Marine experts in the Sound of Barra in the Scottish Outer Hebrides have shared aerial footage of a fascinating natural phenomenon called “fairy circles”. The dark blue rings in the ocean are made of seagrass and are rarely seen.
“As far as we know, this is the first video of seagrass fairy circles in Scotland's seas,” says Sarah Cunningham, marine protected area and marine enhancement manager at NatureScot, in a statement.
“Our marine monitoring team call them seagrass doughnuts – but whatever you call them, they’re spectacular,” says Cunningham. “We were delighted when we spotted them and were able to get some aerial video showing them off!”
Researchers aren’t sure why these “seagrass doughnuts” form in these strange patterns but they do know that these habitats are at risk.
According to a new report, Scotland used to have thriving seagrass beds but these important habitats have been lost due to disease, pollution, poor water quality, coastal development and dredging.
Although the picture seems bleak, experts hope that the seagrass beds can recover if human threats are removed. This is important because these important habitats benefit both animals and humans.
“Seagrass is a wonder habitat, often likened to the rainforest because of its effect on nature and the climate,” she adds.
"The lush meadows it creates are home to an amazing array of wildlife. Their leaves and roots also trap carbon, helping tackle the climate crisis.
Seagrass can also improve water quality, reduce contamination in seafood, and act as the first line of defence along coasts by reducing wave energy, protecting people from the increasing risk of flooding and storms.”
Top image: Seagrass fairy circles. Credit: NatureScot | Chris Nall
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