As part of the Solent Seascape Project, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is inviting boaters to share their views.
In 2024, nearly 600 people from the boating community took part in our survey, helping us build a clearer picture of how boating activity interacts with the Solent’s important marine habitats. Now, we’re launching a follow-up survey to help us understand whether awareness, attitudes and behaviours around anchoring and mooring have changed over time.
Feedback from boaters has already contributed to practical conservation measures, including improved access to seagrass mapping and working alongside the boating community is key to the Solent Seascape Project. By understanding the realities of spending time on the water, we can help ensure future conservation measures are practical, proportionate and informed by those who know the Solent best, while helping to safeguard its internationally important seagrass meadows and the wildlife they support.
Why We Want to Hear from Solent Boaters
Your feedback will help us better understand how people use and enjoy the Solent and how perspectives on mooring and anchoring may be changing over time.
By taking part, you’ll help:
- Ensure boating perspectives are reflected in decision-making.
- Improve understanding of boating activity across the region.
- Support the protection and recovery of vital seagrass meadows and marine wildlife.
- Inform sustainable boating practices.
- Ensure a healthier marine environment for future generations of boaters
- influence future marine conservation initiatives in the Solent.
Win Great Prizes for Taking Part
As a thank you for completing the survey, you’ll be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win:
- A year’s membership of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
- A luxury hamper.
- A guided shoreline wildlife walk with a marine biologist for up to eight people.
Why Seagrass Meadows Matter in the Solent
Seagrass meadows are one of the Solent’s most valuable marine habitats. They provide important nursery grounds and shelter for fish, support a wide variety of wildlife, help improve water quality and capture carbon.
Some anchoring and mooring activities can unintentionally damage these underwater habitats. By understanding more about how people use the Solent, we can work with boaters to identify practical solutions that support both thriving marine ecosystems and enjoyable time on the water.
Supporting Sustainable Boating in the Solent
The Solent has a long and rich boating heritage. Through this survey, we’re seeking to build on the insights gathered in 2024 and continue the conversation with the boating community.
Together, we can help ensure the Solent remains a thriving place for both wildlife and people for generations to come.
Share your views, support marine conservation and enter the prize draw today.
