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World Biodiversity Day: Reflections on Sustainable Mooring
Published on 21 May ‘25
World Biodiversity Day: Reflections on Sustainable Mooring Inspired by “Ocean with David Attenborough”
World Biodiversity Day: Reflections on Sustainable Mooring Solutions

Sustainable mooring solutions for ocean biodiversity are more important than ever as we celebrate World Biodiversity Day. Sir David Attenborough’s new film, Ocean, released this month to mark his 99th birthday, brings the ocean’s crucial role in sustaining life on Earth into sharp focus. After decades spent exploring the wonders of our planet, Attenborough now emphasizes that “the most vital place on our planet is not on land, but beneath the waves”. The ocean, he says, is our planet’s life-support system and humanity’s greatest ally in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.

The ocean’s crisis and its hope

Attenborough’s message is clear: the ocean is at a crossroads. In his words, “If we save the sea, we save our world”. His film reveals both the breathtaking beauty of coral reefs, kelp forests and open ocean – and the scars of human activity: industrial overfishing, plastic pollution and the devastation of seabed habitats from destructive practices like bottom trawling and traditional anchoring. The consequences are visible from space, as entire ecosystems are stripped bare and carbon-rich sediments are disturbed, accelerating climate change.

Yet, Attenborough’s narrative is not one of despair, but of hope. The ocean possesses a remarkable ability to recover when given the chance. He points to marine reserves in the Pacific and Mediterranean where, after protection, coral and fish populations have rebounded – proof that effective stewardship can reverse decades of damage. “The ocean can bounce back to life”, he says. “If left alone it may not just recover but thrive beyond anything anyone alive has ever witnessed”.

Why biodiversity in the ocean matters

The ocean is home to more than 80% of Earth’s biodiversity and underpins critical ecosystem services: oxygen production, climate regulation, food security and coastal protection. Coral reefs, for example, cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support over 25% of all marine species and provide billions in economic value through fisheries and tourism. Yet, these habitats are among the most threatened by human activity.

Protecting ocean biodiversity is not just an environmental imperative. It is essential for human survival and prosperity. As Attenborough and scientists worldwide warn, the next five years are pivotal. We must accelerate action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Rethinking solutions: From traditional to sustainable mooring

One of the most overlooked but significant threats to marine ecosystems comes from traditional mooring systems. Heavy chains and concrete blocks – commonly used to anchor boats and marine infrastructure – drag across the seabed, scouring fragile habitats like seagrass meadows and coral reefs. These scars not only destroy biodiversity but also reduce the ocean’s ability to store carbon and buffer climate impacts.

The solution: Eco-engineered mooring systems

Innovative solutions are now emerging to address this challenge. Sustainable mooring systems, such as neutrally buoyant mooring lines and eco-engineered blocks, are designed to protect – and even enhance – marine ecosystems.

Sustainable Mooring Line (Ecomoor): Unlike traditional chains, Ecomoor is a neutrally buoyant mooring line that floats above the seabed, preventing abrasion and damage to sensitive habitats. It is made from durable materials, offering a lifespan of up to 15 years and a significantly lower carbon footprint. Its modular design simplifies transportation, installation and maintenance, reducing both environmental impact and operational costs.

Eco-Engineered Mooring Block (Ecoreef): Developed in collaboration with marine ecologist, Dr. Aaron Bartholomew,  Ecoreef is a mooring block designed from environmentally friendly concrete. Its design provides shelter for coral and juvenile fish, actively enhancing local biodiversity. Unlike conventional blocks, which offer no ecological benefit, Ecoreef mimics natural reef structures, encouraging the formation of new marine communities and promoting juvenile fish survivorship.

Real-world impact

Ecomoor is already making a difference. In the Red Sea, a region renowned for its unique coral reefs, over 60 installations of have been deployed, protecting nearly 1,700 meters of sensitive habitat. These projects support nine UN Sustainable Development Goals, including “Life Below Water”, “Climate Action”, and “Responsible Consumption and Production”.

A call to action

As Ocean with David Attenborough reminds us, the ocean’s fate is in our hands. The transition to sustainable marine infrastructure is not just possible – it is happening. By adopting eco-engineered solutions like Ecomoor and Ecoreef, we can protect biodiversity, enhance ecosystem resilience and ensure that future generations inherit a thriving ocean.

At Ecocoast, our mission is to create safer, cleaner and more sustainable coastlines and waterways. Our work in developing and deploying sustainable mooring solutions is just one example of how innovation can align with nature, supporting the urgent call for harmony with the ocean on World Biodiversity Day – and every day.

If we save the sea, we save our world. ~ Sir David Attenborough

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