Eco-moorings are helping to restore the seabed, with seagrass meadows showing strong signs of recovery.
A new study has found that damaged seagrass in Studland Bay, Dorset, is regenerating rapidly after the installation of eco-moorings, with damage caused by traditional anchoring shrinking by more than 90 per cent.
The research, carried out by Kira Dunn as part of her MSc in marine biology with oceanography at the University of Southampton, monitored 39 scarred seabed areas using side-scan sonar, satellite imagery and five years of data.
Kira Dunn, MSc graduate in marine biology with oceanography, said: "This was a really rewarding and positive project to work on.
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"The results clearly show that seagrass is recovering in areas where physical disturbance has been removed.
"It's incredibly encouraging to see how quickly this important habitat can regenerate when given the opportunity."
The study revealed that every anchor chain scar studied showed signs of recovery once disturbance stopped.
In the area where 10 eco-moorings were installed in 2021, seagrass scars shrank by an average of 93.6 per cent between 2021 and 2025, or around 57 square metres per year.
In a second location where traditional moorings remained until 2023, scars reduced by 65.4 per cent, or 15.9 square metres per year.
However, no significant change was observed until the traditional moorings were replaced.
Studland Bay was designated a Marine Conservation Zone in 2019 and is home to one of the UK’s largest seagrass meadows.
It supports marine life such as the protected spiny seahorse.
Dr Ken Collins, emeritus research fellow and diving officer at the University of Southampton, said: "This research provides robust scientific evidence that eco-moorings are an effective tool for seagrass conservation and restoration.
"The findings support the continued use and expansion of eco-mooring schemes, not only in Studland but in other sensitive marine environments where seagrass habitats are under pressure.
"Studland Bay is becoming a powerful example of how practical conservation measures can reverse habitat damage and deliver measurable environmental improvements."
The study concluded that seagrass recovery occurred naturally once physical damage had stopped.
David Brown, chair of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership steering group and lead ecologist for the National Trust, said: "These results are incredibly exciting, and a huge encouragement to all the organisations and individuals who have given so much time and support to the partnership."
For more information, visit the Studland Bay Marine Partnership website.
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