GovWire

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is holding a community workshop bringing together people who live, work and visit Studland Bay to share knowledge, experiences and values associated with the bay and its vitally important natural environment.

As Englands principle marine regulator, MMO is responsible for managing marine non-licensable activities within marine protected areas (MPAs) from 0-12 nautical miles. This includes activities such as anchoring, sailing, mooring and motorboating.

In Studland Bay, MMO has included the introduction of a voluntary no-anchor zone (VNAZ) with the support of the community to help protect and conserve the areas valuable seagrass habitats. The seagrass is a designated feature of the Studland Bay conservation area and serves as an important nursery and feeding ground for rare species of seahorse, pipefish and rays as well commercially valuable species such as seabream, bass and flat fish.

Separate to the work that has already been undertaken in the area by MMO, the upcoming workshop forms part of a new project to amplify the voices of residents, visitors, and stakeholders and by sharing their perspectives. This will help to highlight the social and cultural importance of Studland Bay in future decisions and initiatives related to its management.

The workshop will be held at the Studland Bay Village Hall and run across three different times to create more opportunities for local people to join. Refreshments will be provided, and places are limited, so all those interested in attending are encouraged to register online as soon as possible.

Available dates and times, include:

• Wednesday 15 November, 10am 1pm
• Wednesday 15 November, 6pm 8:30pm
• Thursday 16 November, 1:30pm 16:30pm

Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences on how they place importance, depend on and enjoy Studland Bays natural environment. This will be an interactive event, where attendees will be invited to participate in group discussions and activities.

Aisling Lannin, Head of Evidence & Evaluation, from MMO, said:

Studland Bay has a rich natural environment, cultural heritage and sense of community. We look forward to welcoming as many of the local people as possible and hope this workshop will inspire you to help shed light on why the area and natural environment is so important to the community.

Find out more information and register to attend.