Ocean Conservation Trust and Ørsted boost seagrass protection

Ørsted, a leading renewable energy company, and the Ocean Conservation Trust, a marine charity, have joined forces to launch an innovative initiative called Blue Meadows. This scheme aims to address the problem of seagrass conservation by marking the location of seagrass beds to swimmers, fishers, and other water users. By clearly indicating the presence of seagrass beds, Blue Meadows helps people avoid damaging them through anchoring. Additionally, the initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of seagrass and its role in carbon absorption, biodiversity, and water quality improvement.

Seagrass plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon from the water. It is as efficient as tropical rainforests in this regard. Moreover, seagrass provides a rich habitat for various species, including economically important fish and endangered seahorses. It also helps protect against tidal erosion and enhances water quality.

This collaboration between Ørsted and the Ocean Conservation Trust aligns with Ørsted’s commitment to environmentally responsible wind farm development and The Crown Estate’s responsibility for marine biodiversity enhancement. The Blue Meadows initiative contributes to Ørsted’s goal of a net-positive biodiversity impact for all projects commissioned from 2030 onwards. The partnership will continue, with a focus on exploring innovative solutions to speed up seagrass restoration.