Seagrass meadows are essential to marine ecosystems, functioning much like forests on land by capturing and storing carbon, making them pivotal in the fight against climate change. In addition, seagrass provides essential ecosystem services: acting as nurseries for fish, improving water quality, stabilising coastlines against erosion, and serving as feeding grounds for wildlife.

In Strangford Lough, the Zostera marina seagrass meadows are particularly significant, providing critical feeding areas for the large numbers of wildfowl and waders that overwinter in the region. Recognised under the EC Habitats and Species Directive and monitored through the Environment Order (Northern Ireland) 2009, these habitats are a key part of Annex I habitats requiring careful protection and management.

Despite their importance, seagrass meadows face significant threats from human activities, particularly traditional mooring systems. Swinging moorings, commonly used for recreational boating, can damage the seabed through the scouring action of heavy chains. Since the 1990s, increased boating activity, recreational fishing, and anchoring have intensified pressures on these vulnerable ecosystems.

To address these challenges, Advanced Mooring Systems (AMS) have been developed as a sustainable alternative. AMS are specifically designed to minimise or eliminate seabed scouring, offering a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for securing boats.

Stirling Design

The Stirling mooring system is an adaptation of traditional configurations, developed as a cost-effective and flexible solution. Mid-water floats are used to suspend the lower portion of the riser, preventing contact with the seabed. Stirling systems have been successfully implemented in locations such as Cawsand, Salcombe, Torbay, and Falmouth.

Seaflex Design https://seaflex.com/

Seaflex is an elastic mooring system that combines durability with flexibility. It uses embedment or deadweight anchors and is compatible with pontoons and mooring buoys. This system features a reinforced rubber cable with a homogenous rubber core. A specially braided cord wraps around the core, while a durable rubber cover forms the outer layer, providing long-lasting performance with minimal environmental impact. Seaflex systems have been successfully implemented in locations such as Cawsand, Porthdinllaen and Lundy.