Stop Press: Studland Bay not in first tranche of MCZ designations: see Latest News
Public Consultation: BORG response submitted: see Latest News
For an overview, see our MCZ’s Quick Guide
Welcome to our updated web site. The mission of the Boat Owners Response Group (BORG) is to promote the historic Rights of Navigation that have been a cornerstone of the UK’s identity as a seafaring nation, and in particular to promote these rights in the face of current initiatives, including the establishment of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ’s), which might limit navigational use, including passage and anchoring rights.
BORG is a community organization, not funded or promoted by any special interests or companies. We came into being following serious discussions of upcoming regulations that were discussed on boating and yachting on-line forums. We are aware that our concerns are shared in many respects by official boating organisations, such as the RYA, as well as local organisations like the Studland Bay Preservation Association. It is our aim to add our voice to the chorus of concern of boat owners and those who navigate our marine waters for recreation and leisure.
You will find on this site sections which spell out the possible threats to navigation, which explain why sheltered anchorages matter, which report the current position of the MCZ programmes, and what BORG is and has been doing about it all. There is an evidence section which shines a searching spotlight on the scientific issues which conservationists bring forward to support their claims, which is supported by a page on aerial images of the seabed at Studland Bay. A summary of BORG’s position which was sent to stakeholders in the Studland Bay MCZ process may be found at the Position Summary page. The issue of just how sensitive the seahorses might be to minor damage to the eelgrass beds is explored in Seahorse Q&A’s and in Seahorses Like Moorings.
An important recent development is the release of the detailed and thorough Seastar Survey report, which reports that over the study period of two years, there is no consistent evidence of boat anchoring impacting the seagrass habitat at Studland Bay. Fuller information about that and other more recent developments, including Natural England and JNCC’s “Formal Advice to Government” on the proposed MCZ’s, plus our response, is given in the Latest News section.
We also have quite a lively discussion involving these issues taking place on the Yachting & Boating World web forum. You can access this “sticky” thread within YM’s Scuttlebutt area by clicking
And while you are there, please feel free to browse the entire ybw site – it has a wealth of information about sailing, motorboating, living aboard, and other issues to the seafaring community!
Cheers,
The Boat Owners Response Group Cruise Directors, a.k.a. “YBW Scuttlebut username”,
Jon “oldharry” Reed
Stephen “galadriel” Price
Steve “Searush” Kean
Mike “MarlynSpyke” Simons