From the start, we knew our work had to be guided by evidence, not assumptions. So we created a Research and Monitoring Group – a team of experts from universities, conservation organisations and statutory agencies. Together, they developed a research plan and produce detailed annual reports.
Throughout the summer season, the seagrass meadows are monitored using a variety of innovative methods. Led by the University of Southampton, this research involves a host of students and volunteers.
Top photo: Robot boat for monitoring seagrass, © University of Southampton
Photo: University of Southampton
What the Research and Monitoring Group does
• Monitors the impacts of the eco-moorings.
• Leads regular seahorse counts throughout the summer.
• Identifies future research opportunities.
• Provides high quality, evidence-based information.
• Shares our findings online and at a range of events.
Studland Bay Marine Partnership: Protecting our Precious Marine Habitats together
New report from the Research & Monitoring Group published in Advances in Oceanography & Marine Biology, June 2026.
“It can take only a short amount of time to damage a seagrass meadow, and yet these precious habitats can take many years to recover. As restoration takes time, it is important that we have high quality evidence to help us monitor how the habitat is changing and what is working.”Sarah Coggins, partnership steering group lead for Research and Monitoring Group, National Trust Coast & Marine Advisor
Photo: The National Trust
How we study the seagrass
• Time-lapse camera – records boat numbers and eco-mooring use.
• Echo sounder & side scan sonar – maps the seagrass height and area from survey boats.
• Robot boats and underwater vehicles – remotely operated to capture detailed seabed data.
• Facial ID software – identifies and logs individual seahorses from photos.
Learn more – online talks
We are proud to work with leading experts in marine ecology, social science, oceanography, marine policy and coastal dynamics. Look out for our forthcoming online talks on our events page.
Explore recordings from previous talks:
- Studland Ocean Meadows – the science beneath the surface. Talk by Dr Ken Collins, our monitoring lead, University of Southampton.
- Studland’s Ocean Meadows – the science beneath the surface. Talk by the Marine Management Organisation.
- The Secret Life of Seahorses with Neil Garrick-Maidment Founder of the Seahorse Trust
- Marine Conservation Zone condition assessment, Natural England.
Watch a video of new seagrass shoots growing in the Voluntary No Anchor Zone, taken by the University of Southampton in 2024.