Appeal to protect seahorse habitat

7:09am Monday 21st July 2008

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PREGNANT seahorses are under threat from boats anchoring off popular Studland beach.

Dorset Wildlife Trust is appealing to owners to avoid their eelgrass habitat and only drop anchor in areas of clear sand.

“Until Studland Bay can be designated as a marine conservation zone, we are appealing to boat owners not to anchor in the eelgrass."

Peter Tinsley, marine conservation officer

"This is probably the best site in the UK for seahorses and pipefish but there is a threat to the eelgrass meadows from the many boats that anchor there, especially in the summer months," said Peter Tinsley, marine conservation officer.

"The anchors drag and pull the grass up by the roots," he said.

There have been repeated sightings of pregnant seahorses off the busy beach this summer and conservationists are concerned for their welfare.

Pregnant males include both spiny and short snouted seahorses which pair for life, with the females depositing their eggs in the male's pouch for fertilisation.

There have also been sightings of all six species of pipefish, which are close relatives, in the eelgrass meadows which lie in only two metres of water.

Seahorses have recently been added to the list of protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which prohibits damage to their habitat.

"The government's Marine Bill should make effective protection possible by creating marine conservation zones and Studland has been highlighted by the Wildlife Trusts as being worthy of such protection," said Mr Tinsley.

"Until Studland Bay can be designated as a marine conservation zone, we are appealing to boat owners not to anchor in the eelgrass.

"When the water is clear, it is usually easy to see any vegetation, so please try to stick to areas of clear sand only," he added.