Open water swimmers at Galway's Blackrock tower tend to swim east, but scientists would love it if they sometimes swam west – weather permitting.
That’s an area rich in seagrass in Galway Bay, and one of a number of habitats that are of particular interest.
The snake-like grass which moves hypnotically with the waves and grows in meadows in certain coastal areas is an "indicator organism”.
Dr Noirin Burke of Galway Atlantaquaria
That means it is a type of “underwater canary in the coal mine”, which can signify the health of a marine ecosystem.
Seagrass (Zostera noltil)
Coastal walkers are being asked to report any signs of seagrass they may find to help complete Ireland’s map of its locations.
Dr Jonathan Lefcheck of University of Maryland
Galway Atlantaquaria’s Dr Noirín Burke took Wavelengths for a paddle to explain more, and Dr Jonathan Lefcheck of the University of Maryland, who visited Ireland last year, also gave some background on its significance and why citizen science can help.
