Eco-moorings in Studland Bay by Ben Lippiett
Published 10:47 on 22 Jan 2025
Our first talk of the season was given by Haslar marina manager Ben telling us about his, and Boatfolk's, involvement in setting eco moorings in Studland Bay. The project began almost 4 years ago with a meeting between Michael Prideaux, one of Boatfolk's directors, and Neil Garrick-Maidment, founder and executive director of The Seahorse Trust
Studland Bay is hugely popular with boaters and Neil was concerned about the damage being done to the marine habitat, specifically seagrass, by anchors and moorings installed without permission. The seagrass meadows are an essential breeding ground for the Spiny Seahorse. Michael Prideaux was keen for Boatfolk to become involved and made a promise to put in eco moorings. The aim of the project
Ben was given the task of researching the best system to use. Starting from scratch he had to learn about different mooring systems, different ways of attaching them to the seabed, different buoys for the tops then how to set them and how to number them.
Hazelett marine was eventually chosen as the supplier of the mooring system and ABC anchors for the seabed attachment. Ben decided to use a helical screw anchor which is driven into the seabed and attached to the mooring buoy via an elastic band. Its flexibility means it does not scour the seagrass like an anchor does.
A trial was carried out at Portland Marina which had an area of similar depth and tidal range to Studland. However, once drilling for the screw piles began in Studland the team came across problems of different seabed materials and rocks in addition to ordnance on the sea bed from WW2 so they had to use metal detectors prior to starting drilling.
The initial 10 buoys were put in as a pilot scheme during 2021. At first there was resistance from some boaters who accused Boatfolk of being greedy wanting to charge for the use of the buoys but over time that resistance has declined and having started the conversation other bodies are now on board to take it forward.
The moorings in the pilot scheme were set by volunteers using scuba gear and some people received a slap on the wrist as it should have been treated as a commercial activity with proper health and safety considerations. Apex diving took over the next phase of the operation using GPS to plot the position of the screws much more precisely. There now 87 moorings in place.
At the end of 2024, after 3 years of use most of the buoys have been removed for servicing, 10 have been left in for use over the winter, and some problems have been identified with materials and parts used which will be addressed. Boatfolk has stepped back from being the driver of the project with the formation of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership and the Boatfolk branding has now been removed from the buoys but Ben is still able to provide advice.
The cost to date of the project over the 4 years has been just shy of £118 000. With roughly £47k from Boatfolk, £20k from the Seahorse Trust, £17k from the National Trust, £12k from the Sealife centre and £22k from the Crown Estate.
There had been hopes that another 80 buoys would be installed next year but money also has to be available for maintenance so they may not go ahead. The MMO (Marine Management Organisation) has put £186000 into the pot.
Payment for use of the buoys is voluntary and can be made using the sippi app
And donations can be made to the National Trust Studland Bay Appeal
There was a lot of interest from members at the meeting, clearly Haslar berth holders are keen for this project to succeed and will watch with interest. Ben has promised to keep us updated with progress.
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Last updated 11:23 on 22 January 2025