Eco-moorings help damaged seagrass recover by more than 90 per cent in Studland Bay
New research from Studland Bay has provided some of the clearest evidence yet that eco-moorings can help damaged seagrass meadows recover naturally
A new scientific study has found that scars left by traditional boat anchoring in Studland Bay, Dorset, have shrunk by more than 90 per cent since eco-moorings were introduced.
Researchers examined five years of monitoring data from the bay and found that every anchor-chain scar studied showed signs of recovery once ongoing physical disturbance had stopped.
The findings could have important implications for the protection and restoration of seagrass habitats in sensitive marine environments across the UK.
Seagrass showing remarkable recovery
Seagrass meadows are among the world’s most valuable marine ecosystems. They provide important habitat for wildlife, store carbon and help protect coastlines from erosion, but are under pressure from pollution, coastal development, physical disturbance and climate change.
The research was carried out by Kira Dunn as part of her MSc in Marine Biology with Oceanography at the University of Southampton.
Dunn analysed annual monitoring data collected since eco-moorings were first installed in Studland Bay in 2021. Using side-scan sonar surveys, historical satellite imagery and five years of monitoring data, she tracked the recovery of 39 damaged areas of seabed.
In the area where 10 trial eco-moorings were installed in 2021, bare patches within the seagrass had decreased by an average of 93.6 per cent between 2021 and 2025.
That’s equivalent to the damaged areas shrinking by around 57 square metres every year.
A second study area, where traditional chain moorings remained until 2023, saw the scars reduce by 65.4 per cent, at a rate of approximately 15.9 square metres per year.
Interestingly, researchers found no significant change in the second area between 2021 and 2023. This suggests that recovery began once the ongoing disturbance from traditional moorings had been removed.
“The results clearly show that seagrass is recovering in areas where physical disturbance has been removed.”
— Kira Dunn, University of Southampton
Dunn described the project as “really rewarding and positive”, adding that it was encouraging to see how quickly seagrass can regenerate when given the opportunity.
Protecting a special part of the Dorset coast
Studland Bay was designated a Marine Conservation Zone in 2019 and contains one of the UK’s largest seagrass meadows.
The habitat supports a wide range of marine life, including the protected spiny seahorse, as well as occasional sightings of the short-snouted seahorse.
The bay also became a Voluntary No Anchor Zone in 2021, helping to reduce physical disturbance to the fragile seabed.
Eco-moorings are designed to reduce the damaging impact of traditional mooring systems. Rather than a conventional chain sweeping across the seabed as boats move with the tide and wind, eco-moorings are designed to minimise contact with the seabed and allow seagrass to grow around them.
The latest research suggests that reducing this disturbance can give damaged areas the opportunity to recover naturally.
A model for marine conservation?
Dr Ken Collins, Emeritus Research Fellow and Diving Officer at the University of Southampton and supervisor of the study, said the research provides strong evidence for the use of eco-moorings as a conservation tool.
“This research provides robust scientific evidence that eco-moorings are an effective tool for seagrass conservation and restoration.”
He added that the findings could support the continued use and expansion of eco-mooring schemes in Studland and other areas where seagrass habitats are under pressure.
The research also provides an encouraging example of how conservation measures can work alongside recreational use of the coast.
David Brown, Chair of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership steering group and lead ecologist for the National Trust, said the results were “incredibly exciting”.
The partnership had previously mapped the anchor scars across the seagrass, he explained, and the latest research shows that every one is healing.
“The impact has been beyond our expectations, and thanks to robust monitoring and research, we have the science to prove how the eco-moorings benefit seagrass and all the species that rely on it.”
Looking after Studland Bay
The Studland Bay Marine Partnership, formed in 2021, brings together organisations and individuals working to protect and enhance the bay’s seagrass meadows while ensuring people can continue to enjoy this much-loved stretch of Dorset coastline.
The new research suggests that, when damaging physical disturbance is removed, seagrass has a significant capacity to recover.
For a habitat that plays such an important role in supporting marine life and storing carbon, the results offer an encouraging message: sometimes giving nature the space to recover can make a remarkable difference.
Find out more about the Studland Bay Marine Partnership at studlandbay.org.
