Studland - The Seahorse lovers are winning

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There are far too many other variables I think for a proper scientific survey that would be really meaningful and truly independent yet affordable. ....

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Actually, I disagree with you on this. I am pretty sure that there are plenty of ecologists/population biologists who can study a realtively simple problem such as this: just allow them to set up non-anchoring zone for a couple of years or ten and we will get an answer...
 
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So you agree that we'd be better off trying to get more information, rather than listening to one bloke with a vested interest, then?

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Of course.

Do you agree that at first glance evidence (surveyed increasing numbers, biggest colony in Europe(from BBC video)) does not support changing the status quo?
 
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Possibly the solution will be eel grass friendly moorings, after all surely none of us want to anchor on the stuff.

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No that will just extend the revenue generating reach of PHC and add to the head count of that overstaffed self appointed quango.
 
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So you agree that we'd be better off trying to get more information, rather than listening to one bloke with a vested interest, then?

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Of course.

Do you agree that at first glance evidence (surveyed increasing numbers, biggest colony in Europe(from BBC video)) does not support changing the status quo?

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status quo is a dynamic equilibrium. But it would be a good idea to get more research done. In this particular case, my view is that it should be possible to actually do some TESTING of the hypotheses you list (very clearly). This will include anchor exclusion zones and monitoring. Actually quite a simple experimental design set up. I am quite happy that the trust has found some funds, but I would be happier still if the research were to be done by independent state-funded researchers (through NERC, for example). The results would be more credible.

I understand the cynics who don't care two-hoots about seahorses, but i can reassure them that there are many more who care even less about yotties like me.
 
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So you agree that we'd be better off trying to get more information, rather than listening to one bloke with a vested interest, then?

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Of course.

Do you agree that at first glance evidence (surveyed increasing numbers, biggest colony in Europe(from BBC video)) does not support changing the status quo?

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No. I most certainly do not. I am blissfully happy in my ignorance. I do not understand the relationship between Seahorses, their eel grass and the effects of anchoring on any of it.

And I am more than happy to be educated by someone who can speak with genuine authority on it.

I'm just not convinced that person exists at this point in time.
 
Is eel grass long round stuff that grows to about 6' in length?
If so it is spreading like mad throughout Portsmouth Harbour & I guess it is only a matter of time before herds of these dam sea horses arrive.Followed by masses of do gooders all looking for grants & an easy meal ticket to do very little really.
 
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Possibly the solution will be eel grass friendly moorings, after all surely none of us want to anchor on the stuff.

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No that will just extend the revenue generating reach of PHC and add to the head count of that overstaffed self appointed quango.

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no, lets first see what the effects of anchoring are. I am a great fan of anchoring, as opposed to mooring or marina berthing. But, honestly, just like large crouds of walkers destroy delicate alpine grasslands, we *MAY* be having an impact on the seabed. We must strive to know if the impact is significant and what this is (perhaps it is actually increasing biodiversity, and sea horses) just like dumpig ald ships creates artifical reefs... but I don't know. And I' like some one to tell me.

In the end we are only guests here on this planet: and more so on the oceans.
 
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Is eel grass long round stuff that grows to about 6' in length?
If so it is spreading like mad throughout Portsmouth Harbour & I guess it is only a matter of time before herds of these dam sea horses arrive.Followed by masses of do gooders all looking for grants & an easy meal ticket to do very little really.

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I take back my last post. It seems I have my expert........
 
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Is eel grass long round stuff that grows to about 6' in length?
If so it is spreading like mad throughout Portsmouth Harbour & I guess it is only a matter of time before herds of these dam sea horses arrive.Followed by masses of do gooders all looking for grants & an easy meal ticket to do very little really.

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I take back my last post. It seems I have my expert........

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I'm no expert but that is the truth & having such a long coastline I think it is very unlikely that seahorses are only congregating on Studland Beach & a part of Falmouth Harbour.
 
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I'm no expert but that is the truth & having such a long coastline I think it is very unlikely that seahorses are only congregating on Studland Beach & a part of Falmouth Harbour.

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Where in Falmouth?
 
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In the end we are only guests here on this planet: and more so on the oceans.

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You, sir, are an alien, and I claim my £100 prize.
 
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[
You, sir, are an alien, and I claim my £100 prize.

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42 /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
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Is eel grass long round stuff that grows to about 6' in length?
If so it is spreading like mad throughout Portsmouth Harbour & I guess it is only a matter of time before herds of these dam sea horses arrive.Followed by masses of do gooders all looking for grants & an easy meal ticket to do very little really.

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I take back my last post. It seems I have my expert........

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I'm no expert but that is the truth & having such a long coastline I think it is very unlikely that seahorses are only congregating on Studland Beach & a part of Falmouth Harbour.

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Apologies for being so flippant. It's just that I DON'T KNOW.

Anyway, think I'd better do some work.

Did I mention I worked in the Seahorse canning factory?
 
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So you agree that we'd be better off trying to get more information, rather than listening to one bloke with a vested interest, then?

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Of course.

Do you agree that at first glance evidence (surveyed increasing numbers, biggest colony in Europe(from BBC video)) does not support changing the status quo?

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No. I most certainly do not. I am blissfully happy in my ignorance. I do not understand the relationship between Seahorses, their eel grass and the effects of anchoring on any of it.

And I am more than happy to be educated by someone who can speak with genuine authority on it.

I'm just not convinced that person exists at this point in time.

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I wasn't asking you to be an expert, just use your independant judgement to judge the evidence as presented by the seahorse guy and the nature guy in the BBC video.

My mind is far from made up and is open to further evidence, so I welcome a study, but judging on the known facts so far my conclusion is that the status quo does seem to be working in that seahorse numbers are increasing in the largest colony in the UK.
 
Oh dear Oh dear.

I reported this some time ago in the original thread I started on the subject, it was agreed then that this would happen.

A single interest group with a environmental ticket will get loads of support from people who do not understand that boats and seahorses have been living in harmony in Studland for many years, I'm thinking of the little old lady in the Midlands scenario.

Irrespective of the facts, this minority group WILL get support for banning anchoring JUST IN CASE anchoring boats are doing damage, forget the facts, it will happen, sadly.

I also prophesies that IF the seahorse population dwindles as a result of the change in habitat (no anchored boats, its possible!) we, the boat owners, will be blamed "the damage was already done before we could rescue the little fellas". "Lets bad anchoring EVERYWHERE!! Just in case they do some other damage!"

Its almost pointless protesting I'm afraid.
 
& another thing.I can think of several locations with practically identical conditions to Studland so with global warming they will shortly be swarming all over the place.....followed by environmentalists.
 
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Correction,Helford.Somewhere down Cornwall somewhere.....

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well you are continuing a good tradition there:
Cristoforo Colombo did think he was going to India when he opened the first ever ARC in 1492
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I just sent this to

mail@dorsetwildlife.co.uk

Dear Dorset Wildlife trust,

I notice your recent campaign to set up a voluntary no anchoring zone in Studland Bay.

I tried searching your website but was unable to find the scientific, peer reviewed paper which states the problem and provides some relevant statistics which shows a "problem" is occurring.

Please can you send me a link to this information ?

Regards
 
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