The Studland Bay Marine Partnership are reaching out to the wider public to have their say on how the strategy and installations of the eco-moorings can be taken forward. Feedback from the survey will be incorporated into the Studland Bay Marine Partnership management strategy for the group to take forward over the next 10 years.
Voluntary No Anchoring Zone (VNAZ)
From December 2021, the MMO introduced a Voluntary No Anchoring Zone (VNAZ) in part of the bay currently used by recreational craft. The VNAZ has been expanded from 01 June 2022 (see the MMO’s Studland Bay MCZ Habitat Protection Strategy and website for more information). At all times, anchoring in emergency situations will still be permitted.
The MMO have indicated that a sustainable alternative to anchoring in the VNAZ could be achieved through the use of Advanced Eco-Mooring Systems (AMS) to protect the seagrass habitat whilst allowing continued use by recreational craft. The Studland Bay Marine Partnership is actively looking to encourage water enthusiasts and boat users to respect the seagrass by not anchoring at the known seagrass locations and use permitted moorings.
The measures have been introduced in order to help protect seagrass meadows on the sea floor. Seagrass not only provides a valuable habitat for a wide range of marine wildlife, but also prevents seabed erosion with its rare root system and helps capture carbon, combatting climate change.
Studland Bay is a very popular anchorage with boat users. Unfortunately, the level of recreational activity, particularly anchoring and mooring, can damage the seagrass.
What’s happening now and how to get involved?
At this stage Dorset Coast Forum are working with the partners and key stakeholders to draft a 10-year management strategy, a moorings plan and future governance options Studland Bay.
Partner and stakeholder workshops took place during January and February 2022 to draft these key management documents.
It is recognised the importance of having eco-moorings in place within the VNAZ, and the draft proposed documents are now being shared with the wider public during the Summer 2022.
Have your say
There are two surveys available to complete:
2. Proposed Management Strategy Survey
Both of these surveys will close on 30 September 2022.
Find out more about the proposals and have your say on the Dorset Coast Forum website.
