Resilient Coasts case study

Working with the Devon Net Zero Innovation Fund
Resilient Coasts  Mangrove density to improve understanding of buffer zone effectiveness to coastal hazards (produced under E04SD project with NOC UK, 2020)
As climate change is increasing the risk of flooding and erosion of our shorelines, local company Resilient Coasts Ltd provides a global consultancy service advising on interventions that work in harmony with the environment. In consultation with the University of Plymouth they have developed a new seagrass restoration guidance service for their clients.

Nature-based solution

Seagrass habitats have remarkable benefits for aquatic life but also as a solution for problems including coastal erosion. 
Following a successful application to the Devon Net Zero Innovation Fund, Resilient Coasts were matched with expertise within the University to build their knowledge of seagrass restoration as an intervention to protect shorelines.
Established in 2018, Resilient Coasts provide strategic advice on nature-based solutions that help clients in the coastal environment to provide long-term adaptive approaches and to create environmental net gains.
Seagrass habitats are one of the most productive ecosystems on earth and have huge potential for carbon sequestration. They have many benefits including erosion control, water purification, nutrient cycling and pathogen reduction. They also serve as nursery grounds for fish stock making them in the top three most valuable ecosystems on earth. They are a unique environment needing protection with clear economic benefits for fisheries.

The project

The research project involved a comprehensive analysis of the latest research as well as shared learning from previous seagrass projects. The project was led by Dr Robert Schindler who is a geomorphology researcher based in the University’s Marine Institute. The researchers gathered a wealth of technical knowledge from field, laboratory and literature to inform practical instructions provided to the company in a report.
Resilient Coasts distilled the University of Plymouth research into a practical guide to support their work with clients. This depth of knowledge has created a new theme within their consultancy and they now offer a new service, teaching clients about seagrass restoration.
Image taken by @shanegrossphoto, courtesy of Climate Visuals, shows a SeaChange Society diver planting eelgrass into an area that historically had lush seagrass beds, but were wiped out due to human activity.
Image taken by @shanegrossphoto, courtesy of Climate Visuals, shows a SeaChange Society diver planting eelgrass into an area that historically had lush seagrass beds, but were wiped out due to human activity.

What’s next

The collaboration between the University of Plymouth and Resilient Coasts provided the company with the latest expertise on how to restore seagrass habitats. It has enabled the consultancy to provide robust, evidence-based seagrass guidance to help guide clients towards the best outcomes for seagrass habitats. This not only gives the company a competitive edge but will help to intervene in the declining number of seagrass habitats in our world’s oceans.
 
The Low Carbon Devon project was a five-year European Regional Development Fund project held at the University of Plymouth supporting Devon businesses to transition to the low carbon economy closing in mid-2023.
The project served as a catalyst for low carbon economic growth in Devon via the Future Shift internship programme, a series of free events and by connecting enterprises with expertise within the University of Plymouth.
The project collaborated with over 130 innovative Devon enterprises who are developing sustainable practices and securing opportunities in the low carbon economy.
To find out more about the University of Plymouth's business services visit Enterprise Solutions. 
 
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