A MARINE engineering company based in Teignmouth has joined forces with a conservation group to work to research and restore seagrass along the South West coastline and beyond.

Marine engineering experts TMS Maritime has teamed up with Plymouth-based Ocean Conservation Trust to support the charity's Blue Meadows programme, a UK-wide initiative to protect and restore seagrass meadows – and develop the science needed to unlock new funding for their recovery.

Seagrass meadows are among the most valuable marine habitats on the planet.

As well as supporting fish populations, wildlife, and coastline protection, they play an important role in capturing and storing carbon – making their recovery a priority for both conservation and climate action.

Under the partnership, TMS Maritime will provide vessels and crew to help OCT collect sediment core samples from seagrass sites across Devon and Cornwall.

These will be scientifically analysed to build a clearer picture of how much carbon different seagrass habitats can store – evidence that could unlock new funding routes for habitat restoration through emerging blue carbon markets.

TMS Maritime will also offer vessel support for OCT's hands-on restoration fieldwork in the region.

TMS Maritime managing director Roger Full said: ‘Marine contractors must play a part in protecting and restoring the environments in which they work. ‘Through this partnership, we’re using our operational skills, decades of expertise and equipment including our vessels to support credible, science-led conservation in the coastal environment.

‘Our aim is to support OCT’s work, ultimately improve access to funding for these vital conservation efforts, and in doing so support the ongoing benefits of these ecosystems for all.’

Mark Parry, head of habitat restoration at the Ocean Conservation Trust, said: ‘Collaborations with others who depend on the sea allow us to do far more to protect its unique and fragile environments.

‘This partnership will help OCT collect direct measurements of seagrass habitats across the South West, building greater evidence and facilitating wider nature recovery.

‘Having TMS Maritime’s skills and resources in our corner ensures we can work safely and at scale to have the greatest positive impact.’

TMS Maritime is a leading UK marine civil engineering contractor with more than 30 years of specialist expertise delivering marine and civil construction projects across coastal, tidal and inland waterways in the UK and Europe.

The company provides a comprehensive range of services including marine construction, commercial diving, piling, civil engineering works and specialist marine plant hire.

The Ocean Conservation Trust is a global charity that exists to protect and restore the ocean.

Its vision is a world where the ocean is thriving, healthy, and sustainably protected for generations to come.

Blue Meadows is OCT’s flagship conservation programme, focused on the protection and restoration of seagrass habitats across the UK.

The conservation of seagrass meadows supports marine biodiversity, coastal resilience, and climate change mitigation.

It also provides financial benefits and boosts to the wellbeing of coastal communities.