Dropping anchor in a stretch of sea off the Cumbrian coast will become a criminal offence next week under the first byelaw of its kind introduced by the Marine Management Organisation in English waters.
The new rules cover the entire 28 square kilometre Allonby Bay Highly Protected Marine Area and come into force on Thursday, July 30.
They prohibit anyone from deploying an anchor within the protected zone and require anchors carried on vessels to be raised out of the water and properly stowed while inside it.
The definition of a vessel is deliberately broad, covering conventional boats as well as hovercraft, aircraft capable of landing on water and any other craft able to travel on, in or beneath the sea.
Emergency exceptions mean an anchor can still be dropped where necessary to secure the safety of a vessel or save a life.
Permission may also be granted for scientific, stocking or breeding purposes or through a marine licence.
Allonby Bay, between Maryport and Silloth, was designated as one of England's first three Highly Protected Marine Areas in 2023.
The designation is intended to allow the recovery of the whole marine ecosystem, rather than only selected species or habitats, protecting everything from the shore and seabed to the water column and sea surface.
The bay contains 'blue carbon' habitats which capture and store carbon, as well as subtidal areas providing food and nursery grounds for fish.
Marine minister Emma Hardy said: "This is a proud milestone in our mission to protect one of England's most important marine environments.
"Allonby Bay Highly Protected Marine Area's anchoring byelaw will help ensure that these important blue carbon habitats and the wildlife they support have the opportunity to recover, thrive and continue delivering benefits for people, nature and future generations."
Nick Greenwood, the MMO's head of marine protection and operations services, said the measure would play an important long-term role in 'wider ocean recovery'.
Failing to comply with the byelaw will constitute an offence under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
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