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Guidance: Managing marine non-licensable activity in Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone

Marine Management Organisation

June 5
08:46 2023

Details

Studland Bay MCZ

Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) lies within the 6 nautical mile limit in English waters, on the Dorset coast. Studland Bay MCZ was formally designated on 31 May 2019. The site has four designated features: intertidal coarse sediment, long-snouted seahorse also known as spiny seahorses (Hippocampus guttulatus), subtidal sand and seagrass beds.

Management Approach

The Studland Bay MCZ Habitat Protection Strategy provides an overview of MMOs management approach for marine non-licensable activities in Studland Bay MCZ. In addition, guidance is provided regarding installation of moorings. A summary is provided below.

Anchoring

MMO has introduced a phased voluntary approach for the management of anchoring in Studland Bay MCZ over 2021 and 2022. We recognise that this area is important safety refuge for vessels. Safety of life at sea will always come first. The right to anchor under emergency conditions, or to avoid a genuine emergency situation, within Studland Bay will continue.

Phase 1 commenced on 17 December 2021. An interim voluntary no anchor zone was introduced.

Phase 2 commenced on 1 June 2022. In phase 2, the interim zone was replaced by a larger area to protect the majority of the of seagrass habitat in the Bay. Boat users are requested not to anchor in the zoned area to protect the designated habitats and species which are sensitive to damage from anchoring.

Studland Bay Map

The shapefiles for the zones can be downloaded via the links below. Please also see the Studland Bay MCZ Habitat Protection Strategy for additional maps displaying these zones, coordin

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