Document Type
Research Report
Publication Date
1-2013
Abstract
Most boaters who moor their vessels in Massachusetts waters have traditionally employed free swinging moorings that use heavy bottom chain. In important sensitive habitats such as eelgrass beds, these types of moorings often have negative impacts on the benthic habitat – from the circular movement of the chain around the anchor point, and/or from the anchor itself.
This document objectively describes the different characteristics of conventional moorings versus conservation moorings designed to minimize disruption to the benthic habitat. This report includes discussions on the following topics:
- Technologies available
- Ecological impacts
- Functional differences
- Economical differences
- Regulatory issues
These comparisons, along with concluding recommendations, will help boaters and communities decide whether or not conservation moorings are appropriate for their mooring and conservation needs.
Recommended Citation
Urban Harbors Institute, University of Massachusetts Boston, "Conservation Mooring Study" (2013). Urban Harbors Institute Publications. 41.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/uhi_pubs/41
Included in
Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Oceanography Commons, Water Resource Management Commons
Comments
Produced by the Urban Harbors Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, with funding from The Nature Conservancy and the Massachusetts Bays Program.