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The partnership includes funding for seagrass meadow research and the launch of an 18-month post-graduate research project with the University of Plymouth. The study will be the most detailed UK research on subtidal seagrass beds, focusing on whether these meadows trap microplastics and the environmental impact.
Seagrass, a vital marine habitat, is known to trap small particles. The study will investigate microplastic levels in animals living in seagrass beds and test the theory that seagrass acts as a sink for pollutants.
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Alongside the research, Kier will fund community engagement officers to raise awareness of seagrass meadows and ensure monitoring through Remote Operated Vehicles and environmental DNA (eDNA) testing.
Matt Tompsett, head of sustainability and environment, Kier Transportation, said, "At Kier we understand the bigger picture - and that the health of our oceans impacts the health of all life on earth. Our seagrass meadows need protecting and restoring. They are fantastic carbon sinks, rich in biodiversity, slow coastal erosion - and our study is focused on understanding if it can trap and remove microplastic from ocean. We are proud to be partnering with OCT and the University of Plymouth to support the protection and restoration of our seagrass meadows."
Kier Transportation is also exploring nature-based solutions to microplastic pollution from roads, including trialling biochar with TerrAffix to remove microplastics from road runoff.
Ian McFadzen, CEO at the Ocean Conservation Trust, said: "Seagrass meadows are one of the world’s most efficient habitats in removing CO2, and are hotspots of biodiversity. Seagrass around the UK coast has declined drastically over the years, and there is a critical need to protect existing beds and restore the habitat we have lost."
Kier will also repurpose waste concrete to create sinker blocks for marker buoys, aiding in the protection of seagrass meadows.
