What Seahorse studies are being carried out at Studland?
The Studland Bay Seagrass Project is funded by The Crown Estate, with a contribution from Natural England. A key element of this study is to establish a Voluntary No Anchor Zone (VNAZ) and a comparative control area to assess whether there are differential impacts of anchoring on the seagrass in the two areas. A baseline study and subsequent surveys will monitor the distribution and health of the seagrass over a two year period. The VNAZ is a small area (100m x 100m) located off South Beach, Studland which is marked by four yellow marker buoys, on each corner, as well as two yellow marker buoys in the centre of the zone. Following extensive consultation, consent was granted by the Marine and Fisheries Agency for the placement of the buoys to mark the VNAZ and the baseline survey took place in October 2009. Boat-owners are asked to respect this voluntary area and not anchor there. Also, when anchoring in other shallow, sandy areas, they should try to avoid seagrass beds. When raising an
