Studland Bay Marine Partnership

Project overview

The Studland Bay Marine Partnership brings together conservation charities, boating organisations, academics, statutory bodies, community groups and local businesses.

Together, we all share one clear goal – to restore the bay’s seagrass meadows and the wildlife they support, while ensuring boaters can continue to enjoy its calm waters.

The Studland Bay Marine Partnership (SBMP) formed to work towards protecting Studland’s resident, and protected, long-snouted seahorse population and other marine wildlife. Dorset Coast Forum supports the partnership by coordinating engagement activities, responding to enquiries, and providing administrative support.

Marine Conservation Zone

Studland Bay became a Marine Conservation Zone in 2019 to safeguard its seagrass meadows and spiny seahorses that depend on them. To help protect these sensitive habitats, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) introduced a Voluntary No Anchor Zone in 2021. Within this area, boaters are encouraged to avoid anchoring to help prevent damage to seagrass beds. The zone extends from Middle Beach and South Beach towards Old Harry Rocks. Anchoring is still permitted in emergency situations.

For more information from the MMO see:

• Studland Bay MCZ Habitat Protection Strategy
• Managing marine non-licensable activity in Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone – GOV.UK website

Eco-moorings

During the boating season, 87 eco-moorings are available for visiting vessels. Paying to use an eco-mooring helps protect Studland’s fragile seagrass meadows. All money raised by the mooring fees goes directly back into the conservation project.

Unlike traditional moorings, eco-moorings are designed to minimise impact on the seabed. Each mooring uses a helical screw anchor connected to the buoy by an elastic rode that moves with the tide, helping to prevent damage to seagrass and other marine habitats.

Visit the Studland Bay Marine Partnership website for more information on how to pay to moor, donate to the project and support Studland’s seagrass meadows.