In a remarkable discovery, a team of naturalists from NatureScot, Scotland’s nature agency, has stumbled upon a captivating seagrass formation in the Sound of Barra, part of the Western Isles. These peculiar circular patterns, dubbed “seagrass doughnuts” by the monitoring team, have left experts intrigued by their rarity and beauty.
Sarah Cunningham, NatureScot’s marine protected area and marine enhancement manager, described the find as “spectacular.” Seagrass, she explained, is a vital habitat that supports a diverse array of marine life, much like a underwater rainforest. The lush meadows it creates play a crucial role in trapping carbon, making them a valuable ally in the fight against the climate crisis.
However, the reasons behind the circular growth patterns remain a mystery. NatureScot stated that such formations are seldom observed, adding to the intrigue surrounding this remarkable discovery.
Seagrass was once so abundant in Scotland that it was even used for thatching houses in Orkney. Sadly, the habitat has suffered significant losses throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, prompting NatureScot to undertake restoration projects to revive this vital ecosystem.
The discovery of the “seagrass doughnuts” in the Sound of Barra serves as a reminder of the wonders that still exist in Scotland’s marine environments, and the importance of preserving and restoring these fragile habitats for future generations.
