Studland Bay Marine Partnership - Case Study

Key facts

Applicant name: Studland Bay Marine Partnership and Dorset Council.
Location: Studland Bay, Dorset.
Type of project: Marine conservation, community engagement and sustainable mooring solutions.
Project value: £262,000
Grant value: £196,000
Date awarded: November 2023

Project details

Studland Bay is home to Dorset’s most extensive seagrass beds which serve as an important habitat for rare or endangered species of seahorse, pipefish and rays, as well as nursery grounds for commercially important fish species. It was formally designated a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) in the 2019 and in 2021 MMO introduced a voluntary no anchor zone (VNAZ) to help protect the seagrass habitats.

During 2021 The Studland Bay Marine Partnership (SBMP) was established, bringing together the local community, to protect the area’s seagrass habitat while balancing the needs of recreational boaters, visitors and businesses. This included awareness raising campaigns and the installation of eco-moorings, an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional moorings.

To further these efforts, £186,000 was awarded through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme to support the installation of an additional 57 new eco-moorings, bringing the total number available in the bay to 87 during the main boating season. Funding also supported ongoing research and monitoring, and an expanded community engagement programme.

David Brown, Chair of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership (SBMP), said:

“The funding from FaSS has enabled us to implement practical solutions that have made a positive impact towards the conservation of Studland Bays’s special marine ecosystem. It is also enabling us to continue the important work of conserving and preserving the seagrass habitats for future generations to enjoy. ‘’

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:

“We are delighted that we successfully secured funding to aid conservation initiatives in Studland Bay, as safeguarding our remarkable coastline and the habitats it nurtures is of huge importance. Studland Bay holds immense value — not only for the diverse wildlife of our county but also for the local community, businesses, and water enthusiasts who treasure it. This funding will play a pivotal role in supporting the Studland Bay Marine Partnership’s collaborative and sustainable approach to managing the area effectively.”

Project outcomes

Installation of 57 new eco-moorings, expanding the environmentally friendly anchoring options for recreational boaters in Studland Bay.
Ongoing research and monitoring to track seagrass recovery.
Delivery of community engagement activities to raise awareness of Studland’s seagrass habitat and the importance of the voluntary no anchor zone.
Provision of new information, signage and resources for boat users at local marinas and harbours to promote responsible anchoring and conservation-friendly practices.
Formalisation of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership, ensuring its long-term role as a collaborative, community-led group balancing environmental protection with recreational use.

Supported outcomes

Enhanced visibility for eco-moorings and their benefits through public engagement events, resulting in the eco-moorings featured on BBC Springwatch and Crown Estate project showcase.
Annual MMO led VNAZ reviews indicating number of recreational boaters anchoring in areas of seagrass is continuing to decrease over time.
A 2024 University of Southampton research and monitoring dive which has observed seagrass regrowth in the bay.