Pagham Harbour MCZ Intertidal Seagrass Sampling

Descriptions

Over recent years, the intertidal seagrass at the Pagham Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) has declined in extent from a maximum of ~ 6 ha in 2011 to <0.01 ha in 2021. The cause of decline has yet to be established however eutrophication, chemical contamination, changes in sediment composition and other anthropogenic pressures may be negatively influencing the health of beds. The likely causes of decline requires investigation. The aims of the project are to I.Collect high quality evidence on seagrass health and associated physical parameters to better understand the cause of decline in Pagham Harbour MCZ and; II.Report the outputs to investigate the relationship outlined in the objectives, detailing the methods of survey, analysis, results, interpretation, and recommendations for future work.