Dr Ken Collins, of the University of Southampton, who supervised the study, said: “Studland Bay is becoming a powerful example of how practical conservation measures can reverse habitat damage and deliver measurable environmental improvements.”
Brown, who is also lead ecologist for the National Trust, said: “These results are incredibly exciting, and a huge encouragement to all the organisations and individuals who have given so much time and support to the partnership.
“The impact has been beyond our expectations, and thanks to robust monitoring and research, we have the science to prove how the eco-moorings benefit seagrass and all the species that rely on it.”
Studland Bay Marine Partnership is made up of conservation charities, boating organisations, academics, statutory bodies, community groups and businesses, with the aim of restoring Studland’s seagrass.
Partners include Dorset Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the National Trust, the Seahorse Trust and the University of Southampton.