Abstract: A method of constructing an artificial reef. The method includes attaching a reef element (2) to a support structure (100). The support structure (100) and the attached reef element (2) are then transported to a location on the surface of a body of water above an installation location on the seabed. The support structure (100) is secured to the seabed using a coupling means (4) while the support structure (100) and the reef element (2) are at the surface location. The support structure (100) and the reef element (2) are then moved from the surface to the installation location on the seabed using the coupling means (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable floor (1) for a body of water, the variable floor (1) including a base portion (2) for location on or within a fixed floor (106) of the body of water and means to adjust the slope of the upper surface of the variable floor (1) relative to the fixed floor (106) or base portion (2) in one or both of a first direction transverse to the direction of travel of waves and in a second direction transverse to the first direction. A wavepool (100) incorporating the variable floor (1) and including variable converging side walls, a kit of parts for the variable floor (1) and a method of controlling wave characteristics is also described.

Abstract: A wave pool 1 is provided suitable for modifying the characteristics of waves propagating therethrough, the wave pool 1 including at least one waterway 2 having opposing first and second ends 3, 4; opposing first and second side walls 5, 6 extending along at least a portion of the waterway 2; and a waterway floor extending between the side walls 5, 6; wherein the side walls mutually converge towards the second end of the waterway. Also provided is a wave pool 1, wherein the waterway floor includes a first floor surface 14 oriented so as to have a predetermined slope, wherein in use, the nominal depth of water contained within the waterway of the wave pool is greater towards the second side wall. The wave pool 1 may also include a second floor surface 13 adjacent to and mutually exclusive to the first floor surface 14 and located towards the first end 3 of the waterway.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: A wave pool 1 is provided suitable for modifying the characteristics of waves propagating therethrough, the wave pool 1 including at least one waterway 2 having opposing first and second ends 3, 4; opposing first and second side walls 5, 6 extending along at least a portion of the waterway 2; and a waterway floor extending between the side walls 5, 6; wherein the side walls mutually converge towards the second end of the waterway. Also provided is a wave pool 1, wherein the waterway floor includes a first floor surface 14 oriented so as to have a predetermined slope, wherein in use, the nominal depth of water contained within the waterway of the wave pool is greater towards the second side wall. The wave pool 1 may also include a second floor surface 13 adjacent to and mutually exclusive to the first floor surface 14 and located towards the first end 3 of the waterway.