Scotland's incredible 'underwater rainforests' get £2million conservation boost

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The largest ever scheme to restore an underwater “wonder plant” to Scotland’s seas has been launched with £2million of funding.At least 35 acres of seagrass meadows - likened to the rainforests of the ocean and a vital absorber of carbon - will be planted up and down the Scottish coast.The £2million funding boost was gifted by SSEN Distribution and marks the largest-ever single donation to marine enhancement in Scotland.Seagrass is the only true flowering plant in the sea, experts say, and creates meadows in coastal waters that can host a staggering array of wildlife.They’re often likened to rainforests because of the thousands of species they provide food and shelter for.Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan said: “Tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss is a global and national endeavour which will require the collective effort of governments, businesses and our whole society to deliver the necessary change.“This announcement is a great example of the potential for unlocking responsible private finance to support nature restoration and could be transformative for our precious seagrass.”Seagrasses also help tackle climate change, with their leaves and roots taking in carbon dioxide and locking it away.They can also improve water quality, reduce contamination in seafood, and act as the first line of defence along coasts by reducing wave energy, protecting people from the increasing risk of flooding and storms.But seagrasses have been declining globally since the 1930s, with estimates that 7 per cent of seagrass meadows are being lost each year.NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said: “This unique project shows how organisations can and are working together to save the nature we all depend