A new report focusing on maerl habitats in Jersey is currently in development, supported by a grant from the Jersey Community Foundation with funds from the Channel Islands Lottery.
The project is managed by the Société Jersiaise in partnership with the Government of Jersey’s Environment Department.
This collaborative initiative aims to shed light on a unique and relatively unseen marine habitat – maerl. Maerl is a type of slow growing, calcified red seaweed that forms complex seabed structures, providing vital habitat for a wide range of marine life. The report will bring together existing knowledge through a comprehensive review of scientific literature, local research and expertise, and archival material from the Société Jersiaise.
Alongside this review, the report will include analysis of new primary data, helping to deepen understanding of the ecological importance and status of maerl in Jersey’s waters.
The final publication will be a visually engaging document, designed to raise awareness and appreciation of this extraordinary habitat. By identifying key knowledge gaps, it will help guide future research, monitoring, and conservation efforts. The project highlights the value of collaboration between scientific, governmental, and community organisations in advancing marine conservation and ensuring Jersey’s natural heritage is better understood and protected.
Rebecca J Bailhache, CEO Société Jersiaise, commented: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the Government of Jersey’s Environment Department to help support projects to deliver strategic priorities identified by the JCF and other organisations within the marine based natural environment, that are considered of benefit to the Island. This is aligned with the Société’s core mission to produce and facilitate research on the Island’s history, culture, language and environment.”
Photo Credit: Dr Jose M. Farinas-Franco
