What are the seagrass 'fairy circles' found in the Sound of Barra?

These are rare circular formations of seagrass discovered on the seabed in Scotland's Western Isles, nicknamed 'seagrass doughnuts'.

Why is seagrass important according to NatureScot?

NatureScot highlights seagrass as a wonder habitat crucial for marine wildlife and for trapping carbon to help the climate crisis.

Have seagrass habitats always been rare in Scotland?

No, seagrass once grew abundantly and was even used historically, but the habitat has suffered widespread losses in recent centuries.

Home / Environment / Mysterious Seagrass Circles Appear on Seabed

Mysterious Seagrass Circles Appear on Seabed

20 Jan

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Summary

Rare seagrass 'fairy circles' discovered on seabed in Western Isles.
These circular formations are rarely observed in nature.
Seagrass habitats are crucial for marine life and climate mitigation.

Mysterious Seagrass Circles Appear on Seabed

Mysterious seagrass "fairy circles" have been found on the seabed in the Sound of Barra, located in Scotland's Western Isles. These rare formations, which differ from the usual dense seagrass meadows, have earned the nickname "seagrass doughnuts" from NatureScot's monitoring team.

Seagrass is a vital habitat, often compared to rainforests for its ecological and climatic benefits. The lush meadows it forms support diverse wildlife and its leaves and roots capture carbon, which is crucial for addressing the climate crisis. Despite its importance, this marine habitat has faced significant losses throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

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