More eco-moorings deployed

Ports of Jersey has deployed three more eco-moorings at St Catherine’s Bay this morning, as part of a long-term project to protect Jersey’s largest area of seagrass.

These are in addition to two of these types of moorings which were deployed as part of a trial to explore how they would fare with Jersey’s large tidal range, and how they would interact with the seagrass beds. These moorings are manufactured by a French company – Temano – and the three new ones are designated for visitors to the area.

Seagrass is known for its blue carbon, calculated to absorb 35 times more carbon than tropical rainforests. Traditional moorings, made up of significant lengths of chain, have been scouring bare patches in the seagrass beds, and the eco-moorings are designed to prevent this.

The Head of Maritime Operations, Louise Stafford, said: “We are working to prevent the damage caused by traditional moorings and anchoring by using eco-mooring systems which protect the seagrass and prevent erosion. The provision of visitor moorings will provide an alternative to anchoring in the bay and will ultimately contribute to protecting the seagrass beds.”

Seagrass

Seagrass provides shelter for marine fauna and at low water is an important feeding ground for wildfowl and other birds. It is also recognised for its blue carbon, calculated to absorb 35 times more carbon than tropical rainforests.

Studies have highlighted that traditional mooring chains and anchoring damage the seagrass and erode the seabed.