What is a Mermaid Anchor?
Created by Seaflex, and partners Blue Parameters, their mooring system is an elastic mooring solution for buoys (amongst many other choices), that is unrivalled in its ability to keep the floating application stable and secure even in locations exposed to extreme weather conditions.
Traditional mooring methods can damage the underwater flora and fauna. One example is chain- moored boats that are allowed to drift, as the chain scours the seabed which can create dead spots, killing all vegetation around it.
Adding to this, is the human disturbance that happens a lot in Cornwall with many keen water users, however it causes a change in animal behaviour. Disturbances affect the animal’s well-being and chance of survival. When disturbed, stress levels are raised, fight and flight, injury or death can occur when fleeing, abandoning young and separation from group can occur, leading to starvation or predation of those left alone.
Disturbances include drones, paddle sports, tourist boats and coastal users. Marker buoys (Mermaid Anchors) provide a way of alerting the public to nesting birds or breeding seals, also protecting the seabed below.
Find out more here.
We are looking for donations and funding to install our Mermaid Anchors. Any support you can provide will be incredibly appreciated and beneficial to Cornish marine life. Contact us or Donate using the button.
Image shows a similar project run by Looe Marine Conservation Group; Market Buoys notifying the public of marine life.
