New research from the University of Southampton shows that eco-moorings installed at Studland Bay in Dorset have allowed damaged seagrass meadows to recover significantly. Over four years, bare patches in the seagrass shrank by an average of 93.6% in areas where the new moorings were used, compared to 65.4% where traditional chain moorings remained until later. Seagrass stores carbon, supports biodiversity, and protects coastlines, so this recovery has direct climate and ecological benefits. The study, led by MSc researcher Kira Dunn, used sonar surveys and satellite imagery to track 39 damaged areas. The results provide the first evidence that eco-moorings can reverse anchor damage to seagrass. Since Studland Bay is a Marine Conservation Zone and home to protected seahorses, this practical conservation measure offers a model for other coastal sites facing similar pressures.
