Abstract: Hydro Turbine unit producing 880 MW-h energy daily in offshore oceans creating average high-pressure compressed air transferable energy stored in air tanks and using generators to transform into local electrical energy. The harvesting of renewable offshore water energy of ocean wave, tidal and stream energy, converting it to accumulated water head potential energy in a large isolated water trapping pool structurally supported laterally by six tall towers extended to ocean maximum depth of 100 meter deep with arrow shape plungers pneumatic reciprocating hammering into seabed in slanted angle relative to seabed. The energized ocean water enters the trap pool through thousands of one-way check valves in the trap pool floor and surrounding walls. Large flow openings into 6 Hydro turbine manifolds direct swirling water through radial guiding vanes and conical converging top vertically downward through 8 turbine blades applying torque to turbine outlet shaft and flowing down to ocean level.

Abstract: A transportable wave suppressor and sediment collection system for suppressing wave action along the shore of a body of water, which includes a plurality of interconnected sections, each section including a base, a forward wall, and a rear wall, and having a plurality of flow pipes extending from the forward wall to the rear wall, and further including a plurality of shelves on the forward wall for dispersing wave energy, while redirecting and using the wave energy to allow water and sediment to flow into the flow pipes and for collecting sediment that is not carried into the flow pipes and settles on the shelves for being contacted by a following wave to carry the sediment into the flow pipes. In some deeper water embodiments, the sections may include a base portion, a top portion and one or more spacer portions to enable raising or changing the height of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a concrete cover element for a breakwater or jetty construction. The cover element includes a plate portion and two noses. The plate portion lies in the xy-plane and has a thickness. The two noses project in opposite directions from the plate portion and form a single part with the plate portion. The plate portion is to be imagined as being formed from a quadrangular plate whose two opposite plate edges are incised in the middle to form a plate recess, and whose corners located on the first plate diagonal are both cut off along a first secant. The plate portion has a first dimension measured along the first plate diagonal and a second dimension measured along the second plate diagonal. The first dimension is smaller than the second dimension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block structure for preventing sand erosion, more specifically to a block structure for preventing sand erosion, which is positioned in the sea, collects sand pushed into sea according to flow of low tide and pushes the collected sand toward coast or coastal side at high tide in coast or sea near coast according to flow of wave.

Abstract: A tsunami-wave structure is provided for installation in the bottom of the sea/ocean in the near-shore area which is exposed to the air at the time of a low tide that precedes the arrival of tsunami. Normally, the structure is immersed in water and when exposed to air before arrival of the tsunami wave assumes a tsunami-wave dampening position under the effect of its own gravity. This is achieved by making the structure in the form of a two-lever mechanism having two lever arms separated by a fulcrum point with a counterweight attached to the end of one the lever arms and a tsunami-wave breaker pivotally connected to the end of the other lever arm so that when the structure is exposed to the air the tsunami-wave breaker is turned down and allows the counterweight to outweigh the tsunami-wave breaker and to raise it to the operation position.

Abstract: The floating breakwater includes various different embodiments, as can have an anchored or moored float. The float is desirably in the geometric form of a generally rectangular solid configuration, but can include other forms. One or more baffles or skirt walls extend from the bottom surface of the float, thereby attenuating subsurface wave action to a greater depth than the bottom of the float. Each of the baffles or skirt walls desirably includes a thin, flat, monolithic plate member for enhancing hydrodynamic resistance. The one or more baffles or skirt walls can be continuous and unbroken, or can have a plurality of apertures therethrough. When three or more baffles or skirt walls are provided they can be evenly spaced, or the spacing therebetween can vary. When two or more baffles or skirt walls are provided they can have equal depths, or their depths can differ from one another.

Abstract: Attenuating element consisting of a head part, neck part and base part. The neck part is narrower compared to the head part and neck parts of adjacent attenuating elements form a continuous channel. Via the head parts, this channel is connected so that the cross-sectional area of the head parts is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the base parts. In this way, a water-control structure, sound-attenuating wall and the like can be provided. Such attenuating elements can be produced in a very simple manner by dividing them vertically and producing each of the vertical parts from concrete in a mould.

Abstract: Disclosed is a removable erosion-control and fencing (“REAF”) system for shoreline preservation along a line defined by a plurality of posts. An exemplary REAF system comprises first and second post clamp pairs mounted to adjacent posts. Each post clamp pair “sandwiches” a post and is fixedly attached to the post by virtue of fasteners that lock one half of the post clamp pair to its other half. In this way, the post clamp pair “hugs” the post and is secured thereon without having to be permanently fixed to the post or damaging the structural rigidity of the post. Each post clamp pair includes a substantially vertical wall slot such that one or more cross-members may be received into the walls slots to form a wall section in a space defined between the adjacent posts.

Abstract: A coastal recovery module including a body portion defining an interior compartment. The coastal recovery module may also include a selectively sealable fluid conduit. The selectively sealable fluid conduit may provide a fluid communication between the interior compartment and an exterior of the body portion, the fluid conduit configured for selectively flooding and dewatering the interior compartment. The coastal recovery module may further include a wave energy mitigation structure associated with at least a portion of a top surface of the body portion.

Abstract: A flexible wave-energy dissipation system includes: a plurality of brace units arranged along a horizontal direction and each including front and rear braces; a plurality of energy-dissipating posts each disposed between the front and rear braces of the corresponding brace unit and including a first spring unit connected to the front brace of the corresponding brace unit and a rod body connected to the first spring unit; a plurality of hanging cable units each connected to one front brace, one rear brace and one rod body, such that the posts are inclined upwardly and rearwardly; and an energy dissipation device including an energy-dissipating net unit disposed between two adjacent posts, and a plurality of second spring units connected between the net unit and the two adjacent posts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movable breakwater that can do with a small amount of compressed air supplied to raise the buoyant steel pipe. The buoyant steel pipe 6 includes a buoyancy tank 6d in which gas is filled, an air chamber 6e provided above the buoyancy tank 6d, a penetration pipe 19 that penetrates through the buoyancy tank 6d and feeds compressed air supplied from a pressure accumulator tank 13 to the air chamber 6e, and an open chamber 6f, whose top side is open, provided above the air chamber 6e and in the buoyant steel pipe 6 at the upper end portion thereof.

Abstract: Construction of buildings in deep sea by conventional methods is extremely difficult. A new technology by using steel fences and anchors, and fixed by inserted rocks, will be demonstrated with the example of efficient vertical Tsunami barriers extending at least 50 m up to 4 km below sea level. New gained land surface and also the fishing farms between Tsunami barrier and shore may compensate most of the costs. Walls and buildings in deep sea may assist deep-sea mining. Vertical walls extending above sea level, preferably protected with hanging triangular structures as surge stoppers, with massive stabilization landward, will replace conventional dikes and levees and will save land areas. Vertical walls of fences extending above sea level, which are circular and filled with rocks, surround pillars to protect off-shore platforms, windpower plants, bridge pillars and other submarine structures.

Abstract: A wave break structure having a body with a bulkhead and a first pontoon and a second pontoon. The first pontoon is positioned on one side of the bulkhead and the second pontoon is positioned on the opposite side of the bulkhead. The bulkhead extends substantially above the first and second pontoons. The bulkhead and the pontoons are integrally formed together of a metallic material. The bulkhead having a first wall extending at least 45° with respect to a second wall of said bulkhead so as to have an inverted V-shaped configuration. A crushed stone coating is applied to a surface of the bulkhead.

Abstract: An attenuating element includes a head part, neck part and base part. The neck part is narrower compared to the head part and neck parts of adjacent attenuating elements form a continuous channel. Via the head parts, this channel is connected so that the cross-sectional area of the head parts is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the base parts. In this way, a water-control structure, sound-attenuating wall and the like can be provided. Such attenuating elements can be produced in a very simple manner by dividing them vertically and producing each of the vertical parts from concrete in a mould.

Abstract: A revetment block with a top surface that is tapered upwardly from the upstream end to the downstream end. Thus, when a number of tapered blocks are installed end to end on a grade, the upstream end of any of the blocks can be raised due to underlying ground irregularities without degrading the safety factor of the blocks. The tapered revetment blocks can also be constructed with positive interlocking arms and sockets to enhance the integrity of a matrix of such blocks.

Abstract: A buoy for use in reducing the amplitude of waves in water and a system making use of plural buoys to create a floating breakwater. Each buoy is arranged to be constrained, e.g., connected to an anchor, and comprising a body e.g., a cylindrical member having at least one outwardly projecting fin, that is configured to be resonant and impedance matched. The buoy and anchoring approach allows for self-tuning to the changes in the wave spectrum due to the tidal or storm surge induced changes in the water depth. The body of the floating buoy is not limited to circular cylinder, and could be square, hexagonal, triangular, etc. but must have at least one exterior mounted fin.

Abstract: A wave break structure having a body with a bulkhead and a first pontoon and a second pontoon. The first pontoon is positioned on one side of the bulkhead and the second pontoon is positioned on the opposite side of the bulkhead. The bulkhead extends substantially above the first and second pontoons. The bulkhead and the pontoons are integrally formed together of a metallic material. The body has a first tow bar and a second tow bar affixed at an end thereof. A plurality of ports extends through a thickness of bulkhead. The bulkhead and the pontoons have angled surfaces so that one body can nest within an adjacent body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an armor unit to construct armor layers of mound breakwaters, revetments and groins for shore protection or hydraulic and maritime structures featuring a cubic or parallelepiped shape (2) and having one or more protrusions (1) on its faces to prevent coupling between the different armor units and to increase interlocking with the underlayer (3) of the armor layer.

Abstract: A shoreline erosion mitigation device placed in a body of water including a multiplicity of high density polyethylene pipes each of a given length and diameter with each pipe being generally cylindrical in shape and having a hollow interior, the multiplicity of high density polyethylene pipes arranged in approximately parallel rows with adjacent pipes connected together by a system using clamps and flexible links, which leaves a space between adjacent pipes so that by increasing or decreasing the number, length and/or diameter of the pipes and/or the number of clamps, the design of the device is adjusted to accommodate differing shoreline conditions. When a wave having a given force traveling from the body of water towards the shoreline encounters the device, the force of the wave is reduced by causing the water to travel over the device and through the spaces between adjacent pipes before reaching the shoreline.

Abstract: Wave attenuation systems are disclosed. For example, a wave-attenuating panel can define a plane, a center-of buoyancy and a center-of-mass spaced from the center-of-buoyancy such that the panel is stably buoyant in a liquid with the plane oriented vertically. Wave attenuators are also disclosed. Such a wave attenuator can comprise a first row of support members extending vertically relative to a seabed and a second row of support members spaced from the first row. A vertically oriented, movable panel can be positioned between the first row and the second row, such that the panel is configured to rise and fall in a substantially vertical plane. Such wave attenuators can also comprise a second, fixed panel that remains submerged.

Abstract: A simulated coral reef comprising a polymer matrix body comprised of sheets of permeable and porous nonwoven polymer fiber matting, outwardly extending deployment connectors, and anchor connectors that connect the matrix body to an anchor assembly. A simulated coral reef comprising pieces of polymer matrix and/or permeable bag units strung together vertically by a connecting rod attached to an anchor assembly. A simulated coral reef comprising pieces of polymer matrix, permeable bag units, and surface attachment structures in which the pieces of polymer matrix and permeable bag units are attached to the surface attachment structures by a connecting cable. A simulated coral reef comprising a weed blanket fully submerged in a water body and suspended over the bottom of the water body. A simulated coral reef comprising hanging curtains suspended from asurface attachment structure. A simulated coral reef comprising sheets of permeable polymer matrix attached to a rigid metal frame.

Abstract: A method of restoring a beach includes positioning a recovery module at a first location in a region offshore of a beach to sea interface. A longitudinal axis of the recovery module is oriented generally parallel to the beach to sea interface. Upon achieving a desired level of accretion in a near-shore region relative to the recovery module, the recovery module is removed from the first location.

Abstract: Protective flood barrier system on the base of mobile protective flood barriers is offered. Each of these barriers comprises two or more filled elongate sleeves, a web, connecting theirs web and forming means. Envelops of said sleeves and said web are made from flexible impermeable material. These barriers are convenient for protection of separate houses, the extensive areas, as walls of a water basin. They allow reducing wind-induced waves and can be used for repair of earthen dams. The high-efficiency means accelerating installation of barriers are provided.

Abstract: Wave attenuation systems are disclosed. For example, a wave-attenuating panel can define a plane, a center-of buoyancy and a center-of-mass spaced from the center-of-buoyancy such that the panel is stably buoyant in a liquid with the plane oriented vertically. Wave attenuators are also disclosed. Such a wave attenuator can comprise a first row of support members extending vertically relative to a seabed and a second row of support members spaced from the first row. A vertically oriented, movable panel can be positioned between the first row and the second row, such that the panel is configured to rise and fall in a substantially vertical plane. Such wave attenuators can also comprise a second, fixed panel that remains submerged.

Abstract: Provided is a wave absorbing device comprising one or more wave absorbing bodies having an inflow side face formed by removing part of a cylindrical body along the longitudinal direction and a C-shaped cross section, to be installed underwater in a relatively shallow shore with the inflow side face being oriented against the wave progress direction and inclined with respect to the wave progress direction. A longer wave absorbing and a number of shorter wave absorbing bodies are disposed in a straight line, the adjacent opening ends being opposed in proximity to each other with a gap being held therebetween.

Abstract: A transportable wave suppressor and sediment collection (WSSC) system, including a method of installing same, the system installed to suppress wave action and provide land restoration along the shore of a body of water, such as a coastline, which includes a plurality of interconnected sections of the system, each section including a base, a forward wall, and a rear wall, having a plurality of fluid flow pipes extending from the forward wall to the rear wall, for allowing water including sediment to flow into the pipes at the forward wall and exit the pipes at the rear wall. There is further provided a one-way valve member at the rear wall exit of each pipe, so that water carrying sediment cannot return through the pipe as the wave action recedes from the coastline. There is provided a flow opening including a weir between multiple sections so that water can flow therethrough.

Abstract: In an artificial sea-mount constructed by piling up a plurality of block bodies on the seabed to vertically mix water mass in a peripheral sea area using a tidal current, ocean current, and internal wave in that sea area, a cone array formed from three or more cones is constructed linearly on the seabed, and the vertex interval between the cones is set to 0.75 times to 2 times the bottom radius of the cone. It is possible to generate an upwelling current even in the deep sea area by inverted triangle-shaped gaps formed between the cones and the conic surfaces of the cones, and thus obtain effective upwelling flux.

Abstract: The present invention relater to a system of detachable and adjustable wave-breakers composed of rubber mattresses (1) filled with sea water on site and covered by vinyl tarpaulins (5), forming submerged wave-breakers the break sea waves uniformly, in a suitable manner for the practice of surfing and similar sports. The vinyl tarpaulins (5) that form the lateral, slanted faces of the wave-breakers are tied and retained by cables (3, 4) and anchors (2) suitably arranged on the ground underwater. In order to obtain the best slant relative to the direction of the waves each day, these “water mattresses” can be appropriately rotated about the vertical axis thereof, and the volume of these mattresses can be increased or reduced to adapt them to the momentary height of the waves and tides.

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 wave-motion reducing structure comprises wave-motion reducing means (30) suitable for being laid on a coastal bed and restraining means (20, 22) suitable for restraining the wave-motion reducing means on the coastal bed. The wave-motion reducing means (30) are arranged so as to be inclined, in use, against the direction of the sea current which strikes them. A wave-motion reducing system comprises a plurality of wave-motion reducing structures arranged in a row lengthwise and in a manner such that the wave-motion reducing means (30) adopt a substantially parallel configuration and oppose the motion of the current.

Abstract: A water ballasted wave attenuator is provided. The water ballasted wave attenuator includes (a) a hollow shell formed of reinforced concrete; (b) a flotation medium in the upper region of the shell (a); (c) a water ballast chamber disposed in the lower region of the interior of the shell; (d) at least one water vent connecting the water ballast chamber with the exterior of the shell; and (e) at least one air vent connecting the water ballast chamber with the exterior of the shell, the at least one air vent including an outlet located higher than the at least one water vent.

Abstract: An ecological board includes a quadrilateral board body, on the side edges thereof is disposed at least one reglet or at least one insertion groove to be engaged with a corresponding insertion groove or a reglet of another identical board body. Further, a plurality of separated strong and pliable pad bodies are embedded in at least a first side surface of the board body and protrude outwards therefrom. The ecological board according to the present invention is durable, stable, easy to construct, maintain, and repair, and environmentally friendly to the natural landscape. Most importantly, it can be applied to various environments, such as coastlines, artificial reefs, and slopes of reservoirs, rivers, or mountains.

Abstract: Provided are an underwater breakwater for easily attenuating wave energy and a method of manufacturing eco-friendly blocks for the same. The underwater breakwater includes a plurality of blocks, each of which has a different size and from which spacers protrude so as to form channels in the underwater breakwater, and an energy absorption section that is a pile of the plurality of blocks so as to form at least one root and at least two crests, that attenuates wave energy, and that forms a fishing ground. The energy absorption section reduces the height of waves by attenuating the wave energy by absorbing, distributing, and diffracting the wave energy when the waves move to lower and middle parts thereof, and by attenuating the attenuated wave energy at the second crest by absorbing, distributing, and diffracting the attenuated wave energy when the waves move from the first crest to the root thereof.

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: An erosion protection device is described which is made of two or more components. Each component has an edge, surfaces on respective sides of the edge and at least one joining portion (a joining portion of a component comprises a recess in the edge and receiving portions on respective sides of the edge). Each recess has a base which is indented relative to the edge, and sidewalls which diverge as they extend from the base out to the edge. The receiving portions diverge relative to each other with the same slope as the sidewalls as they extend from adjacent the base of the recess away from the edge towards the respective surfaces. When joining two components together, a bonding medium is applied to the joining portion on one or both components.

Abstract: Providing underwater marine structures having a primary component of sedimentary rock of biochemical origin that is fixated into an assemblage forming structure that is anchored into the marine environment to foster establishment of a reef ecosystem.

Abstract: A system and method for prevention of erosion utilizing a sub-tidal platform designed to be lodged at a beachhead. The sub-tidal platform will be placed under water and will contain at least one or a plurality of main trusses exhibiting a curvilinear convex shape and containing a plurality of gates and at least one or a plurality of intermittent trusses exhibiting a curvilinear convex shape and containing a plurality of gates which, when in their closed position, decelerate material entrained with liquid and allow for deposit of said material in the spaces formed by the trusses.

Abstract: Wave attenuation systems are disclosed. For example, a wave-attenuating panel can define a plane, a center-of buoyancy and a center-of-mass spaced from the center-of-buoyancy such that the panel is stably buoyant in a liquid with the plane oriented vertically. Wave attenuators are also disclosed. Such a wave attenuator can comprise a first row of support members extending vertically relative to a seabed and a second row of support members spaced from the first row. A vertically oriented, movable panel can be positioned between the first row and the second row, such that the panel is configured to rise and fall in a substantially vertical plane. Such wave attenuators can also comprise a second, fixed panel that remains submerged.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward various valving arrangements to control the flow of granular material. In one embodiment, a valve is provided which facilitates flow of the material in one direction, but resists flow in another direction. In another embodiment, a retaining wall is provided with a plurality of generally horizontal passageways, which, under normal circumstances, resist passage of the flowable granular material positioned therebehind and, under modified circumstances, can serve as relief valves to avoid pressure on the wall which might cause the wall to move in an undesirable manner. In a third embodiment, a plurality of valving units is provided for beach retention of sand through efficient separation of sand from incoming waves.

Abstract: A system and method for prevention of erosion utilizing a sub-tidal platform designed to be lodged at a beachhead. The sub-tidal platform will be placed under water and will contain at least one or a plurality of main trusses exhibiting a curvilinear convex shape and containing a plurality of gates and at least one or a plurality of intermittent trusses exhibiting a curvilinear convex shape and containing a plurality of gates which, when in their closed position, decelerate material entrained with liquid and allow for deposit of said material in the spaces formed by the trusses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breakwater, particularly, to a prefabricated breakwater which is assembled in a stepped manner, having the improvements in the construction workability and prevention of the marine pollution due to the permeability of ocean currents together with the original wave dissipation function for the protection of ships or all kinds of the establishments in the harbor.

Abstract: Dump element for forming a spatial structure (500, 501) such as a filtering or skeleton construction with such dumped dump elements. The dump element (99) comprises a first elongated, curved hook part (1), a second elongated, curved hook part (2), and a spacer (3) between the first (1) and the second hook part (2), which spacer holds said hook parts (1, 2) spaced apart and interlocks them. With a method for forming a spatial structure, dumped dump elements randomly interlock. In a spatial structure, hook parts of individual dump elements lying near each other interlock while then, the hook parts intersect in their longitudinal directions.

Abstract: A wave-motion reducing structure comprises wave-motion reducing means (30) suitable for being laid on a coastal bed and restraining means (20, 22) suitable for restraining the wave-motion reducing means on the coastal bed. The wave-motion reducing means (30) are arranged so as to be inclined, in use, against the direction of the sea current which strikes them. A wave-motion reducing system comprises a plurality of wave-motion reducing structures arranged in a row lengthwise and in a manner such that the wave-motion reducing means (30) adopt a substantially parallel configuration and oppose the motion of the current.

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: A method of forming a concrete block embedded with coquina stone comprising the steps of positioning a layer of sand on the bottom surface of a concrete block form, then positioning a layer of coquina stone above the layer of sand positioned on the bottom surface, then pouring concrete over the layer of sand and the layer of coquina stone, thereafter allowing the concrete to harden to form a concrete block which is then removed from the concrete block form.

Abstract: A floating breakwater system comprises a plurality of modules that are flexibly affixed together. The modules are affixed together to make up a plurality of vertical panels made up of the modules and the vertical panels themselves are flexibly affixed together in generally parallel relationship. Each individual module has a front face that faces the oncoming wave. There are at least two inlets in the front surface and corresponding outlets in the rear surface and passageways between the inlets and the outlets such that the water propelled by the wave passes through the at least two passageways. Each passageway is tapered inwardly in the direction of the flow of the water and each passageway has a main longitudinal axis. The respective axes are angled inwardly toward each other and converge at a point displaced rearwardly from the outlets so that the water that passes through the passageways intersect at the point and the energy of the wave is dissipated.

Abstract: A structure that can be made in many different shapes composed of primarily soft limestone slabs and formed in a manner to a frame whereby ample surface area is provided for securement thereon of crustaceans, coral and other aquatic life. Additionally the present invention includes a base portion to support the present invention and handles or straps to assist in placement of the device in the ocean.

Abstract: An artificial reef comprises at least one bag which is generally configured to define at least a portion of a reef and which is at least partially fillable with air. An anchor is attached to the bag for maintaining the bag at a desired location substantially underwater. A plurality of such bags may be attached to one another and configured so as to define a reef which enhances the suitability of waves for surfing or which mitigates beach erosion.

Abstract: A module for a wave attenuation system formed by connecting a plurality of panels in a structure positioned in a body of water, causes the dissipation of wave energy. Different configurations of panel, having different flow characteristics, used in the structure, and different types of connector used to connect panels, create different patterns of water flow within the structure, and contribute to wave energy dissipation. Units deployed in harbors, rivers, marinas and the like, help to prevent beach erosion and can facilitate beach nourishment. Embodiments can be utilized as a security barrier, preventing intrusion by trespassers, divers or various sized boats. A variety of sensors can be mounted to the structures, enabling detection of movement, chemical and biological agents, explosives or radiation. A submersible gate, comprising panels and a buoyancy control mechanism, allows for passage of boats and can be controlled remotely.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reducing the effects of hydrodynamic forces of waves and water currents in coastal environments (e.g., oceans, and coastal, river, lake, and reservoir banks). The apparatus is an oysterbreak having two basic designs adapted to allow for the attachment of oysters and other bio-fouling marine organisms, using the least amount of material. In one embodiment, the oysterbreak comprises a support structure and plurality of slats (i.e., relatively planar sections or surfaces) having growth layers made from tubing coated with a material capable of inducing aquatic sessile organism attachment and growth. In another embodiment, the oysterbreak comprises a plurality (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, etc.) of growth layers of regular polygonal-shaped members made from a material capable of inducing aquatic sessile organism attachment and growth that when stacked, form a relatively portable, breakwater module.