Studland VNAZ Phase 2 in place from today - MMO Statement

[oldharry]

As of today (1 June 2022), phase 2 of the voluntary no anchor zone within Studland Bay is in place. This extends the area protected to cover all of the seagrass bed off South Beach. This follows our announcement in December which introduced a smaller, interim zone to protect the core section of the seagrass habitat. This is part of a strategy to protect the designated features of Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) to ensure that marine activities can continue in a sustainable way. This will help to protect the seagrass habitat, the services it provides and the species that it supports. Currently, anchoring activity within the seagrass beds in Studland Bay MCZ is causing significant pressure and is posing a threat to achieving the conservation objectives of the site. The seagrass beds and long-snouted seahorse that feature in the zone have been determined by Natural England to be in unfavourable condition. In developing management measures for the MCZ, MMO has engaged stakeholders and listened carefully to their feedback. Based on stakeholder feedback, the no anchor zone is voluntary, rather than being implemented through an MMO byelaw. The zone was also introduced in a phased approach, with a smaller, interim zone initially which has now been replaced with the full zone. Close collaboration between MMO and stakeholders has allowed Studland Bay MCZ users to contribute to and shape the management of anchoring, to ensure that the bay’s important habitats are protected, and people are able to continue to visit and enjoy this iconic location. MMO has been actively monitoring the voluntary no anchor zone since December and our staff have spoken recently to users in the Studland Bay area through events and drop-in sessions to raise awareness of the voluntary measures. Over the course of the past few months, members of the MMO South Team have been aboard the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) Fisheries Patrol Vessel Endeavour in Studland Bay to speak to boat users on the water. After careful consideration of recent stakeholder feedback, we have decided to continue with our planned implementation of phase 2 of the Studland Bay voluntary no anchor zone. We will review the success of the voluntary no-anchor zone in Autumn 2022. On 1 and 3 June, our local MMO Poole team will be carrying out on water engagement in Studland Bay to raise awareness of the voluntary no anchor zone, listen to stakeholders, and provide information about the phase 2 extension of the zone. We are committed to supporting the continued enjoyment of the Bay, in a manner that allows recovery of the seagrass habitat for future and have a statutory duty to further the conservation objectives of Studland Bay MCZ

 

[Seven Spades]

I saw that notice. Why on earth didn't they include a chartlet are they totally incompetent? how do they think people will know where is ok and where is not?

 

[oldharry]

I saw that notice. Why on earth didn't they include a chartlet are they totally incompetent? how do they think people will know where is ok and where is not?

They have: https://assets.publishing.service.g...land_Bay_MCZ_Habitat_Protection_Strategy_.pdf

 

[Seven Spades]

It wasn’t attached to the spam I received from them today.

 

[wizard]

Even with the chartlet the actual points of angle changes are at best a guestimate!

 

[ryanroberts]

It is now the entire extent of the sheltered area for anything more than a lunch stop, I mostly sail solo and regularly use it as a passage anchorage. The interim restriction was viable for that use, this is not. They have provided 8 new moorings of dubious quality. I will now not even bother keeping further offshore until they have demonstrated the ability to prosecute.

 

[doug748]

It is now the entire extent of the sheltered area for anything more than a lunch stop, I mostly sail solo and regularly use it as a passage anchorage. The interim restriction was viable for that use, this is not. They have provided 8 new moorings of dubious quality. I will now not even bother keeping further offshore until they have demonstrated the ability to prosecute.

" Fisheries Patrol Vessel Endeavour in Studland Bay to speak to boat users on the water" I am rather looking forward to telling them where to go.

I have some sympathy with you.

The unhelpful and self serving statement as issued did nothing to win friends and, like the whole process thus far, seems designed to provoke confrontation. The RYA have been supine, anyone there with a little wit and the whole thing could have taken on a different aspect.

.

 

[oldharry]

I have some sympathy with you.

The unhelpful and self serving statement as issued did nothing to win friends and, like the whole process thus far, seems designed to provoke confrontation. The RYA have been supine, anyone there with a little wit and the whole thing could have taken on a different aspect.

.

Agree. The only pertinent point they made was that they have a statutory obligation to fulfill the MCZ Conservation Objectives. They know perfectly well the NE 'guidance' is flawed in the extreme, but seem unable to do anything about it.

As to the RYA, with whom I have worked closely in the past...supine hardly describes it. Last contact I had with them was to have a blistering exchange with their former CEO, over what I see as their apparent sell out to Conservation extremists and failure to stand up for their Members over these issues. Like many here, I'm not renewing my sub. They have sold us down the swanee with a vengeance.

 

[lustyd]

I will now not even bother keeping further offshore until they have demonstrated the ability to prosecute.

The document suggests they don't intend to prosecute, they intend to educate and then if that doesn't work move to a mandatory no anchor zone in a bylaw. Given that they've demonstrated they will plough ahead regardless and ignore evidence we may as well enjoy anchoring while it's available, they are certain to find mass non compliance because they simply don't want boats there, other than their own.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

I wonder, does the no anchor zone extend above the low water contour? Drawing 40cm, and beachable, we can get in and touch bottom just a little lower than the following high tide.

 

[lustyd]

If you're on the bottom you surely don't need the anchor. This gives me an idea for a really long set of beaching legs...