The ReSOW UK Project

ReSOW – Restoration of Seagrass for Ocean Wealth

The ReSOW UK project will facilitate informed management and restoration of seagrass for sustainable social, environmental and economic net gains. The UK Government has recognised the need for nature-based solutions to climate change as part of the UK’s target of reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050.

Seagrass meadows create a highly efficient and long-term store of carbon in their marine sediments; their restoration allows them to become a key contributor to these solutions. Moreover, in a time of changing management of our fisheries, the recovery of the nation’s seagrass meadows provides an opportunity to improve support for fisheries productivity through enhanced fish nursery habitat for important species (such as the Atlantic Cod).

These powerhouses of our coastal seas have been a neglected ecosystem for decades and centuries, which has led to their large-scale degradation and loss. In the context of generally improving long-term water quality and better management of our coastal seas, this loss of seagrass now provides an opportunity for large-scale renewal. The restoration of seagrass in the UK remains in its infancy, however, significant steps forward have already been made by the partners in project ReSOW.

UK Government regulators and nature agencies recognise that an evidence base and strategic vision are needed to make the case for restoration. This will improve stakeholder support, leverage financial backing, and ultimately lead to the ecological renewal of seagrass meadows to meet our national biodiversity and climate goals, while supporting our economy.