NSW Maritime is trialling a new type of mooring apparatus to protect sensitive seagrass communities while keeping boaters safe at one of their favourite destinations in Shoal Bay.
Four Hybrid-Environmentally Friendly Moorings (HEFMs) have been installed at prime locations around Shoal Bay. These moorings use a 4.5t concrete gravity-weight to anchor the MarineFlex elasticated rode system.
Unlike conventional moorings which use a heavy chain to absorb dynamic loads when the mooring is in use, the MarineFlex system is positively buoyant and does not impact seagrass around the anchor.
The use of gravity-weight anchors ensures that these moorings can be easily maintained for boaters’ continued safety.