Divers discover new beds of rare maerl off Cornish coast

Divers have discovered large beds of a rare pink calcified seaweed growing off the coast of south Cornwall.

The areas – known as maerl beds – form the basis of marine food chains in the area, and are hugely important for the local ecosystem, say experts.

The team and specialist survey divers found 79 different types of animal living on the maerl off the Roseland Peninsula and St Austell Bay.

Natural England said maerl plays a crucial role in supporting fish populations and underpinning healthy fisheries, and is classed as an “irreplaceable habitat”.