Dorset Seahorse colony at risk

Description:

A colony of Seahorses in Studland Bay is being put at risk by boat users according to a marine conservation body. The Seahorse Trust are keeping a close eye on the colony as their survey last year found 40 of the creatures half of which were pregnant.

The colony located at south bay off Studland has the largest concentration of Spiney and Short Snouted Seahorses in the Uk and possibly in Europe. It is thought the seagrass beds, their natural habitat, may be depleting because of boat anchors and moorings dragging and uprooting the beds.

There is no clear evidence to say whether the colony is in danger so the Seahorse Trust is to implement a two year study to monitor colony numbers with part of the bay being marked out and boat owners are being asked to stay clear.

The Seahorses are already protected by law, but the study will establish whether extra protection is required.