SEAGRASS located in Studland Bay is to be studied as part of a new project to assess the health of the ecosystem. 

Researchers from the University of Southampton, along with organisations from the Studland Bay Marine Partnership including the National Trust and supported by the Dorset Coast Forum (DCF), will also assess the extent of the seabed in Purbeck. 

Seagrass meadows play a vital role in supporting the ecosystem near Studland Bay, forming a habitat for diverse fish species including sea bass, sea bream and spiny seahorse. 

Seagrass also reduces the energy of waves and tidal currents as well as trapping nutrients and particles of sand that would otherwise get washed away. 

Read more: No-anchor zones introduced in Studland to protect seahorses

Despite occupying less than 0.2 per cent of the world’s seafloor, seagrass accounts for 10 per cent of all the carbon that gets buried in ocean sediments, meaning they are vital for reducing the effects of global warming.  

All these effects contribute to improving the resilience of Studland Bay, which attracts more than 1.5 million visitors each year.  

However, seagrass is also one of the world’s most threatened ecosystems. 

The Studland Bay Marine Partnership involves conservation organisations, boat users and local community groups working together to help protect the seagrass by installing ‘eco-moorings’ within the bay.  

Bournemouth Echo: PicoCAT autonomous surface vehicle which will be used to map the seagrass extent. Credit University of Southampton PicoCAT autonomous surface vehicle which will be used to map the seagrass extent. Credit University of Southampton

The moorings are designed to reduce boat anchor damage and so allow the seagrasses and local biodiversity to thrive whilst maintaining the vibrant sailing and recreational activities within the bay. 

10 eco-moorings have been deployed so far, with support from boat users and the Seahorse Trust, with plans to eventually install 100 eco-moorings. 

The scientists and engineers will conduct a series of surveys over the summer using state-of-the art monitoring technologies, such as camera equipped robotic submersibles and autonomous boats to map the seagrass and monitor their recovery from past anchor damage.