Studland Bay seagrass shows dramatic recovery as MMO backed eco-moorings prove effective

Evidence of seagrass recovery in Studland Bay, demonstrates the success of conservation work led by local partners and supported by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

Studland Bay, off the Dorset coast, was designated a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) in 2019 and is home to one of the UK’s most significant seagrass beds. These beds serve as a vital habitat for protected species, including seahorses, pipefish and rays, as well as serving as nursery grounds for commercially important fish species.

The MMO introduced a voluntary no anchor zone (VNAZ) in the bay in 2021, working alongside the Studland Bay Marine Partnership (SBMP) to find innovative solutions to reduce pressure on the sensitive seagrass habitat. This partnership approach led to an initial installation of eco-moorings to enable boaters to continue to use the bay without impacting the health of the seagrass.

Traditional moorings can move across the seabed, as vessel moves with the wind and tide, and can scour or damage sensitive seabed habitats. Eco-moorings however are an environmentally friendly form of Advanced Mooring System (AMS) and use a helical screw drilled into the seabed with an elasticated riser that connects to a surface buoy. In Studland Bay, the partnership was required to apply for marine licence before carrying out the installation of the eco-moorings and was supported by the MMO through this process.  

Furthermore in 2023, MMO awarded a £186,000 Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) grant to SBMP to support a larger £248,000 conservation project, which included an additional 57 eco-moorings. Bringing the total number of eco-moorings in the bay up to 87.