Eco-Moorings Heal Dorset Seagrass, Boost Seahorse Numbers
A study shows eco-moorings in Studland Bay have allowed seagrass scars from traditional anchors to shrink by up to 94%, aiding recovery of the spiny
Seagrass scars in Dorset's Studland Bay have almost vanished after the installation of special 'eco moorings', according to new research. The recovery is boosting populations of the protected spiny seahorse that lives in these underwater meadows.
Research by Kira Dunn, as part of her masters at the University of Southampton, analyzed data collected since the Studland Bay Marine Partnership installed the trial moorings in 2021. The study compared the shrinkage of bare patches in the seagrass in two areas.
The Study's Findings
In the area where ten trial eco-moorings were installed five years ago, bare patches shrank by an average of 94% between 2021 and 2025. In a second area, where traditional chain moorings remained until 2023, the scars still reduced, but by a smaller 65%.
Kira Dunn stated: 'The results clearly show that seagrass is recovering in areas where physical disturbance has been removed. It’s incredibly encouraging to see how quickly this important habitat can regenerate.'
How Eco-Moorings Work
The system is designed to prevent the seabed from being ripped up. An eco-mooring consists of a two-metre helical screw drilled into the seabed. Attached to this is a two-metre elasticated riser connecting to a surface buoy. As the tide moves, the riser stretches and retracts, eliminating the scouring action of a heavy chain.
David Brown, chair of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership steering group and lead ecologist for the National Trust, said the impact exceeded expectations. '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,' he said.
A Haven for Marine Life
Studland Bay, designated a marine conservation zone in 2019, hosts one of the UK's largest seagrass meadows. It supports the protected spiny seahorse and the occasionally recorded short-snouted seahorse. Since the eco-moorings were introduced, volunteer divers monitoring seahorses have reported increases in their numbers.
Other species spotted in the recovering meadows include conger eels, spider crabs, and corkwing wrasse. Seagrass meadows are globally valuable ecosystems, storing carbon and protecting coastlines from erosion, but they face decline from pollution, development, and climate change.
The partnership, which includes conservationists and boating enthusiasts, hopes the findings can guide protection and restoration in other busy UK marine environments. Ken Collins, emeritus research fellow at the University of Southampton and the study's supervisor, said the research provides robust evidence that eco-moorings are an effective conservation tool. He supports their expansion to other sensitive areas where seagrass is under pressure.
