It also wants an anchoring area where recreational users can safely stop without damaging the seagrass beds. The RYA has released a position statement calling for the establishment of a mooring area at Studland that uses Advanced Mooring Systems which prevent damage to the seagrass. These included banning anchoring from the south west end of the Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), stretching from Old Harry Rocks to Middle Beach. The MMO has unveiled three options for no anchoring zones at Studland, although stresses that no final decision has been made.
Studland Bay was designated an MCZ in 2019 because of its seagrass beds and its resident long-snouted seahorse population.ĭue to its location and sheltered conditions, Studland is a popular anchorage for recreational sailors. It follows the announcement by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) that it is looking to introduce anchoring management measures at the site. The RYA is calling for voluntary management measures at Studland Bay in Dorset. The MMO is consulting with the local sailing community and other organisations before a final decision is made. These include banning anchoring from the south west end of the Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), stretching from Old Harry Rocks to Middle Beach. The MMO is currently looking at introducing anchoring management measures at Studland Bay and has unveiled three options, although no final decision has been made. Studland Bay is a Marine Conservation Zone due to its seagrass and seahorse population