A guide to assessing and managing anthropogenic impact on marine angiosperm habitat (NECR111)

This work was commissioned to help deliver Natural Englands statutory advice to the Marine Management Organisation on the impact of anthropogenic activity in Studland Bay, Dorset. The bay, which has become a controversial focus due to the presence of protected seahorse species which rely on the Zostera marina bed habitat, was also recommended by the Finding Sanctuary Project in 2011 as a potential Marine Conservation Zone for inclusion by Defra in the Marine Protected Area network. Due to this recommendation, and existing legislation, evidence is required on the amount and level of impact from anthropogenic activity on the seagrass beds, to inform appropriate management.