Background

Maerl is the collective name for several species of unattached, coralline red algae that can form extensive beds where conditions are favourable. Maerl beds support a large diversity of fauna and seaweeds and are classified as Habitats of Principal Importance (Priority Habitats) under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. Maerl beds are considered to be an essential fish habitat and due to their fragility and very slow recovery times they are defined as an irreplaceable habitat by Natural England. Maerl beds are rare throughout their range. In England, the large majority of maerl beds are within Cornwall. Maerl is designated within the Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation and the Manacles Marine Conservation Zone. Recent evidence highlights a far greater extent of maerl beds on the South Cornish coast than was previously recognised, these are largely unprotected by designations. In the past, maerl in the Fal Estuary was seriously degraded by extractive activities, from which it has not yet recovered. Maerl is still subject to a number of pressures. As an irreplaceable habitat, there is a strong imperative to remove and reduce these pressures so that maerl in Cornwall can continue to provide a flow of ecosystem services and can begin its slow recovery.

Purpose

To bring together academics, marine managers, advisors, conservationists, and investors to share knowledge of current research and conservation efforts for maerl and to explore developing a strategy for the conservation and management of maerl in Cornwall. The event aims to foster collaboration, exchange of knowledge, identify funding and build partnerships that will contribute to the creation of a maerl recovery action plan. Monitoring and review of progress against the action plan will be carried out through future meetings of
the forum.

Location

University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, and online (hybrid).

Date

25th April 2025.

Structure

The Maerl Forum will consist of a full day 9am – 5pm.

• A series of talks.
• Facilitated workshops on – key pressures to address, priorities, evidence gaps, awareness raising, potential actions.
• Optional Seasearch dive on maerl on Saturday 26th January for invited & trained Seasearch divers.
• Technical report – a written account of proceedings with a UK and Cornwall Action Plan.

Organisation

A Forum steering group, with membership consisting of;

• Abigail Crosby, Cornwall Council
• Angie Gall, Natural England
• Matt Slater, Cornwall Wildlife Trust
• Victoria Hobson, University of Exeter
• Jean-Luc Solandt, Blue Marine Foundation.
• Jason Hall-Spencer, University of Plymouth
• Trudy Russell, Natural England

Funders

• University of Exeter
• Cornwall Council Natural England Nature Recovery Fund
• Nature England
• Local Investment in Nature Cornwall (LINC)
• Fal & Helford Special Area of Conservation S106 Fund