New markers for Studland seagrass study

by RYA on 31 Jul 2010 An American system, new to the UK, normally used for moorings is being used to replace the markers of an independent study to examine the impacts of recreational boat anchoring on seagrass in Studland Bay.

Key to the study is a voluntary no-anchor zone (VNAZ) set-up in October 2009, but this has suffered from considerable movement, partly because it’s marker buoys have been mistaken by some visiting boat owners as mooring buoys.

To help prevent this from occurring the Marine Management Organisation who is the licensing authority, have approved the use of new yellow pillar-shaped marker buoys, which have just been put in place.

These new buoys have been clearly labelled as markers for the zone and are highly distinguishable. They are held in place by an innovative system used as a mooring in other places comprising a ‘Helix’ screw-in anchor attached to an elasticated eco-riser.

This system was developed in the USA to withstand hurricane force conditions and it is currently being used by over 10,000 boat owners in the States. The size of Helix (which can be adapted accordingly) in place at Studland would likely support small day vessels, but unfortunately they are not insured for this purpose at this stage.

Fiona McNie marine adviser for Natural England said: 'The main purpose of the new system is to keep the markers in place. However Natural England considers it a great opportunity to demonstrate their ability in the UK, to encourage boat owners to consider these or similar systems for mooring in the future.'
Important site for seagrass and seahorses

Studland Bay in Dorset is an important site for seagrass and seahorses and the Wildlife and Countryside Act prevents the removal, reckless and intentional killing, and disturbance of seahorses and their place of shelter. The Bay is also a traditional anchorage for leisure craft.

It is known from other places that anchoring has the potential to damage seagrass to varying degrees, and the chains of traditional mooring systems can scour fragile habitats such as seagrass, whilst the weighted sinkers fragment habitats and increase erosion.

In order to gain a more in-depth site specific perspective on the impact of anchoring at Studland, The Crown Estate which owns the seabed, and Natural England, the government’s statutory nature conservation agency, agreed to jointly trial the voluntary no anchor zone study to quantify how seagrass beds respond when anchoring is restricted or reduced.

The study is being done ahead of the implementation of the Marine & Coastal Access Act which will lead to a network of Marine Protected Areas by 2012.

Natural England really appreciates the support of recreational boat owners who have been avoiding anchoring in the zone, enabling them to gather this important information.

For more information, please go to: www.rya.org.uk