Frequently Asked Questions

Are Seahorses increasing in number?

There is no evidence of this. According to local people, seahorses have been at Studland for as long as they can remember. However for the first time we can start to estimate numbers thanks to the tagging project being run by the Seahorse Trust.

Why is anchoring a problem?

• Anchors rip up the Seagrass roots which then wash up onto the beach and therefore cannot re-establish.
• Anchors leave bare craters, drag and create furrows and result in the fragmentation of the habitat.
• Slack chains at low tide drag across blades.

Why is there so much seagrass washed up on the beach?

It is a natural occurrence in autumn/winter when the seagrass dies back, just as trees lose their leaves in the autumn. However the root system remains in place - it is just the leaves that wash up.

At other times of year, and when roots are attached, it usually as a result of human activities pulling up the plants.

Why is the problem happening now?

It is not a new problem but is being looked into more now because we are more aware of our marine wildlife and there are now laws in place to protect it. In the last few decades there has been an increase in leisure boating activity as people generally have more disposable income and more leisure time.

Where is the voluntary no anchor zone?

A Google Earth overlay of the VNAZ can be downloaded as a KMZ (2kb) file.

For more information see the Voluntary No Anchor Zone page

What happens if someone anchors in the voluntary no anchor zone?

The scientific research will not be able to determine how quickly seagrass recovers from damage.  However there will be no enforcement of the zone - it is voluntary and we hope that boaters will respect it.

What would happen if the study shows that anchoring is damaging the seagrass and having a negative impact on the seahorses?

Until the study is complete we do not know what the outcome will be. It will be the decision of the statutory authorities such as Natural England and the seabed owner, The Crown Estate as to how best to manage the area in a sustainable way.

Are the boat numbers increasing?

We don't know as no-one has recorded numbers until now.

Will boats be banned?

While the study is underway we are asking people not to anchor in the voluntary no-anchor zone so that a proper scientific study can be carried out and reveal once and for all whether the level of boating activity at South Beach, Studland is a problem for marine wildlife. If people continue to anchor there the study will not give us an answer and alternatives may have to be tried. Find out more here.

Where is the best place to see/find seahorses?

Seahorses have been found in the area, however we cannot say where the best place is. We strongly discourage scuba diving in the area as it is extremely dangerous with the high numbers of boats. There is a diving protocol which must be followed when diving in seagrass and a special licence is required if you are actively seeking out seahorses and/or photographing them. See our diving protocol.

Do seahorses move around or stay in one place?

We hope that the tagging project will reveal much more about seahorse behaviour. Early indications from this are that breeding seahorses stay in a small area but single animals may move around looking for a mate. It is also believed that seahorses move to deeper water in the autumn and winter.

Where should I report a seahorse sighting?

Please send details of any sightings to

How long have the seahorses been in Studland Bay?

We do not know but almost certainly for the last 60 years or so, and probably much longer. The logo of the local brewery is a seahorse! Find out about seahorses here.

Beach Officers at Studland