We successfully executed sand-capping with seagrass seeds to restore seagrass at scale in Scotland. 100,000 eelgrass (Zostera marina) seeds were distributed, in…
Sand capping with seagrass seeds
We developed a novel and scalable seagrass restoration technique, in which seagrass seeds are mixed with sand and applied in a thin layer upon a degraded seabed. This sandy layer improves conditions for vast seagrass meadows to establish and thrive, supporting a wide range of marine species and enhancing biodiversity.
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Over the past three years, the mechanical and biological challenges associated with the sand capping technique were investigated, such as how sand-seed mixtures are created and how it is applied upon the seabed. Via laboratory research in collaboration with University of Groningen, we determined that sand-seed mixtures are best applied via a spray-pontoon concept, using set densities and grain sizes to ensure seed deposition at optimal depths in the applied layer. We studied if seeds from various species are damaged by the nourishment process and how this influences germination rates.
By combining dredging expertise with ecological restoration, we offer an innovative, scalable nature-based solution to restore seagrass, a vital marine habitat, that supports a wide range of marine species. This method also allows for seed-based restoration to be incorporated into dredging and infrastructure projects.