Studland Bay MCZ

[RestlessL]

Planning on heading west next week, so looking for an overnight stop at Studland.

I have just looked at the Navionics Boating App, and see there are shown 6 buoys at the south of the bay with the comment:
“Information: Do not anchor in the area south of the six small yellow buoys in the south end of the bay. This marks a marine conservation zone for protected seahorses.” posted on 6 July 2019.

Is this official, or is someone jumping the gun?

 

[Robin]

regardless, this is not the best spot to chose anyway, too close to waterski area, off the pill box/redend rocks is a better option IMO, also has a little more depth closer to the beach and protective wind shadow of shore from westerly winds.

 

[oldharry]

Planning on heading west next week, so looking for an overnight stop at Studland.

I have just looked at the Navionics Boating App, and see there are shown 6 buoys at the south of the bay with the comment:
“Information: Do not anchor in the area south of the six small yellow buoys in the south end of the bay. This marks a marine conservation zone for protected seahorses.” posted on 6 July 2019.

Is this official, or is someone jumping the gun?

They are most likely the standard speed limit zone markers, as found on most Bathing beaches. The MCZ has been created but it will be a year or more before any management protocols are agreed. Probably a lot more as we challenge the rubbish science!

 

[oldharry]

Just heard back from a BORG contact in Studland. He confirms there are 5 yellow marker buoys on the WEST side of the Bay, marking the usual 5 knot speed limit. Nothing to do with seahorses! No other new buoys in the Bay he confirms as at 16.15 today!

 

[oldharry]

Just heard back from a BORG contact in Studland. He confirms there are 5 yellow marker buoys on the WEST side of the Bay, marking the usual 5 knot speed limit. Nothing to do with seahorses! No other new buoys in the Bay he confirms as at 16.15 today!

Heard today from RYA Legal who confirm there is no NAZ in Studland, nor are there any applications to create one at present. So Navionics are selling fake news!

 

[Blue Sunray]

I'm by no means a Navionics expert but isn't the quoted note "Generic Info Information: Do not anchor in the area south of the six small yellow buoys in the south end of the bay. This marks a marine conservation zone for protected seahorses." a piece of user contributed data.

If so a) it should be reported as abuse by clicking the appropriate button and b) it emphasizes the caution with which information on such systems (like Wikipedia) should be regarded,