Abstract: An underwater erosion control system that has viscous drag elements for increasing the effect of viscous drag and disrupting laminar flow on the water current has a frame that includes two longitudinal supports that extend along the length of the underwater erosion control system near its bottom portion. The longitudinal supports extend at opposite sides of the viscous drag elements. A plurality of rungs traverse the longitudinal supports and are spaced some distance apart from each other. The viscous drag elements may be panels secured to the rungs along their retaining portion. Apertures are formed within the retaining portion of the panels and are used to retain the panels from lateral movement by passing an inner support through the apertures parallel to the longitudinal supports. The frame may be flexible or rigid. A novel installation frame and a method for installing the rigid frame embodiment also are disclosed.