Abstract: An artificial reef structure is provided with units each including an intermediate artificial kelp; an upper buoyant body including a buoyant drum at one side and having snap members, and a first pressing plate at an other side and having first and second holes wherein the snap members are inserted through the artificial kelp and the second holes to fasten the buoyant drum, the artificial kelp, and the first pressing plate together; and a lower support including a second pressing plate at one side and having second snap members and a bottom hook, and a third pressing plate at an other side and having third and fourth holes wherein the second snap members are inserted through the intermediate artificial kelp and the fourth holes to fasten the second pressing plate, the artificial kelp, and the third pressing plate together; and an anchor including rings each secured to the hook.

Abstract: An artificial ground reef has an attached implanting body to allow seaweed to readily attach and inhabit the artificial ground reef. The artificial ground reef has a main body having an upper member and lower member. Seawater flows in all directions through a plurality of through-holes on a lower part of the lower member. A detachment groove is formed on a plurality of locations of the upper face of the main body. An implanting body has a lower part detachably connected to the detachment groove. The implanting body is separated from the main body and connected detachably to the detachment groove of the main body when seaweed is attached and inhabiting the outer periphery. The main body and implanting body are porous concrete to aid with attachment and inhabitation of the seaweed.

Abstract: A fish habitat which provides a habitat for fish to congregate consisting of individual strands of a buoyant material, such as polyethylene, secured to a body for installation on the bed of a body of water.

Abstract: An artificial reef device comprising an axle rod supporting a plurality of buoyant reef bodies rotatably mounted on the axle rod. The axle rod and buoyant sections are suspended at a desired level above a water bottom by anchors attached to anchor lines further attached to the axle rod. A plurality of distally projecting rods is mounted on the buoyant reef bodies. The distally projecting rods are mounted in a manner such that the buoyant reef bodies rotate independently of each other on the axle rod without interference from the distally projecting rods. Some of the projecting rods may be hollow to receive soluble fish attractant for disbursement through the hollow rods.

Abstract: To provide a hardened material for creating a seaweed bed that can efficiently supply ferrous ions to organisms. Cement, steel and iron slag crushed to 40 mm or less, decomposed hardwood chips on the order of 20 to 80 mm, and water are mixed, and the obtained mixture is cast into a formwork. The mixture is then cured within the formwork until it hardens.

Abstract: A precast steel reinforced concrete bridge unit has an arcuate top wall integrally connecting opposite side walls, and a series of precast reinforced concrete counterforts are releasably connected to the top wall of the bridge unit at laterally spaced intervals. The counterforts have vertical end surfaces spaced from an end surface of the bridge unit, and end portions of reinforcing bars project from the vertical end surfaces of the counterforts. An end surface of the bridge unit is located on a horizontal casting surface, and a reinforced concrete headwall is cast on the casting surface with the reinforcing bars depending from the counterforts embedded in the concrete forming the headwall. After curing, the concrete headwall and counterforts are removed as a unit from the bridge unit to facilitate handling and shipping of the bridge unit and headwall and counterfort unit.

Abstract: Aquatic plant shoots are transplanted by positioning shoots, plants or seeds in a sediment tube or sediment bag which is in turn placed in a propeller scar or blowout. The sediment tubes and sediment bags may be preformed or they may be formed just prior to their placement in the estuary. With the process and apparatus of this invention, sea grass shoots, plants and seeds can be replanted on the bottom of an estuary and new plant growth encouraged in propeller scars and blowouts. The material from which the sediment tube or bag is formed from degrades. The degradation of the sediment tube or bag can be correlated to the growing cycle of seagrass plants, shoots or seeds as may be contained in the sediment tube or bag.

Abstract: A process for planting aquatic plants underwater on the bottom and edges of estuary's where an aquatic plant which is ready for transplanting is positioned in a holder having a means for retaining the transplantable plant. The holder may be weighted with a bottom gripping section to secure the holder including the plant to the estuary bottom. The preformed holders may be positioned on the bottom of the estuary or broadcast on the surface. The preferred gripping sections are rocks, stones and mollusk shells. The holder also incorporates an organic button which retains the aquatic plant during the planting process.

Abstract: A flexible structure assembled of impermeable modules surrounds a constant volume of liquid so as to control its quality. The modules may join together so that they can adjust to changing water levels. They may have a single layer or an impermeable membrane may sandwich a foamed core. Anchor sacks may hold the structure tightly to the sea bottom, or conventional anchors embedded in the sea bottom may anchor floating structures whose modules close their bottoms. Seals over joints reduce seepage so that conventional filters may clean and treat the liquid. The foamed core modules buoy the structures and insulate against heat transfer. A floating mat of modules comprising flexible transparent membranes may cover the enclosed liquid to prevent heat loss while achieving a solar energy gain. The structure may also be made in one piece from a flexible membrane.

Abstract: An erosion control mat having buoyant fronds is deployed in a body of water to enhance the accumulation of sediments. The mat includes a plurality of frond lines arranged in a fanfold pattern. Each frond line include a continuous elongate strip and a plurality of side-by-side buoyant fronds (strands). The frond lines are made of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), preferably metallocene catalyzed LLDPE.

Abstract: An erosion control mat comprising buoyant fronds is deployed in a body of water to enhance the accumulation of sediments. The mat includes a plurality of frond lines arranged in a fanfolded pattern. Each frond line includes a continuous elongate strip and a plurality of side-by-side buoyant fronds (strands). The frond lines are made of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) preferably LLDPE manufactured by a metallocene or other single site catalyzed process.

Abstract: An artificial reef comprising a string of open bodies, a floatation device and an anchoring device.

Abstract: The artificial reef module for coral reef remediation of the present invention includes a central body having an upper settling plate, a middle settling plate, and a lower settling plate. Extending from the central body is a plurality of primary tines which further include a plurality of secondary tines extending from them. The primary tines include the supporting tines, the stabilizing tines, and the space filling tines. The branching of the tines closely replicates the appearance of natural branching coral. Over time the individual artificial reef modules for coral reef remediation would slowly degrade and allow the tines to break off. This degradation closely approximates the fragmentation that occurs with natural branching coral.

Abstract: The riparian improvement structure unit for use in construction work for water control and protection is composed of the first tubular member and a plurality of stick-and-twig members tied in a bundle with a bundling member, the first tubular member being formed with a plurality of holes through which to allow fresh water with dissolved oxygen present in water flowing through the first tubular member to pass into spaces and gaps formed within the plurality of the stick-and-twig members. The riparian improvement structure unit may have the second tubular member disposed along and in parallel to the first tubular member and tied together with the first tubular member and the plural stick-and-twig members in a bundle with the bundling member. The riparian improvement structure units are laid on a riverbed or a bottom of a riparian area along or in parallel to a flow of water so as to allow water to flow and pass through and within the riparian improvement structure units.

Abstract: An artificial marine habitat made of seaweed affixed near-off bottom on buoyant ropes (10) and shellfish affixed near-off bottom on racks (26) whereby the symbiosis of seaweed and shellfish produces a synergic effect resulting in increased diversification and production of marine species inhabiting this habitat. If ropes (10) are colonized by unwanted shellfish they fall on the water bottom where these shellfish are eliminated by bottom predators. If racks (26) are colonized by unwanted seaweed, this seaweed is eliminated through the shellfish competition incited by the aquaculturist which on these racks installs already-mussel-colonized ropes (10). The man-made marine habitat gives new shelter, food, and reproductive ground to marine wildlife and is a prime place for aquacultural and recreational activities.

Abstract: A structure is provided for promoting growth of aquatic species for aquaculture operations and other purposes. The aquatic structure may have a buoyant member, a flexible sheet, and flexible strips (such as fronds, ribbons or filaments). The flexible materials are suspended from the buoyant member. The flexible materials may have high surface area structures for promoting growth of autotrophic (including algae) and heterotrophic organisms (such as bacteria) in photic and heterotrophic sections, respectively. The autotrophs and the bacteria are food, and the dispersed flexible strips provide an attractive habitat for the larger feeding organisms such as fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Ballast devices may be used, if desired, to secure the aquatic structure to the benthos. The ballast devices may be formed of flexible material. The flexible ballast devices may be filled with granular material after the apparatus is transported to the job site.

Abstract: A synthetic structure is used to simultaneously provide food, shelter and reproductive support for many aquatic species. Synthetic seagrass may be produced in the form of flexible mats with a plurality of ribbons. The lower ends of the ribbons are anchored to the benthos. The other ends of the ribbons are buoyantly supported in the photic zone. The ribbons may be economically produced in plural coextensive layers, with one layer providing buoyancy and the other layer being structured to enhance biological growth. The system may be tailored for use in desired applications by selecting the surface area structure, ribbon spacing and density, and other parameters. The system may be used to remove nutrients and/or toxic materials from water. The invention may be used to simultaneously promote aerobic and anaerobic reactions to control water quality.

Abstract: A combination of old and new features to cultivate seaweed on the sea bottom comprising the steps of cultivating in a laboratory sporophytes and fixing them on lines, setting anchors on various water bottoms, installing near off-bottom artificial substrates, and transferring the pre-cultivated sporophytes onto these substrates. The complete method allows young seaweed and young kelp to survive the exaction of bottom and off-bottom grazing predators and inter-species competition.

Abstract: An artificial seaweed device for submersion in a volume of water along a coastline for inhibiting coastal erosion and enhancing accretion of waterborne particulate matter. The artificial seaweed device includes elongate and flexible first and second anchor members each with an open inner volume for containing a volume of particulate anchoring material such as washed stone. The first and second anchor members, which may have oval or eye-shaped cross sections when filled with particulate anchoring material, are coupled together longitudinally to form a bipartite anchor unit with a bipartite anchor unit base width. A plurality of elongate and flexible artificial seaweed strips each have a fixed end attached to the bipartite anchor unit and a free end distal to the bipartite anchor unit. A space between adjacent artificial seaweed strips prevents entanglement. Tabs of buoyant material such as foamed ionomer resin are affixed to the free end of each of the artificial seaweed strips.

Abstract: An underwater erosion control system (10, 110) has an array of panels of material (12, 112). Each generally rectangular panel of material has a retaining portion (20, 120) and at least one sheet (16, 116). Each sheet contains a plurality of slits, (22, 122) which are generally perpendicular to the retaining portion (20, 120). The slitted sheets disrupt laminar flow in the vicinity of the erosion control system and promote rapid precipitation of particulates out of suspension. The slits (22, 122) begin at the retaining portion and terminate at the top edge (18, 118) of the sheet. The retaining portion (20, 120) may contain openings (26, 126) sized to receive an anchor component (28) that is anchored to the sea or river bed. The panel of material (12, 112) is durable and buoyant having a polymer backing (40) laminated to a closed cell polymer foam (42).

Abstract: An ecological fiber roll element for use in protecting a shoreline to prevent erosion and to the protected shoreline. The roll element comprises a generally cylindrical roll, with or without aquatic plants therein, the roll element consisting essentially of coir material. The roll element includes a netting material about the exterior surface of the roll. A plurality of the roll elements are arranged on a shoreline and secured usually by stakes to the shoreline.

Abstract: A process for the formation of an artificial seaweed bed comprises depositing a structure as an artificial fish reef in the sea. According to the present invention, the structure is made of a glassy material having a specific composition, or a surface of the structure is covered with the specific glassy material. The glassy material contains silicon in an amount of 30 to 70 wt. % in terms of SiO.sub.2. The glassy material further contains sodium and/or potassium in an amount of 10 to 50 wt. % in terms of Na.sub.2 O and/or K.sub.2 O. The glassy material furthermore contains iron in an amount of 5 to 50 wt. % in terms of Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3. All or a part of the iron is present in a ferrous state. The glassy material contains the ferrous iron in an amount of not less than 1 wt. %.

Abstract: An artificial water plant system for trapping bottom sediments in water to protect sand beach against erosion in which the water plant comprises a rod-shaped or tubular molding product having a circular or non-circular cross sectional shape and comprising a thermoplastic elastomer alone having a flexural modulus of 500 to 5,000 kg/cm.sup.2 or a composite body comprising a sheath portion constituted with the thermoplastic elastomer and a core portion constituted with synthetic fiber bundles.

Abstract: An underwater soil erosion prevention system has a generally rectangular length of material folded at regularly spaced intervals at an angle generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rectangular length of material, thereby forming sheets. Each sheet contains slits which are generally perpendicular to the fold. The slits begin above the bottom edge of the sheet and terminate below the top edge of the sheet. The sheets contain openings sized to snugly receive an anchor line on either side. To aid in deploying the soil erosion prevention system, an inflatable rollable array with a receiving valve is provided. The array can be rolled together with the underwater soil erosion prevention system, and when ready for deployment, a fluid is controllably inserted into the array through the receiving valve, thereby causing the array and system to unroll. Alternatively, the underwater soil erosion prevention system can be releasably attached to a frame mechanism to facilitate deployment underwater.

Abstract: An artificial reef is formed for use in a body of water to provide a habitat for aquatic life. The reef is formed by providing an anchoring structure which is submerged in the body of water. The anchoring structure has a weight sufficient to anchor the artificial reef to the floor of the body of water. Spaced at intervals along the floor of the body of water and attached to the anchoring structure are a plurality of reef assemblies. Each of the reef assemblies is formed from a base which is secured to the anchoring structure. A flexible elastomeric sleeve is coupled to a lower end of a buoyant, elongated member formed from a substantially rigid polymeric material so that the elongated members are held in a general upright position. By providing a plurality of these reef assemblies, an artificial reef is formed.

Abstract: A device for creating a specific but temporary aquatic passage in an artificial or natural river. The device includes bases which rest on the bottom of a river and elements which extend upwardly from the bases. The bases have holes formed therein which receive rods that extend downwardly from the elements. Placement of the bases in the river bed, and subsequent installation of elements into the bases, allows obstacles to be created in the river which are desirable for canoeing and kayaking.

Abstract: A plant riprap material for use in a shoreline to prevent erosion, which plant riprap material comprises a felt material, a substrate within the felt material, a plurality of aquatic plants in the substrate, a geotextile material over the top of the felt material and a netting material to retain the plant riprap material in shape.

Abstract: An arrangement for the construction, maintenance and protection of a shoreline having a variable level of water is disclosed. The arrangement utilizes a plurality of ecological-botanical elements (12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 26, and 30 implanted among construction materials (10, 11, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 31, and 32) for stabilization and maintenance of shoreline shape and location. The ecological-botanical elements comprise precultivated, emergent aquatic plants (14) called plant plugs (12) whose roots are held within a water-permeable, biodegradable vegetative carrier system (13). Another ecological-botanical element is a fiber roll (17) comprising slowly decaying fibrous material in which are rooted precultivated, emergent aquatic plants (14). Appropriately arranged combinations of ecological-botanical elements implanted among construction materials stabilize and maintain shorelines.

Abstract: Disclosed is an open ocean farm structure for attachment of macroalgal plants. The farm structure is made up of linear elements connected with nodes to form a three dimensional truss. The linear elements are composed of tubes containing solid rods which are screw connected to the nodes. The ends of the tubes abut the nodes so that screwing the rods into the nodes puts the tubes in compression. The truss structure thus formed is strong and flexible. Because the truss structure is made of tubes having minimal cross-sectional area, the structure is relatively transparent to the forces of wave motion.

Abstract: An underwater soil retention and reinforcement structure comprises a sequence of synthetic buoyant fronds (11) arranged side-by-side to form a frond line. The frond line is folded back and forth to form an array of fronds, and the successive folded sections (14) of the frond line have aligned openings (20) threaded by at least one anchor line (19) for anchoring the array to the soil bed.

Abstract: A preventive method against apposition of a marine organism according to which a preventive sheet having white or green fur-like fibers provided to be thick thereon, for example such as a boa cloth obtained by napping the front surface of a polyester cloth, is attached to portions of a structure which is to be brought into contact with sea water, with the fibers facing toward the seawater when the sheet is attached to the structure. The preventive sheet comprises a base member to be attached to the submerged portion of the structure and the fur-like fibers thickly provided on the front surface of the base member so as to be flexible and thereby naturally sway in water. The fur-like fibers may be raised vertically in a straight fashion and may contain an ultraviolet-ray absorbent. The base member may be dotted over with magnetic pieces such as magnets.

Abstract: Sediment barrier for reducing the erosive energy of water flow through on a watercourse such as a surface, a rill or similar channel, and for increasing the deposition of sediments therein. The sediment barrier includes a plurality of individual strands emanating outwardly from a foundation common to all the strands, and forming a structured flow-permeable array having a certain shape to extend outwardly from the watercourse on which the barrier is placed. The individual strands preferably are crimped or otherwise distorted in external configuration so as to provide fiber-to-fiber cohesion which helps maintain the overall array of the barrier. The sediment barrier is anchored in place on a surface or within a rill or gully, so as to maintain the strands in upright relation to the watercourse.

Abstract: A fixation device for securing articles such as benthic barriers to the earth comprising an elongated subteraneanly pivotable plastic body having a strap affixed centrally to one side thereof, and a benthic barrier clamping element with an aperture therethrough that is slidable on the strap. The strap is intended for passage through a hole in a benthic barrier, and the clamping element in ratchet-like fashion secures the benthic barrier to the ground or lake bottom to a desired degree of tightness.

Abstract: Artificial substrates for use in open sea enhancing biomass and/or absorbing wave energy, improved by means of particular dispositions and devices concerning their number, mooring, flotation, and using buried anchors and inertia weights. The artificial substrates are associated with affixed sessile organisms such as algae and shellfish and implanted securely even in very rough seas. The fulfill economical requirements for the development of aquacultural farms, aquacultural breakwaters, algae fields and shellfish reefs.

Abstract: Artificial substrates for use in open sea enhancing biomass and/or absorbing wave energy, improved by means of particular dispositions and devices concerning their number, mooring, and flotation.They are associated with affixed sessile algae and shellfish. They can be implanted trustworthily in very rough seas. They fulfill economical requirements for the development of aquacultural farms, aquacultural breakwaters, algae fields and shellfish reefs.

Abstract: Immersing, excavating, and mooring means for implantation of aquacultural artificial substrates on sedimentary bottoms.The artificial substrate structure is a single unit which comprises a support-surface and a mooring organ provided with anti-extraction devices. It assures the triple function of fixing, positioning and mooring vegetal and animal aquatic cultures in a natural environment and particularly in open sea. Excavation of the sea floor's bottom is processed by means of pressurized air or water currents.

Abstract: A frond line (10) for filtering particulate material from currents flowing over a river or sea bed comprises a substantially continuous curtain of randomly overlapping elongate buoyant elements (15) extending transversely in a common direction from a longitudinally folded web (35), the base of each element (15) being gripped between the superposed portions of the folded web. A frond mat is produced by combining spaced parallel rows of the frond lines (10) with spaced generally parallel cross-straps (13) to provide an open grid mat structure. Anchoring straps (20) depend from the mat, each strap carrying a ground anchor plate (12) which is driven into the river or sea bed by a powered driving tool. The frond line (10) is produced by laying discrete transverse strips (31) of synthetic buoyant material along the web (35) so that equal lengths extend from opposite sides of the web (35), folding the web (35) longitudinally, and then securing the superposed portions of the web to one another.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for protecting beaches and shorelands from erosion caused by wave action. The apparatus consists of a system of plural interconnected compartments disposed under the water on the seabed in an array which extends generally parallel to the shoreline of the beach. Each compartment is formed by plural flexible wall portions comprising an open mesh, buoyant material. The wall portions are anchored to the seabed so that they extend in a generally vertical orientation. Anchoring means are provided to enable the wall portions to move towards the beach with incoming waves while precluding those wall portions from moving backwards substantially beyond the vertical orientation with backwash waves, whereupon sand or other particulate material suspended in the water is enabled to drop out of suspension within the compartments during the backwash waves.

Abstract: A device for ground stabilizing in hydraulic engineering comprises a structural steel mat to the bars of which are clipped grass support elements which have an upwardly open trough-shape in which grass-like ribbon elements are held by a further bar fitted into the trough and gripped thereby.

Abstract: A synthetic seaweed kit comprising (a) a plurality of synthetic seaweed units, wherein each synthetic seaweed unit is constructed of a single piece of flexible woven polyethylene material which is stitched in such a way as to create a cylindrical tube at its base having a first and second end. One of which is stitched closed, the remainder of the flexible material extends outwardly from said cylindrical tube and terminates at a free-end portion; and (b) a plurality of means for interconnecting at least three synthetic seaweed units.A synthetic seaweed matrix comprising such synthetic seaweed units interconnected by such interconnecting means.In addition, synthetic seaweed comprising a single piece of flexible woven material which is stitched in such a way as to create a cylindrical tube at its base and from which the remainder of the flexible material extends outwardly and terminates at a free-end portion.

Abstract: Artificial "seaweed" or anti-erosion interceptor devices have a plurality of buoyant sheets or fingers roped together in spaced end-to-end relation on a lake bed bottom in patterns or contours which will best intercept sediment in the water to build up the lake bed bottom. The fingers or sheets have rope receiving sleeves at their bottom ends and float receiving sleeves or pockets at their top ends. The bottom ends are also preferably weighted down on the lake bed bottom by sediment filled tubes under the rope receiving sleeves. The buoyant fingers or sheets may be slit at their top ends to provide a plurality of narrow ribbons each having a float at its top end. In place of the individual floats for each ribbon, the sheets may have sleeves receiving a floating rope and this rope in some instances can carry depending sheets with free bottom ends.

Abstract: Artificial "seaweed" or anti-erosion devices placed in waters where shoreline erosion occurs work with nature to accrete water bottom sediment, such as sand, to establish and maintain beaches along shorelines. The seaweed is planted outwardly from the shoreline in predetermined locations to form rows of buoyant flexible finger sheets effective to trap sediment suspended in the water. The sheets are anchored to water pervious elongated hollow flexible tubes filled with lake bottom sediment as they are deployed and have low density floats sealed therein to increase their buoyancy. For efficient accretion, the still water level and the lake bottom profile are determined. The tubes are then deployed in lake bottom troughs and on mounds outwardly from the shoreline to form rows of finger sheets generally parallel with the shoreline.

Abstract: Synthetic seaweed for use in inhibiting coastal erosion comprises an elongate anchor with strips of flexible non-woven material connected to the anchor. The strips may be buoyant with or without tabs of closed cell, low density foam affixed to the free end portions thereof to enhance the buoyancy of the strips whereby they maintain a generally upright position under water. Also, the strips are treated to inhibit or prevent marine growth from forming on the surface of the strips. Such treatment may include an antifouling agent or a smooth film, applied to the strips as a laminate or extruded directly onto the strips, for example. In use, the anchor rests upon the bottom of the sea and the submerged flexible strips of non-woven material extend upwardly therefrom. The strips sway in the ocean water thereby reducing currents in the surrounding water which permits accretion of suspended sand and promotes sedimentation of solid particles.

Abstract: A sealing system for an earthen container such as a pit, lagoon, land fill or the like for storing waste materials includes an outer seal layer formed by mixing a water expandable colloidal clay, such as bentonite with the soil of the pit. A middle or intermediate layer is defined by a layer of granular fill material placed on the first layer. An inner seal layer is formed by mixing water expandable colloidal clay, such as bentonite with the upper surface of the granular fill layer. A source of pressurized clean fluid is in communication with the granular fill layer to develop pressure therein and prevent leakage through the inner seal layer. Level sensing apparatus for sensing the level of waste and clean fluids may be included and apparatus for detecting leakage may also be included.

Abstract: An artificial seaweed, or "asymmetric seaweed", system for preventing shoreline erosion and/or causing sand accretion on beaches under wave action.

Abstract: Artificial "seaweed" or "reefs" for installation on the bottoms of lakes or the like to build up sandbars to reclaim beaches and reclaim coastal land has elongated hollow tubes partially filled with sand, silt or other lake bottom material to lie stationary on the lake bottom in spaced side-by-side relation at a selected orientation relative to the shore line and connectd by anchor means for buoyant sheets or ribbons which will float upright in the water to trap sand and sediment for building up sandbars and reefs on the lake bottom. In one embodiment, the side-by-side hollow tubes are formed along the side edges of a wide sheet of plastics material which is slit at selected intervals and the buoyant sheets or ribbons are threaded through these slits providing a pair of upstanding buoyant legs in spaced relation. In another embodiment, the tube connected by strands or filament receiving looped ends of the buoyant sheets or ribbons in end-to-end relation.

Abstract: Synthetic seaweed for underwater installation comprises an elongate anchor and at least one sheet of flexible material adjacent the anchor. Fastening means secures a first edge portion of the sheet to the anchor along at least a portion thereof so that the sheet extends outwardly therefrom terminating at an outer boundary edge portion. Perforations are provided in the sheet whereby resistance of the sheet to underwater currents is reduced. The sheet may be cut into strips and buoyant material may be associated with the seaweed in its sheet or strip forms to increase the buoyancy of the finished product. In use, the anchor rests on the bottom of the sea and the submerged flexible sheets or strips extend upwardly therefrom. These sheets or strips sway in the ocean water thereby reducing currents in the surrounding water which promotes marine life and/or permits accretion of suspended sand and sedimentation of solid particles.

Abstract: An erosion and scour control structure for laying on a sea or river bed comprising a spaced array of longer fronds of filaments with a density less than that of water and an interspersed array of shorter filaments, preferably having a density greater than that of water, both arrays being attached to base.

Abstract: A means and a method for protecting a sea bottom surface or an installation positioned on same, for instance a pipeline, which means comprises a plurality of pliable concrete plate elements which are flexibly interconnected one after the other and thereby forming a chain-like unit, which chain-like unit is positioned along the sea bottom surface, its flexible characteristics both longitudinally and transversally enabling the unit to adapt itself to transverse and to longitudinal level variations in the course of the laying.

Abstract: Synthetic seaweed for use in inhibiting coastal erosion comprises an elongate anchor with at least one sheet of flexible non-woven material adjacent thereto. A first edge portion of the sheet is secured to the anchor along at least a portion thereof so that the sheet extends outwardly from the anchor terminating at an outer boundary edge. The flexible, non-woven sheet has a series of spaced apart substantially parallel cuts extending from the outer boundary edge to but not through the first edge portion to thereby define a plurality of flexible strips integrally connected by the first edge portion of the sheet. The sheet may be buoyant with or without tabs of closed cell, low density foam affixed to the free end portions of the individual strips to enhance the buoyancy thereof. Also, the sheet may have a specific gravity greater than water with such tabs applied to the strip to provide buoyancy.