Earlier this year, Project Seagrass welcomed Rhys Bowen to the team to support our work in North Wales as part of the Seagrass Ocean Rescue North Wales programme. This follows on from Rhys’ involvement in the programme during 2024 where we worked as one of the Marine Futures Interns at
Earlier this year, Project Seagrass welcomed Rhys Bowen to the team to support our work in North Wales as part of the Seagrass Ocean Rescue North Wales programme. This follows on from Rhys’ involvement in the programme during 2024 where we worked as one of the Marine Futures Interns at our Seagrass Ocean Rescue partner, the North Wales Wildlife Trust. Rhys splits his time between Project Seagrass and North Wales Wildlife Trust. In this blog article Rhys reflects on recent seagrass monitoring he has been involved with in North Wales: Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of monitoring several key seagrass meadows and restoration sites across North Wales. These meadows, both old and new, play a vital role in our national marine conservation efforts. Seagrass Watch at Porthdinllaen, Llyn Peninsula In May, with the help of Dylan and Reece from North Wales Wildlife Trust, I conducted monitoring at our longstanding seed donor site in Porthdinllaen. We used the internationally recognised Seagrass Watch protocol which has been implemented at this meadow since 2015 and follows a rigorous, standardised approach. Using 50 cm² quadrats along three fixed transects, I collected data every 5 meters on: Seagrass cover. Epiphyte and algal presence. Average leaf lengths. This consistent monitoring at the same locations allows us to track changes in seagrass health over time and helps inform both conservation and restoration strategies. Seagrass meadow at Porthdinllaen. Photo Credit Rhys Bowen Project Seagrass Seagrass Watch monitoring at Porthdinllaen. Photo Credit Rhys Bowen Project Seagrass Restoration Efforts on Ynys Môn (Anglesey) As the Seagrass Ocean Rescue programme entered its fourth year, we continue to strive towards our goal to plant Zostera marina over an area of ten hectares across North Wales between 2022 and 2026. This year, at Penrhos and Penrhyn on Anglesey, we planted nearly 1 million seagrass seeds using two methods: The DIS (Dispenser Injection Seeding) technique. A manually powered seeding machine, developed by The Fieldwork Company designed to efficiently distribute mud-seed mixtures over large areas. Both methods have proved effective and the machine quickly won fans among our volunteers! Of which, none of this would be possible without the incredible support from our community groups, dedicated local volunteers, and the amazing Ocean Rescue Champions at the North Wales Wildlife Trust. Massive thanks to everyone who braved the weather and mud with us! As someone who is new to restoration, it was eye-opening to be a part of this ongoing work and witness the precision and care that goes into giving these tiny seeds the best chance of developing into healthy adult plants and meadows. First Signs of Growth In late June over the spring tides, I returned to Holyhead Bay with volunteers to assess the seagrass we had planted out in spring. We used 1m² quadrats to count seagrass shoots and measure leaf length and epiphyte coverage withing our planting plots. Following this period of monitoring I’m thrilled to report: Seagrass is growing across nearly all our planted plots. Shoots from both planting methods (DIS and Seeding machine) have emerged. Some leaves have already reached lengths of 12 cm and appear healthy. Monitoring will continue throughout the year alongside collection of environmental data. This will continue to inform and support our restoration work. The Seagrass Ocean Rescue team would like to thank the partners and volunteers for their continued support. Keep an eye out for more opportunities to get involved by signing up to our newsletter! Seagrass Watch Monitoring in Porthdinllaen
