Studland Bay Working Group

The History of Seagrass & Seahorses at Studland

Seagrass and seahorses go back a long time - indeed, it is now thought that seahorses evolved their upright posture during a massive expansion of seagrass habitat in Australasia about 25 million years ago, as an adaptation to life among the vertical blades.

The recent discovery of breeding seahorses among the seagrass meadows of Studland put this small site, popular as a sheltered anchorage for small boats, in the headlines.  It also led to concerns being raised about the possible impact of boat anchors on the seagrass and, indirectly, on the seahorses. 

A Need for Conservation

Seahorses were added to a list of UK protected species in 2008, prompting further calls for action.  One result of this was the formation of the Studland Seagrass and Seahorse Study Group (SSSSG) which in 2011 was replaced by the Studland Bay Conservation & Recreational Activity Working Group.

Both UK seahorses (the spiny seahorse, Hippocampus guttulatus and the short-snouted seahorse, H. hippocampus) are known to breed within the Studland seagrass meadows and all six UK species of their close relatives, the pipefish, have also been seen there, making this small site uniquely interesting for this unusual group of fishes. 

Seagrass Meadows Under Threat

Globally, seagrass meadows are under threat.  A recent study reported that 58% of the world's seagrass meadows are declining, with 110km2 of seagrass disappearing every year since 1980 - the main causes being direct loss from coastal development and dredging and indirect impacts of declining water quality.

In the 1930s a wasting disease almost wiped out seagrass in the UK.  There has been some good recovery since, including at Studland, but it is still a scarce habitat nationally.

Studland Bay Conservation & Recreation Working Group

The Marine Management Organisation has brought together all the parties and organisations with an interest in the future environmental management of Studland Bay. These include Dorset Wildlife Trust, The Seahorse Trust, National Trust, Royal Yachting Association, The Crown Estate, Natural England, Studland Parish Council, local residents and businesses, various local yacht clubs, Universities of Southampton and Bournemouth and individuals.

The working group aims to gather and share information relating to the long-term health and biological diversity of the seagrass meadow and seahorses in Studland Bay; to promote the value of Studland’s seagrass meadow as an important wildlife habitat; and to promote responsible and low impact enjoyment of the area.

The Action Plan for Studland

Seahorses and their place of shelter gained legal protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act in April 2008.

A three-point action plan for the Studland seagrass has been agreed;

• set up a temporary small voluntary no-anchor zone in order to study the impact of anchors on the overall health of the seabed
• investigate the use of "environmentally friendly" moorings
• establish a communication strategy to highlight the importance of the Studland seagrass meadows and inform users of the issues and the ongoing studies

Natural England and The Crown Estate agreed to jointly fund this work.  Seastar Surveys Ltd have been appointed to undertake the study.  Dorset Wildlife Trust, with part-funding from Natural England, is carrying out the communication and awareness project.

Short Snouted Seahorse by Paul Naylor