Abstract: A livewell tank for use on a boat is provided having a bottom and a sidewall section forming an interior compartment. A top is coupled with the sidewall section and extends inwardly to cover the interior compartment about the periphery of the sidewall section. An overflow drain is located proximate the top of the tank and a baffle inhibiting turbulent flow is positioned between the overflow drain and the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A lid device for a minnow bucket for converting a conventional bucket into a minnow bucket. The lid device for a minnow bucket includes a panel having a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral edge. The panel has a diameter generally equal to an inner diameter of a bucket. A peripheral lip is coupled to and extends upwardly from the peripheral edge. The peripheral lip has a bottom edge having a slot extending upwardly therein and adapted for receiving a top edge of the bucket, the panel has an opening therein. A door selectively opens and closes the opening. The door has a shape generally identical to a shape of the opening. The door is hingedly, coupled to the panel such that the door may be moved between an open and a closed position. The door has a plurality of holes extending therethrough.

Abstract: Fishing apparatus having a container forming a chamber in which caught fish and live bait may be placed and maintained separate from each other. Air is introduced to the chamber to supply oxygen sufficient to enable caught fish and live bait to remain alive. The container provides support for fishing poles, both live and dead bait, and fishing tackle. The retainer may be separated from the container and be tethered thereto. A fishing pole in use may be rested atop the container and restrained against inadvertent separation therefrom.

Abstract: A PVC pipe is closed at one end with a cap. Small holes are provided in the pipe for fresh water exchange from the interior of the pipe to the exterior. A screw-off top cap enables bait to be inserted or removed from within the pipe. A stainless chain with snap hook is attached to the top of the pipe, and serves as a tether to limit the distance between the live bait keeper and a firm anchor, such as an eye-bolt or the like installed on a fish house or water craft. The container is non-corrosive, will not break when left in an ice hole that is later chipped open, and will preserve the bait in an ice hole during the winter or in open water during summer heat.

Abstract: A bait container has a housing, a top and bottom which at least partially surround the bait. A nozzle having a funnel portion and a bait-dispensing exit end extends from the top. A flow-inducement chamber permits a flow stream to be created which carries the bait into the bait-restraining exit end of the nozzle when the container is tipped. The fluid will drain through primary flow passages into the flow-inducement chamber and out of the chamber back into the housing through a secondary flow passage. A strap on the bait container permits the container to be suspended from a shoulder or waist of the fisherman. A stopper keeps the bait in the bait-dispensing portion until the fisherman is ready to dispense the bait into her/his hand. An insert for the exit end of the nozzle can permit different size bait to be dispensed one at a time.

Abstract: A bait saver bucket with a multi-chambered container having separations for segregating different sizes of live bait as well as providing slots for segregating fishing lines having bait and hook attached thereto, especially while relocating equipment from one location to another. The multi-chambered container is comprised of an outer container for holding an amount of fluid therein and having a closure and a handle and having an inner floating container comprising removable basket-like compartments oppositely opposed and spaced apart by a cover member having apertures substantially conforming to the top openings of the basket-like compartments and having a centrally disposed aperture having a hingedly attached cover for covering the aperture and when opened providing access to the interior of the remainder of the outside bucket enclosure not occupied by the compartments. The cover has slots for allowing leaders to pass through the cover without being crimped.

Abstract: A compact 3 in 1 device used for fish cleaning, bait cutting, and/or live well. It can be easily attached to the gunwale of a boat with adjustable mounting arms. The arms are adjustable for both the width and depth of the gunwale and will fit most boats. This device includes a cutting board, clamp device to hold fish while cleaning and a knife and pliers holder. A “V” shaped tank which can be used to transport live bait, hold fish to be cleaned and/or fish already cleaned. The tank is equipped with an overflow tube with a screen attached to the top to prevent the loss of live bait. Removing the tube allows the tank to be drained. A 12 volt submersible pump is placed into the lake or reservoir and is attached to a 3 way brass ball valve. The 3 way brass ball valve will direct water to either the live well tank or the wash down hose. The electrical cord is plugged into an existing cigarette lighter on a boat or equipped with alligator clips to attach to a 12 volt battery.

Abstract: A battery operated storage container which is divided into two compartments, one for bait and a second for fish caught. It incorporates a pump for filling the compartments to a preset level and a pump to empty the compartments. It also contains an electronic control panel which allows the user to select which functions he/she wants to perform. These functions include filling, emptying, recycling, and aerating the water. The functions can be performed simultaneously or independently.

Abstract: A portable bait bucket includes a built-in handle allowing it to be easily carried from place to place. The inventive bucket includes an internal chamber accessible by an opening in its top closed by a pivotable door having a plurality of openings allowing air to enter the chamber to maintain some level of oxygenation for the water contained therein. On a forward face of the bucket, an opening is provided that may be closed with a plug to allow the user to extract bait from the inner chamber of the bucket. The inner chamber is divided into two sub-chambers by a divider that includes a water pervious wall allowing water to flow from one sub-chamber to the other. One sub-chamber is connected to the top opening and the forward facing opening. This first sub-chamber contains the bait. The second sub-chamber is not connected with the forward facing opening or the top opening.

Abstract: A killie saver including the combination of an insulated marine cooler having a pivotal lid, a generally rectangular bait container having a screened bottom at an elevated generally horizontal position within the cooler. A spacer below the bait container supports the bait container in elevated position in the cooler and defines a storage space for packaged ice in the bottom of the cooler beneath the bait container. The spacer also provides support for the bait container so that a major portion of the area of the screened bottom of the bait container is free of direct contact with the spacer.

Abstract: A multipurpose marine life container having a closed chamber defined by a pair of substantially identical clam shell-type housing halves opening toward each other and removably joined together along a parting line. An entrance opening is formed in each end wall of the container by a pair of half openings opening toward each other along the parting line. Each end wall supports a rotatable disk that includes three inwardly opening entry funnel areas as well as a closed area rotatable into and out of registry with the corresponding entrance opening. Hollow tubes with air tight closures are removably secured lengthwise through the container to provide buoyancy, weighting and reinforcement for the container. The opposite sides of the container include large openings which are selectively closed by cantilever supported doors swingable by gravity to the open positions and releasably latchable in the closed positions.

Abstract: A transport device according to one embodiment including an inner foraminous submersible sectional basket for holding live bait/fish and an outer water filled receptacle having false bottom compartments for storing air supply equipment which maintains a continuous controlled flow of air into the water filled receptacle. Both the receptacle and basket have carrying strap handles. The sectional basket is divided by a foraminous separating wall into a large compartment for holding large fish and a small compartment for holding small fish and/or bait. According to a another embodiment the transport device includes a cylindrical housing having an inflatable air bladder and a container disposed in the housing. The container holds a volume of water and rests atop and compresses the air bladder. A tube having an end connected to the air bladder and extends into the container. At the opposite end of the tube is an air stone for diffusing air into the container.

Abstract: A novel resin composition for use in applications requiring low formaldehyde concentration levels. The novel composition comprising a stabilized polyacetal polymer with capped end groups is characterized by the concentration of formaldehyde generated from a formed object of the said composition in a closed environment being less than 20 ppm.

Abstract: A light weight plastic storage container having joined framed storage section rings detachably attached to a lower live bait well. Each ring has frame openings for several latched draws one of which has a self contained power source to aerate the bait well. An insulated beverage holder may be inserted into a formed cylindrical common center hole in the section rings. The container's top cushion can be used as a seat and has a carrying handle. Both the plastic injection molding process and the blow molding process can be used to manufacture the plastic component parts.

Abstract: A closure is provided for a fisherman's live well. The closure includes a flexible element that is mounted proximate an entrance of the live well. The flexible element is held such that it extends across and generally covers the entrance of the live well. There is a self-closing opening is formed through the flexible element. The opening is formed by an elastic component that urges the opening into a closed condition and that is selectively expandable to expose the opening and provide access to the live well through the opening.

Abstract: A bait storage system includes a pail-shaped bait container having a lid for closing off the open top of the container, a flexible cover composed of a mesh material, and structure for releasably securing the peripheral edge of the cover about the side wall of the container. The edge of the cover is shiftable between a number of positions along the container wall below the open top. The peripheral edge may be shifted towards the bottom of the container wherein the cover is pulled tautly over the lid and a portion of the container so that the cover retains the lid on the container. If desired, the lid may be removed and the tautly drawn cover functions as a strainer to retain the bait within the container as the water is replaced. Alternatively, the peripheral edge may be shifted towards the top of the container allowing formation of a well of the cover within the container for storing bait and facilitating removal of the bait from the container.

Abstract: A live bait and tackle container (10) comprising a bucket (12) for storing water (14), so as to hold live bait therein. An assembly (16) is for aerating the water (14) within the bucket (12), to keep the bait alive over a long period of time. A facility (18) is for retaining various articles (20) on the bucket (12), so as to satisfy the needs of a fisherman.

Abstract: A live bait container including a container body with air vents for keeping live baits; a cover covered on the container body by a screw joint, the cover having a bait outlet and a bait inlet spaced on the periphery, a bait passage way connected between the bait outlet and the bait inlet at an outer side, a plurality of raised portions raised from the inside wall opposite to the bait passage way, and a spiral track spirally extending downwards from said bait outlet for guiding live baits from the container body to the bait passage way; a locating board mounted on the cover, having a peripheral flange covered over the bait passage way, and a plurality of holes through the peripheral flange; and a rotary cap covered on the locating board, having an inside recess forced into engagement with one raised portion of the cover, and a through hole through the periphery; wherein the rotary cap can be turned between the operative position in which the through hole of the rotary cap is aligned with one through hole of th

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a live fish bucket alongside a fishing boat for movement in a generally vertical plane alongside the boat from a lowered position in which a fish bucket mounted thereon is submerged in water and a stowed, out-of-the-water position adjacent the gunwale. A mounting block is mounted on the gunwale for swingably mounting an elongate frame bar which mounts a live fish bucket and includes a latch for detachably locking the swingable frame bar in the stowed position. The swingable frame bar is of such construction as to keep the bucket from striking the side wall of the boat as the bucket swings between the lowered and stowed positions.

Abstract: A selectively floatable minnow bucket, including at least one wall, a gate, a plurality of openings and at least one floatation mechanism, the wall and gate defining a hollow cavity for maintaining live bait, the openings allowing the flow of water in and out of the bucket in order to maintain a fresh water supply to the live bait, and the floatation mechanism including at least one wall, a hollow channel, and plugs or stopcocks, into which substances of various densities such as water, air, or sand are introduced to affect the buoyancy of the minnow bucket.

Abstract: A bait tank which has a smoothly contoured interior wall surface of the tank so that the fish that are swimming in the tank will not come into contact with any protrusion. Inlet water within the internal chamber of the tank is supplied in a direction tangential to the wall surface of the internal chamber of the tank to provide a continuous directional current for the fish to swim into. The access opening through the top of the bait tank is closable by a removable cutting board. A light is provided within the bottom of the tank to provide illumination of the internal chamber of the tank.

Abstract: A live bait storage system for keeping bait for long periods of time without maintenance includes a portable, trolling bait container which has one side hydrodynamically contoured to permit the container to be readily trolled through the water in a predictable and controlled course. The portable bait container is adapted for use in conjunction with a long-term bait keeping station which is uniquely designed to permit bait to be transferred between the station and the container without manual handling and without injuring the fragile bait species. A rimless pour spout is provided for this purpose. The bait station is adapted to be suspended in a pre-selected support zone in a body of water for providing the bait species with proper temperature conditions and aeration and for supplying natural food supplies to the bait while stored.

Abstract: A bait container flow regulator is provided for use in a bait container system for transporting live bait to a fishing site. The bait container system includes a water containment vessel for carrying water and a quantity of bait fish. The water containment vessel has a closed bottom, an open (or closable) top, a side wall portion, a water inlet for delivering a flow of water to the water containment vessel and one or more water outlets. The bait container flow regulator includes a water inlet conduit that is mountable to the water inlet and sized to extend to a water discharge location in the water containment vessel. A water regulating outlet is mounted on the water inlet conduit for positioning at the water discharge location. A discharge cap is mounted on the water inlet conduit for limiting the flow of water through the water regulating outlet.

Abstract: An improved minnow container that is adapted to carry water and oxygen therein when in an upright position is disclosed. The container comprises a water receiving and retaining chamber that is substantially open at its bottom end and has a first opening in the top thereof and an oxygen receiving and retaining chamber that is substantially open at its bottom end and is sealed above the open bottom end so as to preclude the escape of oxygen therefrom when the container is in its upright position. A barrier means physically separates the oxygen receiving and retaining chamber and the water receiving and retaining chamber so as to preclude the passage of fluid between the water receiving and retaining chamber and the oxygen receiving and retaining chamber. The barrier means terminates at a lower boundary in a passageway that is generally below the barrier means. The passageway connects the water receiving and retaining chamber in fluid communication with the oxygen receiving and retaining chamber.

Abstract: A fishing tackle box is disclosed having an insulated, substantially cylindrical main container provided with a ventilated well for accommodating a bait bucket. A plurality of substantially cylindrical tackle trays are mounted to the upper portion of the main container and provided with a water-tight seal to prevent contamination of the tray contents from spillage from the bait bucket. A substantially cylindrical seat lid is mounted to the upper portion of the uppermost tackle tray.

Abstract: An adjustable cycle timer that controls on and off cycling of a livewell bait pump or similar device. The on time and off time of the cycle are each independently variable by adjusting the frequency of frequency generators, one generator (10) for on time and one generator (14) for off time in the cycle. The outputs of these frequency generators are gated to the clock input of a frequency divider (20), the output of which controls a relay driver (30) or similar device that switches the pump motor or other device to be controlled. When the output (22) of the frequency divider (20) changes state, a feedback switching circuit (29) blocks the output of one of the frequency generators, and gates the output of the other frequency generator to the input of the frequency divider (20). This allows the length of the on time segment of the cycle to be controlled by the frequency of one of the frequency generators, while the length of the off time segment of the cycle is controlled by the other frequency generator.

Abstract: A multi-compartmented storage device for seating atop a pail consists of two half portions which fit upon the rim of the pail and abut each other to form a circular structure. Slots are provided where the half portions abut for permitting passage of a carrying handle generally associated with a pail. Storage compartments are disposed upon the interior and exterior of the pail, yet access to the interior of the pail is permitted. In a preferred embodiment, a work surface panel is provided, occupying the space otherwise taken by several compartments.

Abstract: A storage container for fish. The container has at least one receiving slot for accepting fish and an insert is provided with a mouth and a flange that corresponds in shape to the slot. The insert includes a rearwardly and downwardly projecting tongue, which projects from the rear side of the flange and into the interior chamber, thereby providing a passageway to the interior chamber for the fish deposited into the slot.

Abstract: A fish bait container or the like including a bucket having a cavity for holding a quantity of water or the like and a quantity of fish bait, such as minnows, shrimp, or the like, dispersed in the water; a lid movable between a first position covering the mouth of the bucket and a second position positioned away from the mouth of the bucket; and an arm fixedly joined to the lid for movement with the lid and for substantially separating the fish bait from the water when the lid is moved from the first position to the second position. The bucket is preferably molded out of Styrofoam.RTM. or the like. The lid and arm are preferably molded out of plastic as a one-piece, integral unit which is pivotally attached to the bucket.

Abstract: A container for fish and other things and a receiving device for use with containers or with receptacles for fish; and other things. A separation device for use in a container for fish and other things such as food, drinks, cans, bottles, bait, sandwiches, etc; a container with such a separation device; the separation device in one aspect having two or more spaces or compartments and the container having two or more openings corresponding to the separation device's spaces.

Abstract: A fish or fish bait preservation apparatus and method utilizing ice as a coolant and piping bait or fish containing water therethrough to maintain this water at an automatic electronically controlled temperature and returning this water appropriately cooled to a fish or bait tank through a conductor having an aerating nozzle.

Abstract: A storage system for small marine creatures includes a container having a lid providing a passage therethrough and a skirt extending downwardly into the container. The skirt includes an imperforate section dividing the container into a first section open to the passage and a second section separate from the passage. The shirt also includes a lower mesh section juxtaposed to the container walls to keep the marine creatures in the first section where they are accessible through the lid passage. Oxygen is added through the lid into the second section to provide oxygen rich water. The oxygen rich water in the second section mixes with water in the first section to keep the marine creatures alive.

Abstract: Equipment for storing and carrying fishing gear, including a pocketed apron lying inside a bucket, an elastic cord holding a rod across the top of the bucket, and a bucket handle or supporting the rod.

Abstract: There is provided by the present invention a bait bucket for holding bait in multiple compartments, the bait bucket comprising a first bait holding compartment including support means to removably receive and support a second bait compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for a fish attractor device for use on a surface of a body of water to entice fish with a chum material. The improved fish attractor device comprises a body member having a volume for floating the body member on the surface of the body of water. The body member supports a porous container for receiving the chum material enabling the chum material to migrate through the porous container into the body of water for luring fish thereby. The body member is adapted to ride upon currents of oceans and rivers to remove the device from human activity and transport a baited line of a fisherman to a remote location. At the remote location, the body member shades a portion of the body of water to create an artificial haven for fish.

Abstract: The bait bucket and locking tray of the present invention includes an inner shell housing a bait tray which can be raised with a single hand to bring live bait out of the water contained in the inner shell. Raising of the bait tray causes the doors covering the inner shell and bait tray to open and retaining portions on the doors keeps both the doors open and the bait tray in its upward position, allowing single-handed access to the bait. The bait bucket can also include an outer shell for containing the inner shell and insulating it.

Abstract: A combination minnow and fish preserving container having a first section for containing water and minnows and a second section for containing water and a refrigerant, such as ice, and caught fish. The sections are separated by a thin wall cold conducting partition. The container is formed of insulated structural foam and has a substantially airtight lid portion defining when inverted molds for freezing suitably shaped blocks of ice. The container in use will maintain water and minnows at a temperature below 40.degree. F. whereby minnows in the first section are subjected to a substantial slowing of metabolism and are able to survive for a period of two weeks due to the insulating effeciency arrangement of the cold conducting partition and the substantially airtight closure. When transported to a fishing location, the catch is positioned in the second section where they are suitably refrigerated to maintain freshness for a desirable length of time.

Abstract: A container for fish and a fish receiving device for use with containers or with receptacles for fish. In one embodiment a container is an insulating container for receiving and maintaining fish in a fresh condition, the container having exteriopr walls and one wall or top movably connected to one of the other walls for opening the container and a fish receiving device mounted to one of the walls or to the top, the fish receiving device including a flexible member such as, but not limited to, a piece of fabric into and through which a fish can be inserted into the container. A fish receiving device which in one embodiment includes a frame member to which is mounted a flexible member such as, but not limited to, a piece of fabric into and through which a fish can be inserted.

Abstract: A bucket-type shaped container including a removable top and downwardly facing suction cups is provided for disposition within and suction cup support from the bottom of a reservoir containing water and bait. The side walls of the container include a large number of water inlet openings formed therein and a flexible panel of filtering material is formed into generally cylindrical configuration and snugly telescoped within the container. A flexible resilient panel member is flexed into generally cylindrical configuration with overlapped ends and is telescoped into the cylindrical filter panel and includes openings formed therethrough registered with the container wall openings, the flexible panel member exerting an outward biasing force on the filter panel.

Abstract: In a fishing boat, a built-in tank which serves the combined function of a livewell for holding fish that are caught and a bait well for receiving a minnow bucket. An electric pump powered by the battery of the boat pumps water from the lake into the tank in a manner to aerate the water and circulate it in the tank. A drain tube drains off water from the tank and prevents overflow. One half of the tank serves as a bait well in which a minnow bucket may be suspended. The other half of the tank is a livewell which receives newly caught fish. The livewell and bait well have separate hinged lids.

Abstract: A floating fish basket for use by divers and spear fishermen has a frame removably secured to a flotation ring. A coaxial wire mesh bag is suspended from the frame within the flotation ring for containing fish and other sea animals. The frame and mesh bag have aligned openings which may be selectively closed by a pivotal door mounted by a hinge on the frame. A chain extends between the bottom of the bag and the door and is operative upon opening the door to partially axially collapse the mesh bag to enable an individual to have access to bottom portions of the bag. The chain may be adjusted in length to shorten the axial extent of the bag for use in shallow water. A socket on the frame is provided for mounting a staff of a diving flag. The flotation ring may be captured between upper and lower frame members secured by threaded fasteners or alternatively secured by frictional engagement within a frame recess or held in place by VELCRO fastening straps.

Abstract: A device to attract fish is provided and consists of a bucket held within a net suspended downwardly from a float into a body of water. The bucket holds frozen fish chum so that open top of the bucket is at right distance below water line allowing pieces of defrosted fish chum to be dispensed from the bucket and float on the water to attract the fish.

Abstract: A floating fish holding container has flexible open mesh fabric side, top and bottom walls surrounding a chamber for accommodating fish in water. A top ring having buoyant material attached to the top of the side wall floats the container in a body of water. A bottom ring attached to the bottom of the side wall maintains the cylindrical shape of the container in the water. The top wall has an opening into the chamber that is biased to an open position with elastic cords. A draw string is used to close the opening. A releasable locking device on the draw string holds the top wall in the closed position. When the locking device is released the elastic cords automatically open the opening. A plurality of strings mounted on the side walls are used to adjust the length of the side wall to allow the container to float in shallow water without contacting the bottom or weeds in the body of water.

Abstract: An improved bait tank which can maintain bait over a prolong period by injecting water in a circular motion in the upper portion of the tank and withdrawing it near the bottom. The flow of water in this manner flushes scales, feces and other debris out of the tank. It also eliminates bubbles, which are harmful to bait. The water level in the tank is adjusted by an extension of the outlet pipe which rises to the desired level of the water in the tank. Interior fill pipes are eliminated, leaving an unobstructed smooth surface on the interior of the tank.

Abstract: In a buoyant fish and live bait container a pair of downwardly open box-like sections are hingedly connected in end abutting relation. Flexible fabric screen or netting material defining an upwardly open box-like receptacle is secured at its upper edge portions to the respective half sections. The receptacle is transversely divided to form bait and catch holding chambers with access thereto through openings in each half section and the receptacle bottom wall of the respective chamber.

Abstract: A pop-up bait server and a kit and a method for making the same. The Pop-Up Bait Server for convenient delivery of live bait kept in water contained therein, includes an outer container having an inside; an inner container fitting at least partially inside said outer container, the inner container having an inner wall and an adjoining bottom in which define an interior of the inner container; and a latch mechanism for a releasably restraining the inner container inside the outer container such that the interior is at least partially under water when the inner container is restrained in the outer container by the latch mechanism and the outer container contains an amount of water sufficient to at least partially submerge the interior within the outer container, wherein the interior can contain live bait which resides in water within the interior when the inner container is restrained by the latch mechanism inside the outer container.

Abstract: Rotatable worm bait box, comprising a one piece molded rectangular water-tight box which has a single aperture with no permanent lids. The worms will be kept on top of the dirt by a simple 90.degree. one-handed rotation. A single, removable, air-ventilated lid is provided for shipping, if desired.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a floating bait bucket and more particularly includes a surrounding ring formed of a foamed plastic material of closed cell construction providing buoyancy. The ring encircles a central deck. The deck supports a rectangular compartment lined with foamed plastic material which serves as a insulated storage chamber. It has a hinged lid which fastens with a latch. On top of that, another storage compartment is provided to receive fishing tackle. On top of that, a hinged lid closes over the fishing tackle to assure that the fishing tackle is secured therein. The device also supports a bait bucket having a lid and perforated sides to contain bait therein with water flow to assure that the bait is kept alive.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted ram-air powered aerator for live fish containers is disclosed comprised of a generally funnel-shaped air collector having an angular discontinuity between its forward and rearward sections which increases internal turbulence and improves air collection efficiency; an air collection port displaced forward from the back wall of the collector, thereby defining a rainwater sump having holes to drain away the water to prevent flooding of the fish container and also, incidentally, to improve the air flow pattern such that collection efficiency is improved. The collector is integrally molded with a stand-off/support arm and vehicle window mounting clip so designed as to position the collector above and outboard of the low-pressure region of the vehicle slip stream and to thus further improve air collection efficiency.

Abstract: A portable live bait container for use by anglers to transport and facilitate use of live bait such as minnows or shrimp or the like. The container includes an outer impervious enclosure provided with a supporting carrying handle and an open top and an inner shell of similar configuration which is slideably and removably mounted through the open top into the outer enclosure. The inner shell is provided with a handle support for vertically raising the inner shell out of the outer shell and includes side walls which are impervious to water and a bottom wall which is provided with openings for the ingress or egress of water. In addition, the bottom wall is provided with a centrally disposed bowl-like portion tending to entrap live bait and a small amount of water therein when the inner portion is raised above the surrounding water level.