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New Ryde Pier Project Aims To Reduce Carbon Dioxide Levels

Wightlink has teamed up with scientists and students from the University of Portsmouth in a new environmental project to examine — and ultimately encourage — the growth of seagrass in the Solent off Ryde. 

Thriving seagrass beds help to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and at the same time increase biodiversity by creating habitat for marine life.
The new project will gather more information about the Solent beds, which in turn will pave the way for the planting of more seagrass. 
Dr Ian Hendy, senior lecturer at the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of Portsmouth, said:

“A team from the university is carrying out an initial survey of the seabed around Ryde Pier.

“Seagrass performs such an important role in carbon reduction by drawing out CO2 from the environment and holding it safely in the seabed.

"It also provides a great habitat for marine life and helps anchor the seabed and thereby prevent coastal erosion."

Wightlink is supporting the Portsmouth team with travel as the surveys continue. Further projects at the ferry company’s ports look likely.

Wightlink chief executive, Keith Greenfield, added:

“We are delighted to support this work by our friends at the University of Portsmouth and, indeed, to look at other opportunities where Wightlink can be a part of understanding and improving the environment around us.”

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