No evidence from Studland Bay Seagrass Study 

No consistent evidence that anchoring is impacting the seagrass habitat at Studland Bay

The Crown Estate survey and monitoring of seagrass beds in Studland Bay Dorset has concluded that there is ‘no consistent evidence that anchoring is impacting the seagrass habitat at Studland Bay’.

The voluntary no anchoring zone has now been lifted.  

The report goes on to say that ‘however, the trends in the data suggest an increased difference in seagrass health between the voluntary no anchor zone and the control zone’ where no anchoring was permitted. The report suggests therefore that there is a need ‘for a continuation of seagrass health monitoring in Studland Bay’.  

Caroline Price RYA Planning and Environmental Advisor says “The report’s findings will be discussed by the stakeholders, including the RYA at a meeting with the Marine Management Organisation in autumn 2012.  

“We will continue to work with all the stakeholders because we believe it is essential to achieving a balance so that boating and nature conservation can continue to co-exist at Studland."  

The Crown Estate contracted Seastar Survey Ltd in 2009 to investigate the long term potential impact of anchoring on the seagrass habitat at Studland Bay.

The project was overseen by a project steering group comprising the Dorset Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the RYA and the Crown Estate. The survey ran from October 2009 until October 2011.  

“We’d like to say thank you to those boaters who did observe the voluntary no anchor zone and therefore contributed to the survey” concludes Caroline.  

Read the Crown Estate statement and Seagrass Monitoring report at the Crown Estate website.