Abstract: An apparatus for attaching vegetative propagules to a longline that may include a clip portion having a curved area sized to receive a stem of a vegetative propagule and having an opening to the curved area smaller than the curved area to secure the vegetative propagule in the curved area; a tapered barrel that is inserted into a longline; and a rigid connection by a tower between the clip portion and the tapered barrel. Also disclosed is a macroalgae farm including the apparatus for attaching vegetative propagules to a longline.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problem of flipping floating oyster cages by using a rotating system that lifts one side of the oyster cage while depressing the other side. The resulting rotation torque is able to invert the oyster cage to allow the cage and the oysters to temporarily dry out as a way of controlling marine biofouling. The invention may be mounted on a boat or between two boats and can sequentially flip the oyster cages along an anchored string.

Abstract: The present invention provides a practical and economical means of growing of kelp and other types of macroalgae in large quantities on and in the ocean. Through the use of catenary principles and innovative structural designs, efficient designs emerge that translate into lightweight and low-cost components. The novel design described allows cost-efficient macroalgae farming at scales and at depths unsuitable for present macroalgae farming techniques. The device and methods described present a means of farming these seaweeds for the purpose of providing food, chemical feed stocks, and a biomass suitable for the production of biofuels.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problem of flipping floating oyster cages by using a rotating system that lifts one side of the oyster cage while depressing the other side. The resulting rotation torque is able to invert the ouster cage to allow the cage and the oysters to temporarily dry out as a way of controlling marine biofouling. The invention may be mounted on a boat or between two boats and can sequentially flip the oyster cages along an anchored string.

Abstract: A system for harvesting, storing, and generating energy includes a subsurface structure supporting machinery to convert received energy into potential energy, store that potential energy, and at a later time convert that potential energy into electrical energy. The system includes one or more buoyant chambers that support the subsurface structure and are maintained with an internal that is approximately equal to the ambient pressure at their deployed depth. The system is anchored to the seafloor with one or more mo lines. Suspended from the subsurface structure are one or more weights that are hoisted up or lowered down by one or more winches The one or more winches comprise a spooling drum, and one or more motors and/or one or more generators or one or more motor/generators.

Abstract: A buoy reduces the risk of whale entanglement in fixed fishing gear and other equipment. The buoy is a replacement for a conventional buoy used to mark and to facilitate the retrieval of the gear. One embodiment has a relatively long flexible tapered stem at the buoy's line end. It may be made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is the same material used to make common inflatable buoys and marine fenders, or any other suitably flexible, durable material. The free end of the buoy is shaped like a conventional lobster pot buoy, having a generally constant diameter, and a generally constant flexibility over its constant diameter. This free end meets the tapered line end at a transition region. The long stem is tapered and provides a stiffness profile having a gradual transition from the buoy line's extreme flexibility to the more rigid, buoyant body portion of the buoy. The free end may be relatively solid, like a conventional lobster pot buoy, or, it may be hollow.

Abstract: Anchorable mobile pens for growing fish or shellfish that have an elongate central vertical spar buoy surrounded by at least one horizontal net-supporting ring with continuous netting extending from an upper end of the buoy to the ring and thence to a lower, submerged end of the buoy to produce an enclosed pen. The pen is optionally not anchored and free to float with the currents although it may more often be anchored by conventional means. The mobility of the pens provides the benefits of avoidance of localized hazards, like toxic plankton blooms, and the capability to move the pen to a more convenient fish-harvesting location, if necessary.

Abstract: Flexible fabric barges are connected together in a string for towing. The barges are interconnected by fabric sleeves which have zipper connections. A fabric towing cone is zipper connected to the lead barge.

Abstract: A release mechanism which is releasable from the direction of the load and requires that two levers be pulled in sequence and held from the direction of the load for release. Hook-up may be achieved manually with one hand.

Abstract: A hydrodynamically superior trawl door with increased efficiency in harvesting fish and reducing fuel expenditures is composed of curved steel panels, which may be of constant radius to allow for economy in manufacturing. The door approximates an ideal hydrofoil surface, presenting a streamlined surface to the flow of water and a relatively sharp hydrodynamic trailing edge, and allowing for a moderate angle of attack and a high lift coefficient. The door is hollow and may be airtight and contains a flood opening with a baffle to allow air to be trapped inside to provide, even when hydrostatically compressed, some measure of vertical stablity. Further, the water ballast is automatically jetisoned during hauling in. The bottom of the door is curved to allow easy clearance of seafloor obstructions.

Abstract: A hanging bollard has a pivotally attached hanger which is capable of supporting a load by a line coupling device. A preferred form of the coupling device is spring loaded to allow detachment of the bollard cable from the load only when the coupler and load are supported by the hanger. The hanger is pivoted out of the coupler engaging position when the bollard is to be used as a conventional bollard.