Local marine partnership receives funding to deliver innovative conservation projects in Studland Bay, Dorset

Local marine partnership receives funding to deliver innovative conservation projects in Studland Bay, Dorset

The Studland Bay Marine Partnership has been awarded £186,000 from the Marine Management Organisation’s Fisheries and Seafood Scheme to support the conservation of Studland Bay’s precious marine ecosystems.

The new funding, which has been secured following a successful funding bid with Dorset Council, will contribute to a larger £248,000 conservation project to support this special site, the wildlife that live there, and the water users who enjoy it.  

The project, which will see an additional 57 eco-moorings installed in the bay, and the continuation of the partnership’s research and monitoring programme, will be delivered by the Studland Bay Marine Partnership.

Funds from the award will also be used to complete the formulisation of the partnership, provide more information for boat users in the Studland and Poole harbour marina areas, and continue an engagement programme, led by the Dorset Coast Forum, throughout 2024 and beyond.

See full press release here> Studland Bay Marine Partnership received funding to deliver innovative conservation projects

Images credit: boatfolk

As seen on BBC’s Springwatch 2023 

As seen on BBC’s Springwatch 2023 

Watch BBC Springwatch presenter Megan McCubbin as she explains why marine conservation and the voluntary no anchor zone (VNAZ) at Studland Bay is so important and how an eco-mooring protects the precious seagrass. 

Our next phase eco-mooring installations are now here! 

Our next phase eco-mooring installations are now here! 

The SBMP are proud to announce a further win for marine wildlife and boaters alike at Studland Bay, as the next installation of an additional 21 eco-moorings is now complete. This follows the 10 that were installed in 2021. In addition, 12 existing moorings have been converted into eco-moorings (belonging to private owners) bringing the total number installed in the bay to 43.