TEN 'eco-moorings' have been introduced at Studland Bay, in a bid to protect the marine environment.

Conservationists have argued for years that boaters dropping anchors in the bay has been damaging the seagrass meadows on the seabed – which are home to species including rare seahorses.

But the bay is hugely popular with watersport enthusiasts and sailors.

So The Seahorse Trust charity and national marina group boatfolk have got together to provide what they describe as an 'environmentally-friendly alternative to dropping anchor'.

These new not-for-profit moorings involve a helical screw anchor being driven into the seabed, with an elastic rode connector attached to a mooring buoy on the surface.

Neil Garrick-Maidment, founder of The Seahorse Trust, said: "The designation of Studland Bay as a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) was a long-awaited and hugely significant moment in safeguarding UK seahorse populations.

"It is now vital that the area is effectively protected and that everyone who uses the bay does so responsibly and sustainably.

"I am delighted to be working with boatfolk to develop a practical solution, which allows boaters to continue enjoying this remarkable site, in a way which also enables the conservation of rare seagrass meadows and crucial seahorse breeding grounds."

Studland Bay was confirmed as a MCZ in the summer of 2019, giving the area's habitats and species special protection.

Michael Prideaux, managing director of boatfolk said: “In late August, I met Neil on the beach at Studland Bay.

"We were united by our shared passion for the environment and by a desire to work with, and alongside, the boating community for a solution that everyone can get behind.

"Boatfolk is all about making it easy for people to get out on the water and to enjoy their time afloat.

"Providing an alternative option at Studland that protects this incredible marine environment is about doing the right thing for boaters and for our planet.

"Financial return is not an objective here – we are committed to making Studland Bay a sustainable boating destination for generations to come and are proud to be putting our name and resources behind the scheme."