Should the government ban anchoring/mooring in Studland/Portland bay?

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Studland Bay, and the sea between Studland and Portland in Dorset is one of 127 sites suggested to become a marine conservation zone (MCZ).

The area, formally called Studland to Portland pSAC (possible Area of Conservation), is said to contain 'one of the best examples of the range and diversity of reef in the UK for protection under the Habitats Directive' (Natural England, 2011).

Studland bay (Photo: CC. Katryn Powell, kapowe on flickr)

The consultation period was recently closed (24 November), and the decision was to be made by the beginning of 2012, but according to The Guardian, the government has admitted and confirmed a delay in the entire process of the 127 proposed sites because of "gaps and limitations" in the scientific evidence.

 One of the big concerns of those who welcome Studland to become a MCZ is mooring and anchoring by boats, and the potential damage the recreational activities might have on eelgrass and the breeding sites for seahorses. The Seahorse Trust was originally hoping for the area to become a so-called Reference Area, which would have meant an automatic ban on anchoring, but may still hope for the MCZ proposal to go through.

 Anchor damage on the seagrass meadows on the sea bed around Studland bay has been shown in a prior research, but scientists are still awaiting results from a Voluntary No-Anchor Zone (VNAZ) set up by researchers. Local fishermen and boaters oppose a potential ban, claiming there is little damage done by anchoring and mooring in the area.

Seagrass at Studland bay (Photo: CC, Jim Monk on flickr)

 In an article by The Telegraph, a commercial fisher said 'If anchoring or any other activity were really hurting the bay we'd be the first to object, but every day we can see the eelgrass expanding and coming closer to the beach' (The Telegraph, 2011).

 What are your thoughts around not being able to anchor up in and around Studland and Portland? Is the problem exaggerated? Should we prioritize human activities or adapt ourselves to save other species and protect the environment for future generations? In what way will you be affected? Please share your thoughts and comments below!