Plymouth students set off on 124km trek in aid of seagrass
They are raising money for the Ocean Conservation Trust
Four students from the University of Plymouth are embarking on a 124km hike to Falmouth to raise awareness of the plight facing our coastal seagrass meadows.
The team - Hannah, Liberty, Harry and Louise-Océane - are raising money for the Ocean Conservation Trust, to support their long running campaign to protect these underwater ecosystems.
The group have spent the last four years together at university and went on multiple hikes together along the South West Coastal Path.
They say more than their love of being outdoors, their love for the marine environment is what really brought them together - which led to this idea.
What are seagrass meadows?
A seagrass meadow or seagrass bed is an underwater ecosystem formed by seagrasses. Seagrasses are marine (saltwater) plants found in shallow coastal waters and in the brackish waters of estuaries.
Seagrass meadows provide coastal zones with significant ecosystem goods and services. They enhance water quality and provide nursery habitats for many commercially important fish species.
It is estimated that about half of the global fisheries get their start because they are supported by seagrass habitats.
However, human activities - such as fishing methods that rely on heavy nets that are dragged across the sea floor - are putting this important ecosystem at serious risk.
Seagrass habitats are threatened by coastal eutrophication and increased seawater temperatures, as well as increased sedimentation and coastal development.
Seagrass loss has accelerated over the past few decades, from 0.9% per year prior to 1940 to 7% per year in 1990.
The team hope that on their trek they can raise awareness of their importance, as well as how we can bring back healthy and resilient seagrass beds.
So far, they have raised more than £2,000 for the Ocean Conservation Trust. You can support their JustGiving page.
You can also keep up to date with their journey here.