A method of shore protection is provided which includes determining a required direction of travel of incoming waves to a shore or shore portion to protect the shore and locating at least one elongate reef (1) on the sea bed (2). The reef (1) is oriented at a pre-selected angle relative to an average or mode direction of travel of incoming waves (W) and having pre-selected dimensions selected to modify the direction of travel of incoming waves to the required direction after passing over the reef (1).