Anchoring: Protect Seagrass, Keep Your Boat Safe

We all love spending time on the water, and part of being a sustainable sailor is to anchor responsibly. Anchoring may seem like a simple task, but doing it incorrectly can cause significant damage to delicate marine ecosystems, particularly seagrass beds.

As you can read in our Sustainable Sailing Guide, these underwater meadows are not only beautiful; they play a vital role in maintaining ocean health. Sustainable anchoring practices help protect these habitats but will also make sure you keep your boat and crew safe.

We teamed up with RYA instructor Trystan in Lefkada to bring you a quick recap of why we need to take more care when we are anchoring. Watch the video and read on for a summary of some of the key points.

Why do we need to protect seagrass?

Seagrass beds are often referred to as the "lungs of the sea.” In Greece they are also known as ‘Poseidon’s beard’. They perform several critical functions:

1. Oxygen Production: Like their terrestrial counterparts, seagrass photosynthesizes, releasing oxygen into the water, which is essential for marine life.

2. Carbon Sequestration: Seagrass meadows capture and store carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change.

3. Habitat: These areas provide shelter and food for a wide range of marine species, from fish to invertebrates, contributing to biodiversity.

4. Erosion Control: Seagrass roots stabilize the ocean floor, reducing coastal erosion and protecting shorelines.

However, seagrass beds are fragile. When anchors are dropped carelessly and we let chains drag, they can rip through these underwater meadows, leaving behind scars that take years to heal.

How does protecting seagrass help keep my boat safe?

Poor anchoring can cause your boat to drag, especially during high winds. This not only puts your boat at risk of damage or grounding but also increases the chances of further damage to the seagrass and coral. To protect seagrass and keep your boat safe, follow these sustainable anchoring practices:

1. Know the Bottom Type:

- Use nautical charts or GPS systems to determine the seabed type. Sandy bottoms are ideal for anchoring, as they cause the least damage and provide good holding ground.

- Avoid areas with seagrass or coral reefs, as these are both ecologically sensitive and provide poor holding for anchors.

2. Anchor with Care:

- Approach your anchoring spot slowly to avoid disturbing the seabed.

- Once you’ve identified a sandy spot, drop the anchor gently and allow it to settle.

- Back your boat down slowly while letting out the anchor line, ensuring the anchor digs in securely.

3. Check Your Anchor:

- After setting your anchor, monitor its position relative to landmarks to ensure it isn’t dragging.

- In strong winds or currents, check the anchor to ensure it remains secure and isn’t causing damage to the seabed.

Unfortunately in Greece there is currently limited provision for mooring buoys, which would reduce the need for anchoring. Sustainable Sailing Greece is supporting Greek NGOs such as WWF Greece and iSea who are advocating for the installation of these mooring systems in areas that need protection, and we hope to see some soon!

Sustainable anchoring is not just about protecting the environment it's also about ensuring the safety of your boating experience. By taking the time to anchor responsibly, you can help preserve vital seagrass ecosystems, contribute to the fight against climate change, keep your crew safe and avoid costly damage to your boat. The sea gives us so much—let’s do our part to protect it.