Study Highlights Island’s Rare Maerl Habitats

Report to Shine Light on Jersey’s Rare Maerl Habitats

A new study aims to raise awareness of Jersey’s “unique and relatively unseen” maerl habitats, according to the Société Jersiaise.

Maerl is a type of slow-growing, calcified red seaweed that creates intricate seabed structures, providing essential shelter and feeding grounds for diverse marine species. The project, funded through a Jersey Community Foundation grant from the Channel Islands Lottery, seeks to deepen understanding of this important but little-known ecosystem.

Société Jersiaise CEO Rebecca J. Bailhache said the organisation was “delighted” to support initiatives that benefit the island’s environment.

Visually, maerl beds form a bobbly pink carpet with strands of brown seaweed interwoven. Researchers hope the study will lay the groundwork for future scientific investigation, environmental monitoring, and conservation strategies.

Managed by the Société Jersiaise in partnership with the Government of Jersey’s Environment Department, the report is intended to foster greater appreciation of this extraordinary habitat.

“By identifying key gaps in knowledge, the findings will help shape future research and protection efforts,” the society said. “This project also showcases the importance of collaboration between scientists, government, and the community in safeguarding Jersey’s natural heritage.”