Seagrass Habitats Show Signs of Recovery Thanks to Eco-Moorings
A new study provides the first evidence that specially designed moorings are helping to heal seagrass meadows damaged by boat anchors.
Scars inflicted on rare seahorse habitats by boat anchors along the Dorset coast are beginning to heal, according to new research. The installation of eco-moorings in Studland Bay, initiated in 2021 by the Studland Bay Marine Partnership, has shown promising results in reversing damage to delicate seagrass meadows.
A scientific study has now presented the initial evidence that these eco-moorings can aid in seagrass restoration, with some damaged areas shrinking by over 90% in four years. David Brown, chair of the partnership steering group, described the findings as "incredibly exciting" and stated that the impact has "been beyond our expectations."
Seagrass meadows are vital ecosystems that store carbon, support biodiversity, and help protect coastlines from erosion. However, they are facing global decline due to pollution, development, disturbance, and climate change.
The research, conducted by Kira Dunn as part of her MSc in Marine Biology with Oceanography at the University of Southampton, analyzed monitoring data collected since the first eco-moorings were deployed. Utilizing sonar surveys, historical satellite imagery, and five years of monitoring data, the study tracked recovery across 39 damaged seabed areas.
In an area where 10 trial eco-moorings were installed in 2021, the size of bare patches within the seagrass decreased by an average of 93.6% between 2021 and 2025, reducing by approximately 57 square meters annually. In a separate study area where traditional chain moorings remained until 2023, scars reduced by 65.4%, an average of about 15.9 square meters per year.
Studland Bay has been a designated Marine Conservation Zone since 2019 and hosts one of the UK's largest seagrass meadows. This habitat supports protected species, including the spiny seahorse and the short-snouted seahorse. The bay also became a voluntary no-anchor zone in 2021.
Dunn noted that her research project was "rewarding and positive" and found it "incredibly encouraging to see how quickly this important habitat can regenerate when given the opportunity."
Dr. Ken Collins, a supervisor of the study from the University of Southampton, commented that Studland Bay is emerging as a significant example of how practical conservation efforts can reverse habitat damage and yield measurable environmental improvements. Brown, who also serves as lead ecologist for the National Trust, reiterated the excitement over the results, highlighting them as a strong encouragement for all involved organizations and individuals. He emphasized that the robust monitoring and research provide scientific proof of the eco-moorings' benefits to seagrass and the species dependent on it.
The Studland Bay Marine Partnership comprises conservation charities, boating organizations, academics, statutory bodies, community groups, and businesses united in their goal to restore the bay's seagrass. Key partners include the Dorset Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the National Trust, the Seahorse Trust, and the University of Southampton.