Ecoreef launches nature-based mooring block

Ecocoast has launched Ecoreef, a new environmental mooring reef structure alternative to conventional concrete mooring blocks.

The latest addition to Ecocoast’s mooring systems portfolio, Ecoreef’s reef structures are designed to support young fish, encourage coral recruitment and enhance marine biodiversity. Ecoreef can be used around ports, harbours, marinas, tourism resorts, aquaculture, solar installations and coastal developments. The system aims to help regenerate marine ecosystems, increase coastal resilience, and support the protection of coastlines and critical marine infrastructure.

Originally conceived by Ecocoast in 2023 as part of the company’s Drive Change philosophy during the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’, Ecoreef was designed by a team of in-house specialists and artificial reef expert and marine ecologist Dr. Aaron Bartholomew.

Three years of research, engineering and iterative development has followed. Fujairah Research Centre (FRC) collaborated on post-design research and a team of interns from the American University of Sharjah and University of Oxford supported post-deployment monitoring.

Ecoreef has already undergone successful trial deployments in the UAE since August 2025.

Particular focus has been placed on creating refuge for juvenile fish, helping increase survivorship rates in early development. According to Ecocoast, during initial underwater monitoring in the UAE, the team also witnessed juvenile snappers and groupers on the deployed Ecoreefs, indicating that they could help produce commercially important fish.

Ecoreef is designed for use with Ecomoor, Ecocoast’s neutrally buoyant mooring line technology that helps prevent the scouring and habitat damage commonly associated with traditional steel mooring chains.

Bartholomew says: “I have been exploring concepts for more effective artificial reefs and marine infrastructure since my PhD research in 2001, and it has been incredibly rewarding to work with Ecocoast to help bring these ideas into practical application. Initial results have exceeded expectations, with strong early evidence of juvenile fish using the structures as refuge habitat.

“With the potential to support fish, corals and wider marine biodiversity, Ecoreef demonstrates how mooring blocks can be designed to deliver both operational performance and measurable ecological value.”

Dr Philip Sanders, aquatic ecologist and sustainability strategist at Ecocoast, says: “Marine infrastructure has traditionally been designed with little consideration for ecological function. Ecoreef represents a different approach, actively contributing to healthier marine ecosystems while still delivering the operational performance required by ports, marinas and coastal projects.

“One of the most important aspects of Ecoreef is its focus on juvenile fish survivorship. Many artificial reef systems attract existing fish populations. Ecoreef has been specifically designed to help protect younger fish during vulnerable life stages, supporting the development of local aquatic populations and healthier marine ecosystems over time.

“By combining protection for juvenile fish with coral recruitment and reduced seabed disturbance through the Ecomoor system, Ecoreef represents a new generation of underwater infrastructure that goes beyond traditional anchoring systems to actively support marine ecosystem recovery and regeneration.”

Ecoreef manufacturing is split between the UK and UAE.