The tier 1 contractor has partnered with the Ocean Conservation Trust to fund the Blue Meadows study and launch an 18-month postgraduate research project with the University of Plymouth.
Kier said the project is a UK first and the most detailed research of subtidal seagrass beds in the country.
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Seagrass meadows are biodiversity hotspots and one of the world’s most efficient habitats in removing CO2. Their long leaves slow the water current and trap small particles within the seagrass bed.
The study will look at the level of microplastics in animals living on, and feeding from, the seagrass leaves. It will then compare this with other habitats.
As well as measuring the health and growth of the meadows, the research will test the theory that if higher microplastics levels are found in the seagrass sediment, but not in the animals, then seagrass can act as a sink for polluting particles by locking them away in the sediment.
Fantastic carbon sinks
Matt Tompsett, head of sustainability and environment at Kier Transportation, said: “Our seagrass meadows need protecting and restoring. They are fantastic carbon sinks, rich in biodiversity, slow coastal erosion – and our study is focused on understanding if it can trap and remove microplastic from the ocean.”
Ian McFadzen, CEO at the Ocean Conservation Trust, added: “Seagrass around the UK coast has declined drastically over the years, and there is a critical need to protect existing beds and restore the habitat we have lost.
“We have been working together with Matt [Tompsett] and the team for a while now, so we are delighted to develop the partnership further with Kier Transportation’s support of OCT’s Blue Meadows programme, to protect and restore seagrass at scale.”
