Seawater testing kits 'to help protect eelgrass'

Experts said the test results could "pave the way for targeted recommendations" to help the eelgrass beds "thrive to their fullest potential"

Seawater testing equipment could help protect valuable habitats, experts have said.

La Société Guernesiaise has received the devices, donated by a Guernsey law firm, to support coastal monitoring around the island.

Nicky Harris, from the organisation's marine biology section, said: "This equipment allows us to investigate how different bays vary in their temperature, salinity and total dissolved solids, and how this relates to the health and growth of the [island's] different eelgrass beds."

She said the tests could "pave the way for targeted recommendations to help the beds thrive to their fullest potential".

She added: "There is natural variation between bays, but the influence of human activities, including run-off and pollutants, together with climate factors, can also be monitored and analysed."

John Lewis, from law firm Mourant, which donated the equipment, said: "Protecting our oceans is vital to the health of island communities such as Guernsey.

"We're proud to support La Société Guernesiaise in introducing this innovative sea water testing kit, which will provide valuable data to help monitor and preserve Guernsey's marine environment."