It was 25 years ago that discussions began about the effect that boat anchoring might be having on the seagrass beds in Studland Bay. What followed was a lengthy debate between boaters and conservationists about how best to balance the protection of an important marine habitat with access to one of the south coast's favourite anchorages.

Seagrass provides a vital breeding ground, nursery and habitat for a wide range of marine species, including two species of seahorse. As scientific evidence mounted, conservation groups called for a complete ban on anchoring over the bay's underwater meadows. Boaters, meanwhile, wanted to preserve their long-established access to the popular picnic spot, sheltered overnight anchorage and important storm refuge offering all-round shelter.

Significant progress was made after Studland Bay was designated a Marine Conservation Zone in 2019. In 2021, the Studland Bay Marine Partnership (SBMP) was established, bringing together boating organisations, conservation groups, statutory bodies, academics, local community groups and businesses. 'The RYA is proud to have been a partner since its formation,' says Alice Lucy, RYA Environmental Programme Officer. Other key partners include the National Trust, The Seahorse Trust and the University of Southampton. The group has a common purpose to protect the seagrass and encourage its spread.

The partnership pioneered the use of Voluntary No Anchor Zones (VNAZs), supported by environmentally friendly eco-moorings that minimise seabed disturbance while providing secure moorings for small and medium-sized craft. Areas outside the VNAZ remain available for larger vessels to anchor.

The first ten eco-moorings were installed in 2021 by The Seahorse Trust and marina group Boatfolk. The SBMP now manages 87 eco-moorings, installed thanks to funding from the Marine Management Organisation alongside other private and public donors. The partnership maintains and manages the moorings on a not-for-profit basis, with boat users able to pay via the Sippi app, online or by credit card. Short-stay (up to four hours, £7.50), overnight (£15) and seasonal (£150) rates are available; all the money collected is reinvested in the moorings each year.

The RYA continues to contribute to discussions around long-term management of the bay, says Alice: 'It represents the interests of recreational boaters while helping ensure measures are practical, evidence-based and proportionate, with the aim of balancing environmental protection with sustainable access to the water.'

PROGRESS REPORT

In its 2025 Annual Report, the SBMP highlights continued signs of seagrass recovery within former anchoring scars, alongside a doubling of recorded seahorse encounters during diving surveys over the past year.

This was after use of the eco-moorings increased by 9% year-on-year, with 73% of eligible boats choosing to use them. The proportion of boats anchoring directly on seagrass fell by 2%, with 92% of visiting boaters respecting the VNAZs. And overall compliance reached over 88%. However, the partnership cautions that damage is still occurring around the edges of the protected zones, where vessels continue to anchor on seagrass.

The report also describes a significant behavioural shift among boaters over the past two years. On-the-water engagement by Studland Watersports and the SBMP's volunteer waterborne ambassadors has encouraged greater awareness and compliance through direct conversations with visiting boat owners and crews about protecting the seabed and encouraging mooring fee payment.

Efforts to make the scheme financially self-sustaining have been less successful, with just 34.5% of mooring users paying their fees – although this is up 8% on the previous year. The report affirms that all the money generated from mooring fees goes directly towards the cost of maintaining and reinstalling the moorings each season and is a critical component of ensuring the operation can continue.

THE CASE FOR COOPERATION

Despite the apparent success of the scheme, the SBMP cautions that continued voluntary cooperation remains essential, saying: 'The more we stick to the voluntary scheme now, the stronger the case that cooperation works without needing tighter legal restrictions.'

Howard Davidson, a boating representative on the SBMP, adds, 'The partnership has shown what's possible when boaters work in partnership with the local community, interest groups and the statutory authorities. We were facing a potential ban on anchoring, but now we have 87 eco-moorings, and the majority of boaters either use them or anchor outside the Voluntary No Anchor Zone. This is great news for the habitat below the waves.

'Boaters can continue to support the work that has been done by using the moorings and, importantly, using the Sippi app to pay for their stays.'

Now, more than 25 years after the debate began, Studland Bay is increasingly being seen as an example of how conservation and recreation can coexist. 'Studland Bay shows what can be achieved when boaters, conservation organisations and other stakeholders work together towards a shared goal,' says Alice.

While challenges remain, particularly around compliance and long-term funding, the partnership's message is clear: by using the eco-moorings, paying the modest fees that support their upkeep and respecting the voluntary scheme, boaters can help ensure Studland Bay remains both a thriving marine habitat and one of the UK's most cherished anchorages for generations to come.