solenthandbook.com 19 BOATING AROUND WILDLIFE On the rocks Many of the birds and animals witnessed may not be in the water, but instead resting in nearby rushes or on cliff edges or rocks. The recommended distance to promote is to remain at least 100m away from marine wildlife in the water and 50m away from wildlife on cliffs and rocks. It is also recommended that if there are more than two other vessels nearby to stay further away to not overwhelm wildlife. Spotting the signs Too often wildlife isn’t spotted until they’ve already been disturbed, we can all avoid this by using binoculars to actively lookout for upcoming birds and animals. The signs of disturbance can differ between animals but common behavioural traits to be aware of are: • head bobbing from birds • cetacean may slap the water with their flipper • seals sliding quickly into the water • loud alert noises • raising their heads in distress BOATING AROUND WILDLIFE Studland Bay is renowned for its sandy beaches and stunning views. Studland Bay is renowned for its sandy beaches and stunning views. It's also home to precious seagrass beds, a vital habitat for protected It's also home to precious seagrass beds, a vital habitat for protected species of seahorse and other wildlife, as well as a nursery ground for species of seahorse and other wildlife, as well as a nursery ground for commercially important fish species. commercially important fish species. The seagrass however is at risk from boat anchors which can scour the The seagrass however is at risk from boat anchors which can scour the seabed and permanently damage this fragile habitat. In 2021 with the seabed and permanently damage this fragile habitat. In 2021 with the support of the local community, a voluntary no anchor zone (VNAZ) was support of the local community, a voluntary no anchor zone (VNAZ) was introduced to help protect the seagrass and the ecosystems it supports. introduced to help protect the seagrass and the ecosystems it supports. We’re asking recreational boaters who use, visit and enjoy Studland Bay We’re asking recreational boaters who use, visit and enjoy Studland Bay to support our approach to reducing impacts and anchor outside the to support our approach to reducing impacts and anchor outside the VNAZ to help protect and preserve the seagrass habitats for the future. VNAZ to help protect and preserve the seagrass habitats for the future. Protecting our precious marine habitats together Protecting our precious marine habitats together