Seagrass in Studland Bay recovers thanks to eco-friendly mooring systems
19.10.2026, 12:31·
COLLECTED AND VERIFIED AUTOMATICALLY
New research has confirmed significant success in restoring underwater seagrass meadows in Studland Bay on the south coast of England. According to scientists, the area of scars on the seabed left by traditional ship anchors has been reduced by more than 90% since the introduction of eco-friendly mooring buoys.
Traditional anchoring causes serious damage to underwater meadows: anchors and chains literally uproot plants, leaving bare patches on the seabed that recover very slowly. Eco-friendly mooring systems use special screw anchors and elastic cables that do not contact the seabed when a vessel changes position, allowing seagrass to grow undamaged.
Seagrass plays an important role in coastal ecosystems: it serves as habitat for numerous marine species, including endangered seahorses, helps purify water, and is an effective absorber of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change mitigation.
The project is implemented with support from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and local conservation groups, which have worked over several years to introduce new infrastructure and raise vessel owners' awareness of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. The results obtained are viewed as evidence that relatively simple and inexpensive technical solutions can bring substantial benefits for marine environment restoration.
Experts note that the successful experience of Studland Bay can serve as a model for other coastal zones in the United Kingdom and other countries where seagrass meadows suffer from intensive shipping and traditional anchoring.
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