Impact of anchoring on Seahorses in Studland Bay 

Statement: Caroline Price, RYA Planning & Environmental Advisor, 20 April 2011  

“The RYA has been involved in discussions surrounding the potential management of Studland Bay for some time and is a member of the MMO’s Studland stakeholder forum.  

“Studland Bay is an important anchorage on the south coast and is extremely popular with recreational boaters. However, the eelgrass beds in Studland Bay are home to a significant population of seahorses, which are a protected species, and there is some evidence to indicate that anchoring may have a detrimental impact on the eelgrass habitat and thus indirectly on the seahorses that habitat supports.  

“The RYA is one of the key stakeholders supporting The Crown Estate’s study into links between anchoring and the health of the eelgrass beds. It is intended that this study, which involves the establishment of a Voluntary No Anchoring Zone, will help to improve understanding of the interaction between recreational boating and the natural habitats in the Bay.  

“We are confident that by working closely with other stakeholders around the Bay a balance can be reached to ensure that boating and nature conservation can continue to co-exist at Studland."