Abstract: A watercraft propulsion device for protecting marine life includes a tube that is coupled to a hull of a marine vessel. The tube has a front end and a back end that are open. The front end is circumferentially larger than the back end so that the tube is tapered. An impeller assembly is positioned in the tube. The impeller assembly is operationally coupled to a drive shaft of the marine vessel. A power plant of the marine vessel is positioned to rotate the impeller assembly concurrently with the drive shaft to increase a pressure and a flow of water through the tube to generate thrust to propel the marine vessel. A grate is coupled to a front perimeter of the tube so that the grate covers the front end. The grate is configured to deter entry of a marine organism into the tube.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion device for protecting marine life includes a tube that is coupled to a hull of a marine vessel. The tube has a front end and a back end that are open. The front end is circumferentially larger than the back end so that the tube is tapered. An impeller assembly is positioned in the tube. The impeller assembly is operationally coupled to a drive shaft of the marine vessel. A power plant of the marine vessel is positioned to rotate the impeller assembly concurrently with the drive shaft to increase a pressure and a flow of water through the tube to generate thrust to propel the marine vessel. A grate is coupled to a front perimeter of the tube so that the grate covers the front end. The grate is configured to deter entry of a marine organism into the tube.