New research from the University of Southampton shows that eco-moorings installed at Studland Bay in Dorset are helping seagrass scars heal. Bare patches in the seagrass shrank by an average of 93.6% in areas with eco-moorings between 2021 and 2025, compared to 65.4% where traditional chain moorings remained until later. Seagrass meadows store carbon, support biodiversity, and protect coastlines from erosion. The study analyzed sonar surveys, satellite imagery, and five years of monitoring data across 39 damaged areas. It provides the first evidence that eco-moorings can effectively restore seagrass habitats. The bay is a Marine Conservation Zone and home to protected seahorses. The voluntary no-anchor zone and eco-mooring installation are part of a partnership effort involving conservation groups, boaters, and researchers.
