Seagrass is more important than you think and Dr Leanne Cullen-Unsworth, the CEO of Project Seagrass is here to explain why. What is Seagrass exactly? And why is it so important? Seagrass has a superpower, it can absorb huge quantities of carbon dioxide from the ocean and therefore is essential in the fight against climate change. It stores the carbon and releases oxygen back into the environment. Seagrass plants that live in the shallow, sheltered areas of our coast. These sensitive plants are different from seaweed and grow bright green leaves forming dense underwater meadows. These meadows are full of life, supporting thousands of marine species, producing oxygen, storing carbon, stabilising our coastlines, and keeping our ocean clean and clear. Yet, they are globally threatened and are facing significant losses around the world.

Leanne works to strategically deliver conservation and restoration action based on sound research that is improving our understanding of seagrass systems in the UK and internationally. Her research background is interdisciplinary with more than 20 years working on coupled social-ecological systems and sustainability in the terrestrial and marine environment. Her passion for seagrass was ignited through her PhD research focusing on marine resource use patterns (2004-2007).

00:00 – 02:09 Meet Leanne
02:09 – 09:25 Project Seagrass
09:25 – 12:22 Financing Projects
12:22 – 18:25 Journey
18:25 – 20:30 Top Qualities
20:30 – 22:25 Challenges
22:25 – 24:05 Top Tips
24:05 – 26:07 Plans for The Future