In busy coastal areas like the Solent, seagrass can be particularly vulnerable to damage from anchoring. Anchors and chains can uproot the seagrass, releasing stored carbon and pollutants, and destabilising the seabed, which makes our coastlines and boating channels vulnerable to shifting sediments and coastal erosion.
Seagrass meadows are particularly important in the Solent, where sheltered bays and tidal waters create ideal conditions for safe anchoring and areas for these rare habitats to flourish. Home to species including pipefish, cuttlefish and thornback rays, they also support local jobs in fisheries by providing nursery grounds for fish such as bass.
Once damaged, seagrass can take many years to recover. Across the UK, seagrass meadows have declined by up to 90% in the last century, making the remaining beds in the Solent particularly valuable and in need of careful protection that everyone can take part in.
Protecting seagrass in the Solent is strongest when it builds on the shared commitment of local communities to look after their coast and seas. The map was developed in response to the Trust’s Solent Boating Survey, which gathered insights from nearly 600 boat users in the Solent. The survey showed strong awareness of seagrass and its importance, but identified a lack of clear, trusted information about seagrass locations as one of the main barriers to avoiding damage while anchoring.
Emily Stroud, Marine Nature Recovery Manager at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: “Seagrass meadows are hidden worlds beneath the waves, vital for so much wildlife and the health of our waters and planet, thanks to their oxygen production and rich habitat structure.
“But they can be difficult to identify from the surface, particularly in busy anchorages. When boats anchor in seagrass it can lead to serious damage - not just for the seagrass but for us as people. Uprooted seagrass reduces shelter, nursery habitat and food sources for many species that rely on these beds. The damage takes years to recover, even with our help.
“This map was developed with boat user insights and values in mind to help them anchor outside seagrass habitats while enjoying their journeys and day trips out on the water. It was created in collaboration with the boating community, harbour authorities, and sailing organisations including the RYA, so skippers can see where seagrass is and contribute to its protection and benefits, while still enjoying their time on the water. The map acts as a planning tool, providing practical guidance for choosing where to anchor, identifying where advanced mooring system are available for overnight stops, or finding sheltered spots in the stunning Solent bays.
“Good information is essential for safe and responsible boating. This map gives skippers an extra layer of local knowledge to support their decisions on the water.
“Boaters told us that knowing where seagrass is located makes a real difference. 63% of our surveyors said they would anchor outside seagrass is they knew it was there. This map responds directly to that need, and it will continue to improve as more people share what they’re seeing on the water.”
Alongside the map, boaters can also play an active role in improving knowledge of the Solent seabed. Seagrass that does not currently appear on the map can be reported, with sightings submitted using a Seagrass Spotter app. These contributions will help refine the map over time and build a clearer, more accurate picture of Solent habitats, shaped by the boating community itself.
The Solent Boating Survey forms part of the Solent Seascapes Project, a partnership initiative working with the boating community to keep boating enjoyable while supporting healthy marine habitats.
The map, survey findings, and reporting tools are available here.
