Burgess Blue Oceans 2024 Saving Seagrass

Map-Protect-Save

In 2024 Burgess Blue Oceans has launched a conservation project in partnership with Blue Marine Foundation, Plan Blue and iSea to actively protect seagrass in the Mediterranean. This pioneering project will map seagrass meadows in the Greek Islands of Amorgos and Corfu. 

Seagrass is fundamental to maintaining ocean health and stalling climate change. However this sea floor plant is rapidly losing ground – in fact, seagrass meadows are disappearing at a rate of two football pitches every hour across the globe. The statistics demand an urgent response.

Burgess donates to ocean conservation through every part of the business. In the past two years Burgess and our clients have raised over £130,000 for ocean conservation projects in yachting locations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Maldives. In 2024 all funds will go to saving seagrass meadows in the Greek Islands of Amorgos and Corfu.

Our industry is founded on a love of the ocean and Burgess has decided to act. The Mediterranean is a favourite sailing ground close to our heart, and now it is time to give back.

Map

To save a seagrass meadow we need to define the area that need to be protected. Mapping the seagrass is vital.

The first step in this process is areal mapping using drone technology. This is the expertise of PlanBlue, who will fly drones over the sea around Amorgos and Corfu and document the areas that suggest seagrass growth.

The second step is to send in iSea divers to these documented areas and get eyes on the seafloor. Once the seagrass meadow is confirmed, the area is measured and mapped.

In total we will be mapping close to 17sqkm, over four distinct areas.

Protect

The seagrass maps will allow the scientists to monitor the sea life it supports and inform policies on protection. This information will give local communities the knowledge they need to impact positive change. 

The local fishermen and women in Amorgos and Corfu have reported that their nets are bringing in fewer and fewer fish. With the data this project will provide, they will be able to put in place low-impact fishing practices to sustain their own livelihoods and local communities.

Save

Seagrass is an extremely slow-growing plant species, in fact, it will only grow 1-6cm in a whole year. So when a seagrass meadow is eroded or damaged, it will take years to regain the lost ground.

By protecting the seagrass meadows from further erosion, the seagrass will have a chance to grow. By naturally spreading across the sea floor, the seagrass meadow will allow fish and sea life to thrive.

This project will support local communities and safeguard  the industry of the islands.

Fact file

Seagrass is fast becoming known as the unsung hero in quietly balancing ocean health, and fighting global climate change. Now it needs our help.

CAPTURES CARBON 35 TIMES FASTER THAN RAINFOREST
Scientists have discovered that seagrass captures carbon 35 times faster than tropical rainforests. Absorbing carbon is crucial to reversing the climate change that is leading to severe weather events and rising temperatures.

VITAL TO SEA LIFE
Seagrass is an essential nursery for fish and sea life. The fronds are a safe space for fish and sea life to successfully breed, lay eggs and protect their young. By protecting the seagrass, the coastal biodiversity is maintained.

LIMITS EROSION OF BEACHES 
The action of the seagrass waving in the water reduces the sweep of waves, and works to reduce the swells that cause coastal erosion. Protecting the beaches that are a feature of these beautiful islands.

IMPROVES AIR QUALITY
Like all green plant life, seagrass absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen for us to breathe.