Voluntary No Anchoring Zone (VNAZ)

Voluntary No Anchoring Zone (VNAZ)

MMO Map of Voluntary No Anchoring Zone (VNAZ) 

From December 2021, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) introduced a Voluntary No Anchoring Zone (VNAZ) in part of the bay currently used by recreational craft. The VNAZ was expanded from 1 June 2022 (see the MMO's Studland Bay MCZ Habitat Protection Strategy and website for more information). At all times, anchoring in emergency situations is still be permitted.

Eco-moorings

A sustainable alternative to anchoring in the VNAZ can be achieved through the use of Advanced eco-Mooring Systems (AeMS) to protect the seagrass habitat whilst allowing continued use by recreational craft. The Studland Bay Marine Partnership is actively looking to encourage water enthusiasts and boat users to respect the seagrass by not anchoring at the known seagrass locations and use permitted moorings. Currently 31 eco-moorings are installed and available to boat users with more to be installed, subject to license, in spring 2024 with a target of 100 in the bay (including 12 existing moorings belonging to private owners converted into eco-moorings). 

Eco-moorings offer an environmentally friendly alternative as a helical screw anchor is installed into the seabed. An elastic rode is then attached, connecting the anchor system with the mooring buoy. The elastic rode will stretch at higher tides and contract at lower tides, so the equipment does not damage the surrounding seagrass.

The installation of the eco-moorings has been supported and carried out on behalf of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership by national boating business, boatfolk and are easily identified in the bay with their distinctive green and white markings. The first phase were installed in 2021 to to take pressure off the highly sensitive seagrass site in Studland Bay, an essential habitat for the UK’s native Spiny Seahorse, the eco-moorings provide an accessible alternative to anchoring, allowing boaters to help protect the fragile underwater ecosystems.

The location of sensitive seagrass habitats and eco-moorings in Studland, and around the UK, is being made simpler for water users through navigation apps such as savvy navvy and Navionics helping them to make informed decisions and choose to do their bit to protect this special habitat. This year hundreds of boat owners have again showed their support for the project by using an eco-mooring - check out the FAQs for more details on eco-moorings and how you can use them as an alternative to anchoring at Studland Bay this year.

2024 Eco-moorings Install Map