Underwater secrets revealed

Shipwrecks, rugged cliffs, massive gravel dunes and ancient river beds have been revealed on the Dorset seabed in stunning detail by exciting new seabed mapping. 

DORset Integrated Seabed study (DORIS) is a collaborative seabed mapping project involving Dorset Wildlife Trust, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Channel Coastal Observatory.  Ultimately, DORIS will produce a detailed seabed habitat map covering over 800km2 from Swanage to Abbotsbury.

The project, which puts Dorset at the forefront of marine mapping in the UK, has been made possible by a major biodiversity grant of £300,000 from Viridor Credits Environmental Company, through the Landfill Community Fund, to Dorset Wildlife Trust, towards producing a seabed habitat map to identify important marine conservation features in Dorset.

Peter Tinsley, Marine Conservation Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust,  said: “There has never been a greater demand for reliable seabed information.  The Marine and Coastal Access Bill, soon to go through its second reading in the House of Commons, will pave the way for marine spatial planning and for the creation of marine protected areas; both will benefit from the sort of detailed maps DORIS will produce.  This should lead to more sensible and sustainable use of our marine resources, for the benefit of marine wildlife and those whose livelihoods depend on the sea.”