A new partnership to restore seagrass habitats and advance carbon storage research

Specialist marine contractor joins forces with the Ocean Conservation Trust on seagrass restoration and research

Plymouth, UK, 11 May 2026: Marine civil engineering specialist TMS Maritime has announced a partnership with the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) to support the delivery of seagrass habitat research, and the ongoing development of verified blue carbon markets.

Seagrass meadows are among the most valuable marine habitats on the planet. As well as supporting fish populations, wildlife and coastline protection, they play an important role in capturing and storing carbon – making their recovery a priority for both conservation and climate action.

Through the partnership, TMS Maritime will provide vessels and crew to help OCT collect sediment core samples from seagrass sites across Devon and Cornwall. These will be scientifically analysed to build a clearer picture of how much carbon different seagrass habitats can store. This evidence could unlock new funding routes for habitat restoration through emerging blue carbon markets, an area of growing importance to governments, the finance sector and the wider marine industry.

TMS Maritime will also offer vessel support for OCT's hands-on restoration fieldwork, enabling teams to operate safely and efficiently in demanding marine environments.

TMS Maritime managing director Roger Full said: "Marine contractors must play a part in protecting and restoring the environments in which they work. Through this partnership, we're using our operational skills, decades of expertise, and equipment including our vessels to support credible, science-led conservation in the coastal environment. Our aim is to support OCT’s work, ultimately improve access to funding for these vital conservation efforts, and in doing so support the ongoing benefits of these ecosystems for all."

Mark Parry, head of habitat restoration at the Ocean Conservation Trust, said: "Collaborations with others who depend on the sea allow us to do far more to protect its unique and fragile environments. This partnership will help OCT collect direct measurements of seagrass habitats, building greater evidence and facilitating wider nature recovery. Having TMS Maritime’s skills and resources in our corner ensures we can work safely and at scale to have the greatest positive impact."

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About TMS Maritime

TMS Maritime is a leading UK marine civil engineering contractor with over 30 years of specialist expertise delivering marine and civil construction projects across coastal, tidal and inland waterways in the UK and Europe. The company provides a comprehensive range of services including marine construction, commercial diving, piling, civil engineering works and specialist marine plant hire. Known for its technical capability and professionalism, TMS operates as both principal and specialist contractor, supporting complex marine infrastructure projects with inhouse expertise and equipment. TMS is recognised for its commitment to quality, safety and value, and is accredited by leading industry bodies. For more information, visit www.tmsmaritime.co.uk

About the Ocean Conservation Trust

The Ocean Conservation Trust is a global charity that exists to protect and restore the Ocean. Their vision is a world where the Ocean is thriving, healthy, and sustainably protected for generations to come. Working across three core pillars – Ocean Advocacy, Ocean Habitats and Ocean Experiences – the team invests time, skills and passion into projects that increase biodiversity and combat climate change to protect the Ocean. They work tirelessly to inspire positive change amongst individuals, communities, businesses, and policymakers alike.

About Blue Meadows

Blue Meadows is OCT’s flagship conservation programme, focused on the protection and restoration of seagrass habitats across the UK. The conservation of seagrass meadows supports marine biodiversity, coastal resilience, and climate change mitigation. It also provides financial benefits and boosts to the wellbeing of coastal communities. For more information visit www.bluemeadows.org