“Maerl is Cornwall’s ancient coral garden…. once they are gone, they are gone’
— David Slater, Natural England
Maerl beds — formed by slow-growing coral like seaweed—are among Cornwall’s most precious and least understood marine habitats. Often called “Celtic coral,” these vibrant pink seabed structures support exceptional biodiversity, act as nursery grounds for fish and shellfish, and store blue carbon, helping fight climate change. Despite their importance to us and wildlife, Maerl beds are fragile and face growing threats from pollution, dredging, anchoring, and climate change.
Maerl rhodolith, photo credit Matt Slater. Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Maerl Forum 2025
In response to the recognition of the need to understand and protect our Cornish Maerl, Cornwall Council and Natural England, supported by a steering group of organisations including Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter, organised the first ever UK Maerl Forum.
The event, which took place in April 2025 in Falmouth, brought together scientists, conservationists, policymakers, and community groups to share knowledge and shape a future for Maerl protection.
Key Outcomes of the Forum;
- Mapping & Monitoring: New technologies, like 3D photogrammetry and diver-led surveys, have revealed extensive Maerl beds across Cornwall’s south coast.
- Threats Identified: Poor water quality, destructive fishing practices, and invasive species are degrading Maerl habitats.
- Community Engagement: Citizen science, creative arts, and local marine groups are raising awareness and driving grassroots action.
- Policy & Protection: Maerl is now recognised as a priority habitat, with calls to designate it as “marine irreplaceable” and expand legal protections.
Cornwall Maerl Conservation Action Plan (2025–2030)
To secure Maerl’s future, the Cornwall Maerl Conservation Action Plan was created using actions that identify knowledge gaps, implement conservation measures, and engage stakeholders.
The plan was developed by the Maerl Forum Steering Group through expert consultation, and informed through forum delegate consultation, drawing on evidence and shared knowledge to highlight suggested actions for protecting Cornwall’s Maerl beds. It’s designed to be collaborative, with everyone—from scientists to citizens—playing a role.
This 5-year plan outlines collaborative actions across six themes:
- Monitoring & Innovation – Improve mapping and data sharing.
- Water Quality Management – Tackle pollution from land to sea.
- Sustainable Fishing & Activity Regulation – Reduce seabed damage.
- Legal Protection & Policy Reform – Strengthen enforcement and designations.
- Restoration & Climate Research – Explore Maerl’s role in blue carbon and resilience.
- Public Awareness & Education – Inspire action through festivals, media, and community events.
This plan provides a foundation for protecting Maerl habitats, ensuring it continues to support biodiversity, fisheries, and the resilience of Cornwall’s seas for generations to come.
UK Maerl Forum Report and Cornwall Maerl Conservation Action Plan - Download and read the report via the link to the right of this page.
Seasearch diver over maerl, photo credit Matt Slater Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Maerl Webinar - 26th June 2025 - Maerl Perspectives, from Global to Local
Second Maerl Webinar - 16th October - Maerl Perspectives, from Global to Local PART 2
“Maerl is Cornwall’s ancient coral garden…. once they are gone, they are gone’
— David Slater, Natural England
Maerl beds — formed by slow-growing coral like seaweed—are among Cornwall’s most precious and least understood marine habitats. Often called “Celtic coral,” these vibrant pink seabed structures support exceptional biodiversity, act as nursery grounds for fish and shellfish, and store blue carbon, helping fight climate change. Despite their importance to us and wildlife, Maerl beds are fragile and face growing threats from pollution, dredging, anchoring, and climate change.
Maerl rhodolith, photo credit Matt Slater. Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Maerl Forum 2025
In response to the recognition of the need to understand and protect our Cornish Maerl, Cornwall Council and Natural England, supported by a steering group of organisations including Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter, organised the first ever UK Maerl Forum.
The event, which took place in April 2025 in Falmouth, brought together scientists, conservationists, policymakers, and community groups to share knowledge and shape a future for Maerl protection.
Key Outcomes of the Forum;
- Mapping & Monitoring: New technologies, like 3D photogrammetry and diver-led surveys, have revealed extensive Maerl beds across Cornwall’s south coast.
- Threats Identified: Poor water quality, destructive fishing practices, and invasive species are degrading Maerl habitats.
- Community Engagement: Citizen science, creative arts, and local marine groups are raising awareness and driving grassroots action.
- Policy & Protection: Maerl is now recognised as a priority habitat, with calls to designate it as “marine irreplaceable” and expand legal protections.
Cornwall Maerl Conservation Action Plan (2025–2030)
To secure Maerl’s future, the Cornwall Maerl Conservation Action Plan was created using actions that identify knowledge gaps, implement conservation measures, and engage stakeholders.
The plan was developed by the Maerl Forum Steering Group through expert consultation, and informed through forum delegate consultation, drawing on evidence and shared knowledge to highlight suggested actions for protecting Cornwall’s Maerl beds. It’s designed to be collaborative, with everyone—from scientists to citizens—playing a role.
This 5-year plan outlines collaborative actions across six themes:
- Monitoring & Innovation – Improve mapping and data sharing.
- Water Quality Management – Tackle pollution from land to sea.
- Sustainable Fishing & Activity Regulation – Reduce seabed damage.
- Legal Protection & Policy Reform – Strengthen enforcement and designations.
- Restoration & Climate Research – Explore Maerl’s role in blue carbon and resilience.
- Public Awareness & Education – Inspire action through festivals, media, and community events.
This plan provides a foundation for protecting Maerl habitats, ensuring it continues to support biodiversity, fisheries, and the resilience of Cornwall’s seas for generations to come.
UK Maerl Forum Report and Cornwall Maerl Conservation Action Plan - Download and read the report via the link to the right of this page.
Seasearch diver over maerl, photo credit Matt Slater Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Maerl Webinar - 26th June 2025 - Maerl Perspectives, from Global to Local
Second Maerl Webinar - 16th October - Maerl Perspectives, from Global to Local PART 2
