Searching for Shetland’s lost seagrass – establishing a baseline through science-led community surveys of Shetland’s seagrass and shallow maerl habitats

This project aims to survey key benthic habitats in Shetland to assess the distribution and status of known seagrass and maerl beds and investigate historic seagrass records to create an up-to-date picture of seagrass distribution in the isles. Seagrass and maerl beds are a priority marine feature but are poorly surveyed in Shetland with limited information on their distribution and status. This project will meet community demand for increased knowledge about the status of known seagrass beds and address key questions that could represent a barrier to future restoration attempts about the status, genetic diversity, and reproductive potential of Shetland’s eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds. This project is supported by the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF).