The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has announced a new corporate supporter, who are helping to accelerate research into blue carbon capture.
As SAMS’ first corporate member and first water retailer supporter, Water Plus is helping SAMS further their brand-new studies into blue carbon storage, which has the long-term aim of creating a science-based system for verifying the effectiveness of seaweed in marine carbon capture, alongside delivering nature-based solutions in coastal environments.
Water Plus, which has a base in Scotland and one in England, is also supporting awareness-raising activities with communities in the surrounding area and wider UK.
This recent support of SAMS is part of the action Water Plus is taking under its Cleaner Climate Promise, announced in March 2022, which includes supporting other charity, community and environmental projects, such as re-introducing native oysters into UK coastal waters to improve the health of marine eco-systems.
SAMS Director Prof Nicholas Owens said:
“It’s fantastic Water Plus has chosen SAMS as one of its growing portfolio of environmental charity partners. Our work studying the seas and understanding the marine environment’s role in climate change has never been more crucial and time-critical – only by truly understanding the power of the ocean can we create a stronger and healthier planet for us all. We’re also looking forward to using Water Plus’s voice to raise awareness and encourage positive environmental action amongst communities and businesses in Scotland and the UK.”
Andy Hughes, Chief Executive of water retailer Water Plus, said:
“Along with supporting pioneering projects and research to help habitats and support the natural environment, we’re committed to making sustainability and minimising our environmental impact core to our business, our people and our customers.
“Our work in 2023, we hope, will raise awareness further about how we all interact with water, how we can approach this through our relationship with natural resources in the future – and encourage consideration around more options to help our planet. Along with our technical water services, that are helping cut water waste and increase efficiencies for organisations in Scotland and England, we’re helping restore oyster levels in the UK, to help habitats and boost biodiversity, amongst the additional action we’re taking.”
SAMS has been delivering independent marine science since 1884 and continues working for healthy and sustainably managed seas and oceans through world-class marine research, education and engagement with society.
Water Plus, which provides water and wastewater services including billing, customer service, meter reading, account management and technical water services for sites in England and Scotland, is the first official Corporate Member to support The Scottish Association for Marine Science, in a new approach launched by SAMS this year.
The work in 2023, follows Water Plus supporting the restoration of peatland in Scotland in 2021, preventing 400 tonnes of carbon being released, helping towards the UK’s Net Zero target.
