BEEP!
Bailiwick Eelgrass Exploration Project
Background
Eelgrass, Zostera marina, is a type of underwater flowering plant found in shallow coastal waters, forming dense seagrass meadows. It plays a vital role in marine ecosystems by stabilising sediments, reducing coastal erosion, and providing habitat and nursery grounds for fish, shellfish, and other wildlife. Eelgrass also improves water quality by absorbing nutrients and carbon dioxide, making it a powerful natural tool for carbon storage and climate change mitigation. However, eelgrass meadows are under threat from pollution, boat damage, and climate change, highlighting the need for conservation and restoration efforts.
About
- To record (and collate information on) the presence, distribution, extent and composition of eelgrass around the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
- To promote awareness of this important habitat forming species within the Bailiwick to relevant stakeholders, appropriate bodies and the public.
- To assess environmental impacts from human activities (such as traditional boat moorings) upon eelgrass beds within the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
Budget
The project is seeking funding to develop the ‘BEEP accessibility borrow box’ initiative. The approximate costs are £2,500. This is to purchase/print associated educational materials and setup introductory sessions, for the two boxes. Wider project support would be welcome.
Contributions towards International Targets
Global Biodiversity Framework Targets
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) sets global goals to protect biodiversity through its targets, most recently updated as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022. These targets aim to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and include goals such as protecting 30% of land and sea areas, restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems, reducing pollution, and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.
Sustainable Development Goals
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. They cover a wide range of issues, including health, education, gender equality, clean water, climate action, and biodiversity. Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measure progress, encouraging countries to work together toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
Partners
BEEP is a joint volunteer project initiated in 2019 with the founding groups: La Societe Guernesiaise, Alderney Wildlife Trust, Biodiversity Partnership and Guernsey Biological Records Centre, supported by Seasearch.
Read more about the project here
Contact us
UKOTCF registered as a limited company in England and Wales No. 3216892 and a Registered Charity No. 1058483.