Boat moorings are common artificial structures ubiquitous with shallow embayments in urbanised estuaries. Traditional swing moorings consist of a heavy chain that scours the sediment as the attached boat moves at the surface, which reduces seagrass density and prevents regeneration. Impacts of swing moorings on seagrass are well-documented, but until recently little was known of their effects on fish. Here, we used underwater video and photography to understand the effects of boat moorings on fish communities and whether the implementation of less damaging seagrass friendly moorings (SFMs) benefit seagrass and fish. Initially, we surveyed 4 mooring locations in Sydney Harbour to understand whether the abundance and feeding behaviour of fish communities differed in close proximity to boat moorings, finding that abundance and bites increased with distance to moorings. At Manly Cove, where SFMs have been installed, we mapped seagrass density and later surveyed fish communities in relation to seagrass and nearby mooring types (swing or SFM). We found higher density of seagrass in close proximity to SFMs and that the influence of seagrass cover and mooring type varied among fish species. Therefore, implementation of improved mooring designs can increase seagrass density, resulting in wider ecological benefits.