Factsheet

www.hunter.l ls.nsw.gov.au

Why use an Environmentally Friendly Mooring?Conventional swing mooring designs use a dump weight (usually a concrete block) on the seabed linked to a heavy chain, ropes and floats to hold vessels in position under a range of climatic conditions. This type of mooring has been used for many years now but new designs on the market are proving to be safe and better for the environment by protecting sensitive habitats around each mooring.

Aerial imagery showing scouring of seagrass by block and chain moorings at Belmont (left) and Marks Point (right) in Lake Macquarie, NSW

As the boat swings in response to winds and currents, the movement of the chain along the seabed scours out the sediment and damages sensitive seabed habitats such as seagrass. The average scour area in the Hunter region is 164m2 but the seagrass lost from a single mooring in Port Stephens was recently measured at 706m2.

Environmentally Friendly Moorings (EFM) cause less damage to the seagrass bed than conventional moorings, by ensuring there is minimal contact with the sea floor, while still being able to safely secure vessels.

Is your boat moored in seagrass? Consider an Environmentally Friendly Mooring

A block and chain mooring (above)

2 types of EFM: Eco Mooring diagram (left) and photo of Seagrass Friendly Mooring (right).

How will the environment benefit if moorings are upgraded?By switching to EFMs, the vital habitat of iconic species such as seahorses and threatened sea turtles will be protected and restored. Habitats at risk from mooring damage include seagrass, sponges and soft corals. These areas are important for maintaining water quality and providing food and habitat for a range of fish and crustaceans that are vital for commercial and recreational fishing. The seagrass Posidonia australis is found in Wallis Lake, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie and is considered an endangered ecological community.

Trials undertaken by Hunter Local Land Services in 2008 show that when block and chain moorings were removed and replaced with environmentally friendly moorings, seagrass recolonised the scoured areas.

What are the other benefits of EFMs?EFMs have been tested and independently certified by engineers unlike conventional block and chain moorings. EFM providers are insured for their products and services. EFMs have been installed in Port Stephens since 2007 and have performed well with regular maintenance.

A demonstration in Lake Macquarie by Hunter Local Land Services in June 2014 showed that EFMs were able to withstand greater loads than block and chain moorings before breaking out. It would seem that these designs not only protect sensitive habitats like seagrass but they may also be a stronger and safer option for mooring boats. View the video online at the Hunter Local Land Services website: www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au

What can I do?Boat owners with block and chain moorings located in areas with sensitive habitats such as seagrass should consider upgrading their mooring to an environmentally friendly design.

Further reading:• Department of Primary Industries - http://www.

dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/habitat/threats/traditional-boat-moorings-in-sensitive-habitats

• Environmentally Friendly Moorings - SEQ catchments - http://www.seqcatchments.com.au/case-studies/mooring-trial-to-end-crop-circles-in-moreton-bay

• Eco mooring: www.watersmarine.com.au/mooring.ews

• Seagrass Friendly Mooring: www.seagrassmooring.com.au/

Need more information?1300 795 299

hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au

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© State of New South Wales through Local Land Services 2015. The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing September 2015. However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that the information upon which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the information with the appropriate officer of Local Land Services or the user’s independent adviser.

For updates go to www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.auwww.hunter.l ls.nsw.gov.au

Photo from EFM demonstration; Seagrass Friendly Mooring installed at Bonnells Bay in mud bottom.

Image credits: David Harasti, Bill Gladstone, Tim Glasby, Greg West.

Green turtle (left); Yellowfin bream in Posidonia seagrass (middle); Aerial photo of Seagrass Friendly Mooring on left (no scour) and block and chain on right (large scour)