SIMS’ flagship Project Restore team hosted a first-of-its-kind community information session to share the story behind the recent replacement of 10 traditional swing moorings with Environmentally Friendly Moorings (EFMs) at a venue in Balmoral, located in Sydney’s Lower North Shore.

The event brought together local boat clubs, members of the mooring industry, government, scientists, and community members to explore how innovative mooring technology can support both recreational boating and healthy marine ecosystems.

In November 2025, Project Restore partnered with Steven Hedge, owner and operator of Balmoral Boatshed, Robbie Treharne of Treharne Moorings, and Sydney Marine and Diving Services (SMADS) to replace 10 traditional block-and-chain moorings with environmentally friendly alternatives.

Why the change?

Whilst traditional moorings are well documented to have kept boats safe for centuries, we now understand that there are also negative environmental impacts associated with them. Underwater surveys and aerial imagery show that traditional swing moorings create ‘mooring scars’ across the seafloor, which are particularly noticeable in seagrass meadows. These scars occur when heavy chains drag across the seabed with changing tides and weather conditions, ripping out seagrass and disturbing the sediment. Seagrass meadows are one of Sydney Harbour’s most valuable marine habitats, providing shelter for fish and marine life, improving water quality, and storing significant amounts of carbon.

The evening featured a panel discussion with key project partners Robbie Treharne, Steven Hedge, and Project Restore’s Operations Coordinator, Tom Burd.

Robbie represents the third generation of Treharne Moorings, a family business that has been keeping Sydney Harbour’s boating community safe for more than 80 years. As a local mooring operator, Steven is a key community figure and plays a pivotal role in making the transition to EFMs possible. Tom Burd provided insights into the ecological importance of seagrass meadows and the scientific monitoring underway beneath the newly installed systems.

The discussion explored the technology behind EFMs, the process of replacing existing moorings, lessons learned throughout the installation and servicing, as well as the status of seagrass restoration. Importantly, the session provided an opportunity for boat owners and industry representatives to ask questions, share perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of the role they can play in supporting healthier harbour ecosystems while keeping their boats safe. Key topics discussed during question time were focused on how the technology works, the associated costs and servicing requirements, safety aspects and government support.

What made this project possible was the collaboration between boating operators, industry experts, marine contractors, and scientists. Each partner brought a unique perspective and skill set, demonstrating how innovation and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand.

While there is still much to learn about the long-term performance and broader application of EFM technology in Sydney Harbour, projects like this are helping to pave the way for more sustainable boating infrastructure. It is clear that moving forward there needs to be a focus on providing the correct support to industry and boaters for a successful transition. Continued monitoring and knowledge sharing will help inform future decisions and support the adoption of environmentally friendly solutions where appropriate.

Project Restore will continue to survey the site and share learnings as the trial progresses, helping government, industry, and the community better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with this infrastructure.

Beyond the technical and ecological aspects of the project, the evening also highlighted the importance of understanding community perspectives on environmentally friendly moorings. As part of the trial, Project Restore is undertaking social research to explore the attitudes, perceptions, and experiences of boat owners and harbour users in relation to EFM technology. Understanding the opportunities, concerns, and barriers to adoption will be critical in shaping future implementation and ensuring that any transition to more environmentally friendly mooring systems is informed by the needs and experiences of the boating community.

Project Restore is generously funded by the NSW Environmental Trust and delivered in partnership with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water as part of the Seabirds to Seascapes Program.