A marine barrier has buoyant panels elastically connected with an included angle therebetween, to form a pleated row of panels with hinges arranged in first and second rows. An impact net having cables is attached to a net connection portion of each hinge in the first row. The net connection portions are attachable to the cables with a tension such that, when the barrier is floating and a moving vessel impacts the net, an impact force causes the cables to move relative to the net connection portions, transferring a portion of the force of the impact to the net connection portions, until cable stops on the cable ends engage net connection portions adjacent the cable stops. The force of the impact is then transferred to the panels, which engage the water to transfer the force of the impact to the water, to arrest the motion of the vessel.