a low - cost aquatic structure optimized for water quality enhancement and wave mitigation . the structure is preferably comprised predominantly of recycled polymer scrap or other low - cost , high - surface - area materials , such as jute . the structure may be either buoyant or non - buoyant . buoyant embodiments of the structure are preferably tip resistant . all embodiments are preferably wave damping . the structure is preferably porous and permeable , and has a large internal surface area for colonization by nutrient - removing microbes . the structure may alternately be used to add nutrients to a water body to promote fish growth for aquaculture applications .