important allies in carbon capture and climate mitigation – restoring these underwater meadows is essential for our planet's future."
Seagrass meadows are vital for biodiversity and the environment.
They provide nursery grounds for fish such as cod, and habitats for marine life including octopus and seals.
Seagrass also helps absorb carbon, reduce coastal erosion, and improve water quality.
In the UK, up to 92 per cent of seagrass has been lost.
The Seagrass Ocean Rescue project aims to reverse this decline.
Seeds collected this week will be planted at sites on Anglesey and Pen Llŷn, with support from Stena Line for planting in Holyhead.
The public and community volunteers are central to the project, helping to collect seeds and raise awareness of seagrass conservation.
