Survey and monitoring of seagrass beds, Studland Bay

Bay boaters back seahorse protection

Protection for Studland Bay’s wildlife gets the support of most visiting boat users, according to a new study.  The Studland Seagrass and Seahorse Project Report, produced by Dorset Wildlife Trust with funding from Natural England, reveals that the majority of boat owners visiting the popular anchorage are keen to preserve its habitat and wildlife.

December 2010: The impacts of anchoring & mooring in seagrass

The National Oceanography Centre at Southampton has published findings of research carried out on The impacts of anchoring and mooring in seagrass, Studland Bay, Dorset, UK. The study found that 'the impacts of anchoring and mooring could potentially lead to the decline of the Studland Bay seagrass habitat and its associated species'. The paper has been published in the International Journal of the Society for Underwater Technology and the abstract can be viewed here.

November 2010: Seahorse Tagging project results

Results of a Seahorse Tagging project carried out by The Seahorse Trust have been published and can be viewed in full at Seahorse Tagging Project PDF. The survey found that pairs of seahorses at Studland have a home range varying from 30 to 400m2 with male pregnancy lasting approximately 1 month. Observations of one tagged male suggest up to 5 cycles of egg brooding per year.

July 2010 : helix anchors and new buoys

The Voluntary no anchor zone markers have been changed to a Helix screw in and eco-riser system. See the following

April 2010 : Spring survey undertaken and progress report submitted

The spring survey was conducted and the report has been submitted. Within the voluntary no-anchor zone and control area, in-situ observations have been recorded by divers and a record made of the seagrass percentage cover and general heath, as well as other flora and fauna observed.
 

December 2009: Independent reviewer appointed

Project Seahorse has been appointed to undertake an independent review of the project. This will involve advising on the project plan, and reviewing the findings throughout the timescale of the project.

November 2009: Baseline diver survey report submitted

The baseline diver survey was conducted following the installation of the voluntary no-anchor zone and the report has been submitted. Within the voluntary no-anchor zone and control area, in-situ observations have been recorded by divers.

October 2009: Voluntary no-anchor zone established

The voluntary no-anchor zone has now been successfully installed. It was necessary for SeaStar Survey to locate the voluntary no-anchor zone in a slightly different position due to the proximity of one of the marker buoy locations to a permanent mooring buoy. The MFA has consented to this minor change.  

September 2009: Update on voluntary no-anchor zone deployment

Unfortunately the weather has delayed attempts to safely implement the voluntary no-anchor zone. SeaStar Survey need at least three days of clear weather in order to undertake the work: one day to deploy the marker buoys and two subsequent days to complete the baseline survey. 
 

August 2009: Consent granted for voluntary no-anchor zone

The MFA has now granted consent for the placement of the buoys which will be used to mark the voluntary no-anchor zone. The buoys will be deployed as soon as possible (weather permitting).

The Crown Estate and Natural England have agreed to extend the study until autumn 2011 in order to ensure that monitoring takes place over two full seasons as originally anticipated.