NEW visitor moorings have been placed in the Milford Haven waterway, to help protect a unique and scarce species of seagrass.

Following concerns about the possibility of damage to beds of seagrass in Longoar Bay from vessel anchors, Milford Harbour Users Association (HUA) and the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Relevant Authorities Group (SACRAG) worked together to come up with a solution.

Marked by red buoys, the two ‘day visitor’ moorings can be used by vessels up to 40 feet long and a maximum weight of 10 tonnes.

They have been positioned in such a way so as to discourage boat users from anchoring to the west of them, where seagrass is present.

Seagrass beds act as nursery areas for commercial fish species, reduce coastal erosion and absorb nutrients and chemicals from coastal run-off.

The Port of Milford Haven, which has insured the markers, said the long term health of the beds was important, as the area is within the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC) part of a network of important marine sites across Europe.

Made last year, the voluntary agreement also includes protection for subtidal seagrass off Angle and Gelliswick, as well as for the only known bed of maerl in Wales, a chalky red seaweed.

Bill Hurst, harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that the first freely available visitor moorings have been agreed and placed in Longoar Bay.

"The Port of Milford Haven was the final link in the chain to secure their placement and their future.

"Users of the moorings should take careful note of the maximum size boat suitable and safe to make fast to the mooring.”

The visitor moorings have been installed following collaboration with the Pen Ll?n a’r Sarnau SAC and funding from the Welsh Government’s Nature Fund. Assistance has also been provided by Natural Resource Wales’ Skomer Marine Conservation Zone staff.

The approximate positions of the mooring buoys are: 51º42’.723N, 005º06.809W and 51º42’.728N, 005º06.804W.

Further information on the SAC, visit www.pembrokeshiremarinesac.org.uk/english/special/inlets_c.htm or telephone 01646 696108.