Solent Boating Survey

At the heart of the Solent Seascapes Project is collaboration with the boating community understanding boaters’ values, listening to lived experience, and working together to keep boating enjoyable while supporting thriving marine habitats.

Seagrass meadows are among the Solent’s most important marine habitats. They support marine biodiversity, provide nursery grounds for fish and invertebrates, improve water quality, and store carbon. Protecting these habitats relies not only on management and policy, but also on the everyday knowledge, choices, and cooperation of boat users.

To support this collaborative approach, we conducted the Solent Boating Survey in early 2025 to better understand boaters’ perspectives, experiences, and decision-making around anchoring and mooring particularly in relation to seagrass meadows. The survey explored motivations, influences, and practical barriers, ensuring that future guidance, communications, and interventions are proportionate, realistic, and shaped by real boating experience.

We heard from 599 boat users, and the results show strong awareness:

• 98% had heard of seagrass
• 94% understood that anchoring can damage it
• Most respondents said they avoid anchoring in seagrass unless absolutely necessary

However, practical challenges remain. 65% of respondents cited a lack of clear information about seagrass locations as a key barrier, and 20% said they may still anchor in seagrass when seeking shelter in bays. Harbour Authorities and sailing associations were identified as the most trusted sources of information.

These insights have already led to action. We are now working with harbour authorities, the RYA, and sailing clubs to develop a seagrass map highlighting known locations across the Solent, alongside ongoing educational talks and events delivered with the boating community.

Below you’ll find links to our illustrated seagrass map, a summary of the survey findings, and a tool to record seagrass sightings.