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BBC<\/p>\nJo Loosemore<\/p>\n
BBC Radio Devon<\/p>\n
BBC<\/p>\n
Hundreds of scientists in the South West are looking into sea-based solutions to climate change<\/p>\n
Devon and Cornwall are at the global heart of finding sea-based solutions to climate change thanks to hundreds of scientists in the region, its universities have said. <\/p>\n
Their research has included restoring seagrass and oyster beds, looking into seaweed as a sustainable food source, and whether marine fungi can combat disease.<\/p>\n
Professor Martin Attrill, from the University of Plymouth, said scientists were working to understand our seas and how to protect them.<\/p>\n
“When you look at Devon and Cornwall, and you add up everything we have, we’re one of the global leads for marine science,” he said. <\/p>\n
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Martin Attrill with Anna Turns are studying how seagrass could be a sustainable food source<\/p>\n
“We rival anywhere in California, or Australia, or Europe, for the actual amount of knowledge that is coming from this one region,” he added.<\/p>\n
Professor Attrill’s research in marine ecology encourages the re-emergence of seagrass meadows in Jennycliff Bay, around Drakes Island, in Cawsand Bay, and opposite Devonport Dockyard, the university said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the University of Exeter said Dr Ruth Thurstan was part of an international collaboration exploring historic oyster beds lost during the Victorian period.<\/p>\n
She said: “Oysters really tell us what our seas used to be like.<\/p>\n
“In the past, we’ve discovered that they formed vast reefs, so going back and looking at sources about oysters tell us about the changes our marine environments have undergone as a result of our activities.”<\/p>\n
She also said the research was helping to establish locations and aims for worldwide oyster bed restoration projects.<\/p>\n
‘Largest in Europe’ <\/p>\n
The UK’s first large-scale mussel farm is 3km (1.8 miles) off the coast of Sidmouth in Devon. <\/p>\n
It was developed with help from Dr Emma Sheehan from the University of Plymouth.<\/p>\n
She said: “The way that mussels are grown and harvested is extremely sustainable, and, in addition, they’re working hard on all these other environmental benefits – they’re filtering our oceans.”<\/p>\n
Lines of “mussel rope” are fixed to the seabed on a site that could “become the largest in Europe”.<\/p>\n
Dr Sheehan said their mussel studies began in 2013, with data now showing the species could “restore and regenerate” seabeds.<\/p>\n
They also provided “incredible” habitats for species including lobsters, small sharks and rays and cabs.<\/p>\n
“We’re just now starting to track these animals to understand how they use the farm and whether they’re spilling over and having benefits to the local fisheries,” said Dr Sheehan.<\/p>\n
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Seaweed is being grown at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth<\/p>\n
Research also includes technological innovations, including seaweed as a sustainable food source.<\/p>\n
Dr Mike Allen, from the University of Exeter, has founded company SeaGen, saying: “We cannot hang around. <\/p>\n
“We need to make a difference and reverse climate change. All big ideas start somewhere.<\/p>\n
“All the problems of the world – these global problems \u2013 they are all a series of local solutions.”<\/p>\n
At the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth, Michael Cunliffe is looking at the potential of microscopic fungi in the sea to change our lives on land.<\/p>\n