Case study

Studland Bay Marine Partnership

Delivering innovative conservation projects to protect Studland Bay바카라 사이트s vital seagrass habitat while working closely with the local community and water users.

Vessel using ecomooring at Studland in Dorset courtesy of Boatfolk.

Key facts 

  • Applicant name: Studland Bay Marine Partnership and Dorset Council. 

  • Location:  Studland Bay, Dorset. 

  • Type of project: Marine conservation, community engagement and sustainable mooring solutions. 

  • Project value: £262,000 

  • Grant value: £196,000 

  • Date awarded:  November 2023  

Project details 

Studland Bay is home to Dorset바카라 사이트s most extensive seagrass beds which serve as an important habitat for rare or endangered species of seahorse, pipefish and rays, as well as nursery grounds for commercially important fish species. It was formally designated a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) in the 2019 and in 2021 MMO introduced a voluntary no anchor zone (VNAZ) to help protect the seagrass habitats.  

During 2021 The Studland Bay Marine Partnership (SBMP) was established, bringing together the local community, to protect the area바카라 사이트s seagrass habitat while balancing the needs of recreational boaters, visitors and businesses. This included awareness raising campaigns and the installation of eco-moorings, an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional moorings. 

To further these efforts, £186,000 was awarded through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme to support the installation of an additional 57 new eco-moorings, bringing the total number available in the bay to 87 during the main boating season. Funding also supported ongoing research and monitoring, and an expanded community engagement programme. 

David Brown, Chair of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership (SBMP), said:  

바카라 사이트The funding from FaSS has enabled us to implement practical solutions that have made a positive impact towards the conservation of Studland Bays바카라 사이트s special marine ecosystem. It is also enabling us to continue the important work of conserving and preserving the seagrass habitats for future generations to enjoy. 바카라 사이트바카라 사이트 

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council바카라 사이트s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: 

바카라 사이트We are delighted that we successfully secured funding to aid conservation initiatives in Studland Bay, as safeguarding our remarkable coastline and the habitats it nurtures is of huge importance. Studland Bay holds immense value 바카라 사이트 not only for the diverse wildlife of our county but also for the local community, businesses, and water enthusiasts who treasure it. This funding will play a pivotal role in supporting the Studland Bay Marine Partnership바카라 사이트s collaborative and sustainable approach to managing the area effectively.바카라 사이트 

Project outcomes 

  • Installation of 57 new eco-moorings, expanding the environmentally friendly anchoring options for recreational boaters in Studland Bay.  

  • Ongoing research and monitoring to track seagrass recovery. 

  • Delivery of community engagement activities to raise awareness of Studland바카라 사이트s seagrass habitat and the importance of the voluntary no anchor zone.  

  • Provision of new information, signage and resources for boat users at local marinas and harbours to promote responsible anchoring and conservation-friendly practices.  

  • Formalisation of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership, ensuring its long-term role as a collaborative, community-led group balancing environmental protection with recreational use.  

Supported outcomes 

  • Enhanced visibility for eco-moorings and their benefits through public engagement events, resulting in the eco-moorings featured on BBC Springwatch and Crown Estate project showcase. 

  • Annual MMO led VNAZ reviews indicating number of recreational boaters anchoring in areas of seagrass is continuing to decrease over time. 

  • A 2024 University of Southampton research and monitoring dive which has observed seagrass regrowth in the bay. 

Learn more 

Find out more about the  

View more case studies here: Fisheries and Seafood Scheme: Selected case studies

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Published 31 March 2025