The LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES: ‘Reducing and Mitigating Erosion and Disturbance Impacts affecting the Seabed’ project (LIFE 18 NAT/UK/000039) ran from July 2019 – October 2024 with aims to improve the condition of seagrass beds and maerl in five Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) between Essex and the Isles of Scilly.
Advanced Mooring Systems (AMS) in contrast to traditional boat moorings, are designed to reduce the interaction between the mooring and sensitive seabed habitats. There is growing evidence globally as well as in the UK of the reduction in impacts to seagrass habitat from switching to AMS. This mainly involves keeping the mooring riser off the sea floor, for example through using a stretchy or elastic riser or attaching floats to the existing chain.
As part of this project, trials of AMS were installed as both boat moorings and as markers. This information note aims to summarise the lessons we have learned through ReMEDIES, as well as knowledge gathered from other organisations involved in similar trials and projects during this time. The note includes topics on design and manufacturers, considerations for different environmental conditions, licences and consents, top tips for installation and maintenance and continued monitoring of effectiveness.
The note aims to be of use to anyone looking to install AMS or anyone involved in future trials. More information about AMS and the ReMEDIES project can be found at The Save Our Seabed website below.