Anchoring in Studland

[rickp]

So having done a bit more digging, it seems that the Marine and Coastal Access Act will allow for the creation of bylaws relating to Marine Conservation Zones which can regulate the following:

(3) The provision that may be made by a byelaw under this section includes, in particular, provision—
(a) prohibiting or restricting entry into, or any movement or other activity within, the MCZ by persons or animals;
(b) prohibiting or restricting entry into, or any movement or other activity within, the MCZ by vessels or (where appropriate) vehicles;
(c) restricting the speed at which any vessel may move in the MCZ or in any specified area outside the MCZ where that movement might hinder the conservation objectives stated for the MCZ;
(d) prohibiting or restricting the anchoring of any vessel within the MCZ; (e) prohibiting or restricting the killing, taking, destruction, molestation or
disturbance of animals or plants of any description in the MCZ;
(f) prohibiting or restricting the doing of anything in the MCZ which would interfere with the sea bed or damage or disturb any object in the MCZ.

So the threat to ban anchoring is very real - they can do that. However, there seems to be no power to require a body to do something like provide moorings. Like most laws - its more about restricting things rather than finding rational solutions.

Be great if a lawyer could read through the act and give their views.

In the meantime, keep voting and get hold if your local Finding Sanctuary representative (even if you're not in the area covered, as long as you boat there - you have a right to have your views heard)!