One of Natur am Byth (NaB) projects is NaB Môr led by the Marine Conservation Society. It’s the only marine project in the NaB! Programme and focuses on preserving important and endangered marine species including Seagrass, the Pink Sea Fan, and the Native Oyster. The project is also engaged in a national campaign to improve water quality across the Welsh Coast.
NaB Môr work in two main locations and is being aided by:
Seagrass is a crucial biodiversity hotspot, providing nurseries and habitat for juvenile fish, supporting local fisheries. It also supports species of biodiversity importance such as the pipefish. It stores blue carbon, produces oxygen, aids coastal defense, and improves water quality. Seagrass is vital for mitigating climate change, which is why the NaB Môr project will use Advanced Mooring Systems (AMS) to help seagrass meadows recover, as AMS are less damaging and more seagrass-friendly than conventional moorings.
In partnership with the Marine Conservative Society, local communities, marine managers and other stakeholders, the project works collaboratively to plan and deliver a citizen science programme to monitor water quality, with a view to improving the conditions for marine life.
One of Natur am Byth (NaB) projects is NaB Môr led by the Marine Conservation Society. It’s the only marine project in the NaB! Programme and focuses on preserving important and endangered marine species including Seagrass, the Pink Sea Fan, and the Native Oyster. The project is also engaged in a national campaign to improve water quality across the Welsh Coast.
NaB Môr work in two main locations and is being aided by:
This communications plan will focus on Pembrokeshire’s Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and their work to protect native oysters and the Pink Sea Fan.
Native oysters are an important species. As filter feeders, they improve quality of water, remove excess nitrogen, stabilise sediments, and are known to contribute to locking away blue carbon. Healthy oyster beds can provide a habitat and refuge for other species including juvenile fish, crabs, sea snails and sponges. Unfortunately, the native oyster population is declining across Europe, which is also affecting species and ecosystems that use them for survival.
Building on the Welsh Native Oyster action plan, NaB Môr will test and scale up the restoration of oyster beds within Milford Haven waterway. They will also create an oyster citizen science programme, which will enable oyster beds to be monitored and promote sustainable management.
In partnership with the Marine Conservative Society, local communities, marine managers and other stakeholders, the project works collaboratively to plan and deliver a citizen science programme to monitor water quality, with a view to improving the conditions for marine life.