GB2609268A

GB2609268A - Modular aquatic habitat

Info

Publication number: GB2609268A
Application number: GB2115475.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yarrow Fulford Galen
Original assignee: Biomatrix Water Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Biomatrix Water Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-21
Filing date: 2021-10-27
Publication date: 2023-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 2041-10-27
Also published as: GB202108906D0; GB2609268B; GB202115475D0

Abstract

A modular aquatic habitat, which may be suspended or otherwise located in a body of water, comprising a number of aquatic habitat modules 603 which in turn may comprise a symmetric pair of half-shells. The separation between the half-shells can be incrementally adjusted to limit the size of species able to inhabit a particular aquatic habitat module. These modules may be shaped such that the habitat comprises a tessellated structure which, when tightly packed, water is unable to pass through other than as permitted by the habitat, or may be spaced apart to provide fissure-like voids. Apertures in the modules provide fluid flow paths through and/or within the habitat, and the modules are hollow so as to allow retention of growth and/or planting media to support an aquatic ecosystem. The modules also provide habitats for marine creatures. The habitat is capable of indefinite expansion in three dimensions and of providing complex and varied void spaces and habitats by varying shell separations, module sizes, shapes, materials, surface structures and features, and spacings (or lack thereof) between adjacent modules.

Description

1 Modular Aquatic Habitat 3 The present invention relates to the field of aquatic habitats, and in particular the provision 4 of ecosystems which support marine life. More specifically, the present invention provides a modular aquatic habitat, and modules of such a habitat, which may be used to facilitate 6 in the creation or re-establishment or restoration of marine ecosystems. Such ecosystems 7 might additionally be used in aquaculture, fish aggregation, shellfish culture, seaweed 8 culture, aquatic planting, habitat provision, water gardening, as well as for the remediation 9 of heavily modified or polluted water bodies.

11 Background to the invention

13 Globally ocean productivity is in decline, with development, pollution and overfishing and 14 habitat loss damaging ocean productivity and health. Along urban waterfronts typically over 50% of the shoreline is lined with engineered edges, revetments, and bulk heads 16 typically of concrete, steel, brick or stone.

18 These engineered edges provide limited opportunities for aquatic ecosystems with 19 emergent macrophyte to establish themselves and their associated invertebrate and aquatic communities to thrive.

2 Additionally, with the prospect of sea-level rise, construction of sea walls and flood 3 defences around all types of waterbodies and the construction of hard-edge revetments is 4 on the rise. Additionally, with increased urban populations, Marina construction is also increasing often in areas that would once have been productive aquatic habitats.

7 It is often observed that these types of engineered waterfront structures, such as piers and 8 other waterside installations, exhibit a noticeable reduction of aquatic life to the extent that 9 the ecosystems in place prior to installation are often substantially detrimentally altered.

One of the key changes in the construction of hard-edged waterfronts is their typical lack 11 of texture, and specifically complex texture such as found on natural sloped rock edges or 12 corals with a combination various shapes and sizes of sheltered refuge openings or 13 apertures and crevices for aquatic organisms to adhere to and take refuge on or within.

The challenge of managing water quality and providing habitat and aquatic amenity in 16 these conditions is well known in the field. It is an objective of the presentation invention to 17 overcome the challenges of these types of conditions through the provision of a modular 18 aquatic habitat which may help to establish ecosystems in these types of locations with 19 minimal civil work.

21 Various approaches have been taken in the past to provide replacement habitats, notably 22 various structures to form artificial reefs, primarily comprising components which are either 23 typically bottom mounted or mounded or alternatively fixed to a wall as a textured tile or as 24 a suspended mesh or cage structure. Bottom mounted structures encounter several challenges, such as clogging from bottom sediments, interference with routine harbour 26 dredging activities, or limits on deploy-ability due to navigation consideration. Wall 27 mounted tiles have their own set of challenges, such as attachment costs below low water 28 line, and associated requirement for technical divers, as well as the requirement for a 29 suitable wall to be affixed to, which can sometimes exclude substrate such as steel sheet pile, one of the most utilised revetment materials. Cage structures can have their own 31 challenges such as perceived entanglement risks and drying out at low water for example, 33 The present invention seeks to overcome these challenges, elevating the habitat structure 34 above the sediment to provide a suspended habitat structure in the water column. It also addresses some of the aesthetic issues with conventional approaches such as stocked 1 and/or piles of blocks, assembled lattices of struts and the like, and suspended cages 2 which might contain rocks and/or planting media.

4 Furthermore, the present invention allows multiple habitat modules to be assembled and strung form a single attachment point, which may be beneath a float, along a wall, or other 6 structure such as oil rig platform, fish farm, offshore wind farm, floating solar installation, 7 etc. 9 Embodiments of the present invention may also provide improvements and enhancements in the structure and/or materials of artificial aquatic ecosystems which better support live 11 substrate for attached growth treatment media and/or plant media, as well as providing 12 useful and attractive habitat for aquatic animals. Other benefits and advantages will

13 become apparent from the following description.

1 Summary of the invention

3 According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular aquatic habitat 4 comprising a plurality of aquatic habitat modules shaped to cooperate with adjacent aquatic habitat modules to provide a tessellated arrangement of the aquatic habitat 6 modules.

8 Preferably, each aquatic habitat module comprises a pair of half-shells. Preferably, the 9 half-shells are substantially identical, or at least similar, in shape and size. Optionally, the half-shells comprise the same material. Alternatively, the half-shells comprise different 11 materials or a different structure. For example, one half shell may be porous and the other 12 half-shell non-porous. Optionally, within the modular aquatic habitat, one or more half 13 shells may be omitted to provide open aquatic habitat modules.

Preferably the half-shells exhibit translational and rotational symmetry. Preferably, the half 16 shells take the form of a pyramidal frustum. Alternatively, the half-shells may take the form 17 of cones, regular pyramids, conical frusta, half spheres, cubes, regular pyramidal frusta, or 18 regular prisms.

Alternatively, each aquatic habitat module comprises a unitary body.

22 Preferably, the modular aquatic habitat comprises at least one column or string of aquatic 23 habitat modules. Preferably, the modular aquatic habitat comprises a plurality of columns 24 or strings of aquatic habitat modules. Optionally, the columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules abut adjacent columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules in a tessellated 26 arrangement of the columns or strings. Advantageously, the plurality of columns or strings 27 of aquatic habitat modules are capable of temporarily separating to permit water flow 28 between adjacent columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules. Alternatively, the 29 columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules are spaced apart. Further alternatively, at least one pair of columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules abut one another and at 31 least one other pair of columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules are spaced apart.

33 Optionally, the at least one column or string of aquatic habitat modules comprises an 34 elongate member which extends vertically through a plurality of aquatic habitat modules.

Preferably, the elongate member comprises a retaining means to limit downwards 1 movement of the aquatic habitat modules. Preferably, the elongate member comprises 2 attachment means to attach the column or string of aquatic habitat modules to a structure.

3 Preferably, the attachment means is located at the top of the elongate member..

4 Optionally, the elongate member may comprise a chain, a rope or a rod.

6 Preferably, each aquatic habitat module is hollow. Optionally, at least one of the plurality 7 of aquatic habitat modules contains one or any combination of rock, wood, shell, clay, soil, 8 retained water (see below re apertures for example), inoculated gravel, sand or alternative 9 growth or planting media such as lignin based fibres, coir fibres, wood fibres, cellulose, plastic fibres, plastic mesh which may be woven or non-woven, sphagnum moss, or 11 recycled/repurposed material such as plastic balls and bottles. Additionally, or 12 alternatively, at least one of the plurality of aquatic habitat modules contains seaweed or 13 aquatic plants.

Preferably, each aquatic habitat module comprises at least one aperture, and preferably at 16 least two apertures. The apertures preferably provide a fluid flow path through the aquatic 17 habitat module. Said flow path may be through the habitat or within the habitat.

18 Optionally, the at least one aperture is located in a surface of the aquatic habitat module 19 so as to coincide or align with a corresponding aperture in an adjacent aquatic habitat module. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one aperture provides an entrance 21 and/or an exit to/from the aquatic habitat module.

23 Preferably, the at least one aperture provides at least one shelf to support growth species.

Optionally, the at least one aperture is positioned to define a level at which water may be 26 retained within the respective aquatic habitat module.

28 Preferably, the aquatic habitat modules comprise a surface texture. Preferably, the 29 surface texture provides additional surface area to attract and support growth. Optionally, the aquatic habitat modules comprise a patterned surface. Alternatively, or additionally, 31 the aquatic habitat modules comprise pores and/or voids. Optionally, one or more faces of 32 the aquatic habitat modules are concave, or comprise one or more concavities.

33 Optionally, the aquatic habitat modules are configured to attract coral or bivalve larvae.

1 Preferably, the habitat extends in two dimensions. Alternatively, the habitat extends in 2 three dimensions. Preferably, the aquatic habitat modules of the modular aquatic habitat 3 cooperate to provide a tessellated arrangement of aquatic habitat modules in two or three 4 dimensions.

6 Optionally, the habitat is cylindrical in shape.

8 Optionally, the habitat further comprises an aeration device which provides an air supply or 9 otherwise aeration to the habitat. The aeration device may comprise a bubbler or bubble tube/hose located towards a lower end of the habitat.

12 Optionally, the habitat further comprises a plurality of supplementary aquatic habitat 13 modules. The supplementary aquatic habitat modules may be provided in strings or 14 columns which alternate with strings and columns of the aquatic habitat modules.

Alternatively, the supplementary aquatic habitat modules are located within strings and 16 columns of the aquatic habitat modules.

18 Preferably, the supplementary aquatic habitat modules are hollow. Optionally, the 19 supplementary aquatic habitat modules contain one or any combination of rock, wood, shell, clay, soil, retained water (see below re apertures for example), inoculated gravel, 21 sand or alternative growth or planting media such as lignin based fibres, coir fibres, wood 22 fibres, cellulose, plastic fibres, plastic mesh which may be woven or non-woven, 23 sphagnum moss, or recycled/repurposed material such as plastic balls and bottles.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular aquatic habitat 26 comprising a plurality of aquatic habitat modules, each aquatic habitat module comprising 27 at least one pair of shells, wherein the separation between the shells can be incrementally 28 adjusted to limit the size of species able to inhabit the aquatic habitat module.

The term "shells" is used for consistency with the first aspect, however equivalent or 31 alternative terms such as "portions" may be used instead. Embodiments may comprise 32 multiple pairs of shells or portions, for example where a module is formed from two shells 33 or portions these might be termed half-shells, or where a module is formed from four shells 34 these might be termed quarter-shells.

1 Preferably, the shells are substantially identical, or at least similar, in shape and size.

2 Optionally, the shells comprise the same material. Alternatively, the shells comprise 3 different materials or a different structure. For example, one shell may be porous and the 4 other shell non-porous. Optionally, within the modular aquatic habitat, one or more shells may be omitted to provide open aquatic habitat modules.

7 Preferably the shells exhibit translational and rotational symmetry. Preferably, the shells 8 take the form of a pyramidal frustum. Alternatively, the shells may take the form of cones, 9 regular pyramids, conical frusta, half spheres/spheroids, quarter spheres/spheroids, cubes, regular pyramidal frusta, or regular prisms. Each shell may be constructed from a 11 series of overlapping panels, or leaves, providing additional crevices and habitat 12 opportunities between them.

14 Optionally, each aquatic habitat module is shaped to cooperate with adjacent aquatic habitat modules to provide a tessellated arrangement of the aquatic habitat modules.

17 Preferably, the modular aquatic habitat comprises at least one column or string of aquatic 18 habitat modules. Preferably, the modular aquatic habitat comprises a plurality of columns 19 or strings of aquatic habitat modules. Optionally, the columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules abut adjacent columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules in a tessellated 21 arrangement of the columns or strings. Advantageously, the plurality of columns or strings 22 of aquatic habitat modules are capable of temporarily separating to permit water flow 23 between adjacent columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules. Alternatively, the 24 columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules are spaced apart. Further alternatively, at least one pair of columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules abut one another and at 26 least one other pair of columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules are spaced apart.

28 Optionally, the at least one column or string of aquatic habitat modules comprises an 29 elongate member which extends vertically through a plurality of aquatic habitat modules.

Preferably, the elongate member comprises a retaining means to limit downwards 31 movement of the aquatic habitat modules. Preferably, the elongate member comprises 32 attachment means to attach the column or string of aquatic habitat modules to a structure.

33 Preferably, the attachment means is located at the top of the elongate member..

34 Optionally, the elongate member may comprise a chain, a rope or a rod. Links of the 1 chain, knots on the rope, or apertures or protrusions on the rod may provide the means for 2 incrementally adjusting the separation between the shells.

4 Preferably, each aquatic habitat module is hollow. Optionally, at least one of the plurality of aquatic habitat modules contains one or any combination of rock, wood, clay, soil, 6 retained water (see below re apertures for example), inoculated gravel, sand or alternative 7 growth or planting media such as lignin based fibres, coir fibres, wood fibres, cellulose, 8 plastic fibres, plastic mesh which may be woven or non-woven, sphagnum moss, or 9 recycled/repurposed material. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one of the plurality of aquatic habitat modules contains seaweed or aquatic plants.

12 Preferably, each aquatic habitat module comprises at least one aperture, and preferably at 13 least two apertures. The apertures preferably provide a fluid flow path through the aquatic 14 habitat module. Said flow path may be through the habitat or within the habitat.

Optionally, the at least one aperture is located in a surface of the aquatic habitat module 16 so as to coincide or align with a corresponding aperture in an adjacent aquatic habitat 17 module. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one aperture provides an entrance 18 and/or an exit to/from the aquatic habitat module.

Preferably, the at least one aperture provides at least one shelf to support growth species.

22 Optionally, the at least one aperture is positioned to define a level at which water may be 23 retained within the respective aquatic habitat module.

Preferably, the aquatic habitat modules comprise a surface texture. Preferably, the 26 surface texture provides additional surface area to attract and support growth. Optionally, 27 the aquatic habitat modules comprise a patterned surface. Alternatively, or additionally, 28 the aquatic habitat modules comprise pores and/or voids. Optionally, one or more faces of 29 the aquatic habitat modules are concave, or comprise one or more concavities.

Optionally, the aquatic habitat modules are configured to attract coral or bivalve larvae.

32 Preferably, the habitat extends in two dimensions. Alternatively, the habitat extends in 33 three dimensions. Preferably, the aquatic habitat modules of the modular aquatic habitat 34 cooperate to provide a tessellated arrangement of aquatic habitat modules in two or three dimensions.

2 Optionally, the habitat is cylindrical in shape.

4 Optionally, the habitat further comprises an aeration device which provides an air supply or otherwise aeration to the habitat. The aeration device may comprise a bubbler or bubble 6 tube/hose located towards a lower end of the habitat.

8 Optionally, the habitat further comprises a plurality of supplementary aquatic habitat 9 modules. The supplementary aquatic habitat modules may be provided in strings or columns which alternate with strings and columns of the aquatic habitat modules.

11 Alternatively, the supplementary aquatic habitat modules are located within strings and 12 columns of the aquatic habitat modules.

14 Preferably, the supplementary aquatic habitat modules are hollow. Optionally, the supplementary aquatic habitat modules contain one or any combination of rock, wood, 16 shell, clay, soil, retained water (see below re apertures for example), inoculated gravel, 17 sand or alternative growth or planting media such as lignin based fibres, coir fibres, wood 18 fibres, cellulose, plastic fibres, plastic mesh which may be woven or non-woven, 19 sphagnum moss, or recycled/repurposed material such as plastic balls and bottles.

Preferably, the supplementary aquatic habitat modules comprise a mesh structure.

22 Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may comprise features corresponding 23 to any of the essential, preferred or optional features of any other aspect of the invention 24 (particularly the first aspect), or vice versa.

26 According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an aquatic habitat module as 27 defined in the first or second aspect.

29 Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may comprise features corresponding to any of the essential, preferred or optional features of any other aspect of the invention or 31 vice versa.

33 According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a half shell or quarter shell 34 of an aquatic habitat module as defined in the first or second aspect.

1 Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention may comprise features corresponding to 2 any of the essential, preferred or optional features of any other aspect of the invention or 3 vice versa.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a floating ecosystem 6 comprising a modular aquatic habitat according to the first or second aspect.

8 Optionally, the floating ecosystem is a fish farm.

Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention may comprise features corresponding to 11 any of the essential, preferred or optional features of any other aspect of the invention or 12 vice versa.

1 Brief description of the drawings

3 There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of the 4 invention with reference to the drawings (like reference numerals being used to denote like features), of which: 7 Figure 1 illustrates a front elevation view of a modular aquatic habitat according to an 8 embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of the modular aquatic habitat 11 shown in Figure 1; 13 Figure 3 illustrates two alternative aquatic habitat modules according to embodiments of at 14 least one aspect of the present invention; 16 Figure 4 illustrates an alternative string or column of aquatic habitat modules to those 17 shown in Figures 1 and 2; 19 Figure 5 illustrates another alternative aquatic habitat module according to an embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention; 22 Figure 6 illustrates another alternative string or column of aquatic habitat modules to those 23 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4; Figure 7 illustrates another alternative aquatic habitat module in different configurations 26 according to an embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention; 28 Figure 8 illustrates different configurations of a modular aquatic habitat comprising 29 modules of the type shown in Figure 7; 31 Figure 9 illustrates different configurations of a modular aquatic habitat comprising another 32 alternative aquatic habitat module according to an embodiment of at least one aspect of 33 the present invention; and 1 Figure 10 illustrates in more detail the type of alternative aquatic habitat modules shown in 2 Figure 9.

4 Unless stated otherwise, features in the drawings are not to scale. Scales may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate the features of the invention and the problems 6 which the invention are intended to address.

1 Detailed description of preferred embodiments

3 Figure 1 illustrates a front elevation view of a modular aquatic habitat 1 according to an 4 embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention, and to aid in understanding of the component parts and how they combine to provide a modular aquatic habitat, Figure 2 6 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of the modular aquatic habitat shown in 7 Figure 1.

9 The modular aquatic habitat 1 can be seen to take the form of a substantially planar structure which extends in two dimensions and might be termed a wall. In Figure 1, 11 examples of certain components of the habitat 1 have been highlighted to show how such 12 a habitat 1 can be capable of unlimited or indefinite vertical and/or horizontal expansion.

13 An aquatic habitat module 3 is highlighted centrally, and this can be seen to comprise a 14 pair of half-shells 5 which are identical, one unit of which is highlighted to the left. To the right is highlighted a vertical array, string or column 7 (which terms may be used 16 interchangeably) comprising a plurality of modules 3 (and hence a corresponding plurality 17 of half-shells 5 which alternate in vertical orientation). The habitat 1 can therefore be 18 described as comprising a plurality of strings or columns 7, a plurality of modules 3, and or 19 a plurality of half-shells 5.

21 In this embodiment (and that described below), the half-shells 5 take the form of a 22 pyramidal frustum, and in particular a square pyramidal frustum (being a generally 23 pyramidal shape with a flat/square "top" 51 and an open square base 53). It is however 24 foreseen that the half-shells may take any suitable shape although it is advantageous that they are identical in shape and exhibit certain symmetries (e.g. translational and 26 rotational), not just so that the resulting module takes a desired shape but so that the half- 27 shells may be conveniently stacked for ease of transport and handling. Suitable shapes 28 for the half-shells may include cones, regular pyramids, conical frusta, regular pyramidal 29 frusta, and regular prisms, and may be formed to relate to the intended installation surface, for example to fit within the crenulations of a steel sheet pile bulk heads.

32 The shapes of the half-shells 5 are such that tessellation is achieved; abutting edges 33 and/or surfaces of the half-shells 5 and hence modules 3 provide a substantially complete 34 barrier to normal water flow against the modules 3, although as noted below this can be preferentially routed through the modules in a predefined manner, or disrupted if subjected 1 to excessive forces. (In an alternative embodiment below, water flow is not prevented or 2 restricted, but by flowing between modules or strings water is still preferentially routed 3 according to desired outcomes, such as increased surface interaction with said modules).

It will be understood that by virtue of the configuration of the half-shells 5 each module 3 is 6 hollow to an extent and is thereby provided with an internal volume which is capable of 7 receiving and, optionally, retaining materials. Preferentially, the modules contain substrate 8 material (not shown) which is selected dependent on a desired purpose or application. For 9 example, the modules 3 may contain one or any combination of rock, wood, shell, clay, soil, retained water (see below re apertures for example), inoculated gravel, sand or 11 alternative growth or planting media such as lignin based fibres, coir fibres, wood fibres, 12 cellulose, plastic fibres, plastic mesh which may be woven or non-woven, sphagnum 13 moss, or recycled/repurposed material such as plastic balls and bottles. Organic and 14 inorganic material may be combined by intertwining, weaving, felting, moulding, crimping or be comprised in a textured mesh, layers may be bound and stabilised and secured 16 through binding laminating, needle felting, melting or gluing for example with elements 17 such as guar gum or polyacrylamide, latex, lime or concrete slurry. Target growth species 18 may include biofllms, fish, bivalves, molluscs, algae, anthropods, macro algae and 19 seaweed plants, to name but a few. Different modules may contain different materials to attract and sustain different species. (In a preferred embodiment, discussed below, the 21 modules are capable of retaining and sustaining seaweed and/or aquatic plants).

23 An optional feature of the modules 3 is the provision of apertures on faces 31 of the half- 24 shells 5. In the first instance, the apertures provide points of entry and exit from respective modules 3. Furthermore, by locating a primary aperture 33 centrally of the faces 31 of the 26 half-shells, the primary apertures 33 on adjacent or adjoining modules 3 are made to 27 coincide. In this way, it is possible for water or indeed aquatic life to travel between 28 adjacent modules 3. In fact, in the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2, an aquatic 29 creature is capable of travelling along the length of the wall 1 while remaining substantially sheltered within the wall 1 and, for example, protected from predating species. In a 31 perpendicular direction, aligned such apertures 33 may serve as through ports for water, 32 objects (provided they are smaller than the apertures) or marine life to pass through the 33 wall to the other side. In this way the habitat 1 may act as a filter or net of sorts.

1 Secondary apertures 35, of which there may be several, may also be positioned to 2 cooperate and provide secondary flows or paths between adjacent modules, or into and 3 out of the modules 3. For example, small fish or crustaceans may prefer to enter or exit 4 through the smaller/secondary apertures. Alternatively, or additionally, the secondary apertures may allow the roots of plants within the modules to extend outside of the 6 module, providing additional growth surface. Furthermore, as the wall thickness of the 7 half-shells 5 and hence the modules 3 is finite, said primary 33 and secondary 35 8 apertures provide discrete, additional surface areas of the habitat 1 (which may be termed 9 shelves) which can attract, again, different growth species.

11 A further feature or benefit of the apertures 33,35 is the ability to control a level at which 12 water may be retained within each module 3. It will be understood that the lowermost 13 aperture in each module 3 effectively determines how much water can be retained. When 14 deployed in a marine environment, such as suspended under a pier or other permanent structure, or when secured to or otherwise disposed on a sea wall, breakwater or groyne, 16 the habitat 1 will be subject to tidal variations in water level. If, for example, the water level 17 drops below a particular module, water will be retained within said module to the level of 18 the lowest aperture. Accordingly, the habitat 1 remains habitable for growth species and 19 aquatic life. The same situation applies if the habitat 1 is lifted out of a body of water, for example for maintenance and/or inspection.

22 In this embodiment, the half-shells 5 and hence the modules 3 are provided with a surface 23 texture which provides additional surface area to attract and support growth. At a basic 24 level, the texture may be provided by a coarse sandpaper-like surface (which may be achieved by applying grit to the surface using an adhesive or by incorporating grit within a 26 forming process, but alternatively texture may be provided by a patterned surface which 27 may be formed as part of a process of manufacturing the half-shells 5, or subsequently 28 machined, carved or etched. Alternatively, or additionally, the material of the half-shells 5 29 and hence the modules 3 may be porous or otherwise provided with voids; such pores and/or voids providing habitats for small creatures as well as increased effective surface 31 area for attached growth. In an alternative embodiment, one or more faces of the modules 32 are concave, so as to provide additional void spaces and therefore potential habitats 33 between adjacent or abutting modules.

1 Another potential application of the inventive habitat is in aquaculture, and in particular fish 2 aggregation, mollusc propagation and habitat, as well as seaweed propagation. In an 3 embodiment the wall can be extended and follow a circular path to form a cylindrical shape 4 and effectively provide a containment suitable for fish farming purposes; the apertures analogous to the holes in a conventional net wall, and the modules (as described in varied 6 and various embodiments above) providing a means for supporting attached growth media 7 and other aquatic life to support a healthy ecosystem within the fish farm.

9 It is also foreseen that suitable surface shaping, texture and/or module material choice may encourage and/or attract coral larvae (and/or bivalve larvae), such that the habitat 1 11 may be used as an artificial reef and thereby find application in attempts to restore coral 12 reefs or establish new coral reefs where conventional approaches have failed. It is 13 envisaged that Econcrete (RTM) will be a suitable material from which to cast, form or 14 otherwise shape the half-shells (or modules as the case may be).

16 Another benefit of the habitat 1 is in its potential resilience to what would otherwise be 17 damaging events, such as sudden surges of water or large waves impacting on the habitat 18 1. Optionally, modules 3 within the habitat are only connected or otherwise joined to 19 adjacent modules in a vertical sense, resulting in a plurality of strings 7 of modules, such that a wall is formed from a plurality of such strings 7 being arranged side by side. As 21 noted above, the shape of the half-shells 5 and hence modules 3 is such that adjacent 22 strings will abut and cooperate to reduce or prevent fluid flow between adjacent modules 23 (described above as tessellation). In the event of being subjected to a sudden increase in 24 water flow, for example if struck by a large wave, adjacent strings 7 are able to move apart and temporarily allow water flow between adjacent strings 7 and modules 3 to prevent 26 otherwise damaging impact on the habitat 1 and/or individual modules 3. It is also 27 envisaged that gaps may open up between adjacent modules 3 in a string 7 to permit 28 passage of water under and above each module in addition to either side.

Alternatively, it may be preferable and in some cases advantageous to permit or at least to 31 not restrict water flow between adjacent strings and modules. Tessellation may be 32 preserved, but a spacing provided between adjacent strings and modules can be made to 33 resemble On appearance and effect) a fissure, with crenellations formed by surface 34 features of the modules or half-shells (including concavities as proposed above).

Spacings between strings or modules may be made to vary across a wall of same, so as 1 to provide varied fissure widths. Regardless of said spacing, the general alignment of 2 apertures on corresponding faces of adjacent modules or half-shells preserves the 3 continuity of certain paths along and within the wall, with interstitial points of entry (and 4 exit) provided by the spacings.

6 Engagement means and/or attachment means may be provided to enable modules to 7 engage with and/or attach to adjacent modules. In the above described embodiment, a 8 string 7 of modules can be provided by an elongate member which extends vertically 9 through a plurality of modules 3. A retaining means (for example a knot or a radial projection) at or near a lower end of the elongate member can limit downwards movement 11 of the modules 3. Accordingly, the modules 3 within a string 7 need not be physically 12 joined but rely on gravity to engage top and bottom surfaces of adjacent modules (and 13 their respective half-shells if appropriate). The elongate member can be provided with 14 attachment means to attach the string 7 of modules to a structure (thereby holding it suspended in the water), such as the underside of a floating ecosystem, or a pier, oil rig, 16 marina, offshore turbine, or the like.

18 Alternatively, each half-shell 5 may be provided with male and female projections formed, 19 arranged or located around the perimeter of an open face thereof to cooperate and/or engage with corresponding female and male projections formed, arranged or located 21 around the perimeter of an open face of another, preferably identical, half-shell 5.

23 In another variant of the habitat 1, it is foreseen that the half-shells 5 need not be identical, 24 at least in terms of structure and/or material. For example, if it is desirous to retain water in the bottom half-shell of a particular module, it would be preferred to make the bottom 26 half-shell from a solid or non-porous material. Conversely, it may be preferred if the top 27 half-shell is made from a porous or other material allowing the passage of water (such as a 28 mesh), for example to prevent air pockets forming when the habitat 1 is submerged. In an 29 embodiment of the habitat 1, the habitat 1 may comprise a combination of non-porous and porous/mesh half-shells, arranged to provide one or more of (a) a module comprising non- 31 porous upper and lower half-shells, (b) a module comprising porous/mesh upper and lower 32 half-shells, (c) a module comprising a porous/mesh upper half shell and a non-porous 33 lower half shell and (d) vice versa, each serving different purposes and attracting different 34 forms of aquatic life.

1 Figure 3 for example shows modules 203 which comprise same or similar lower half-shells 2 205A but dissimilar upper half-shells 205B,205C. Upper half shell 205B comprises a 3 geometric mesh whereas upper half shell 205C comprises a woven structure. Regardless 4 of the material or manner of manufacture it will be observed that there is provided an aperture 233B,233C or at least an opening or void which would coincide with a 6 corresponding aperture 233A.

8 Although in this embodiment (its variants, and the embodiments described below) such a 9 habitat extends in two dimensions, it is also foreseen that alternative habitats may extend in only one dimension On which case it might be termed a string or column, or indeed row 11 depending on orientation) or may extend in three dimensions, for example by providing a 12 plurality of walls which abut one another with further tessellation in a third 13 dimension/direction. It will be understood that complex three dimensional structures can 14 be constructed from multiple modules, for example to achieve a desired size or shape.

16 In another alternative embodiment (not shown) the modules do not comprise half-shells 17 but are formed as a unitary body. In such an embodiment it remains advantageous that 18 the module exhibits certain symmetries (e.g. translational and rotational), so as to permit 19 tessellation.

21 Optionally, the habitat 1 may be provided with an aeration device (not shown) which 22 provides an air supply or otherwise aeration to the habitat 1. This might take the form of a 23 bubbler or bubble tube/hose located towards a lower end of the habitat 1 such that 24 bubbles can rise through the habitat 1, particularly where provided with apertures which align to define vertical flow paths through the habitat 1.

27 An alternative embodiment (not shown) comprises modules interspersed with 28 supplementary aquatic habitat modules. In this embodiment the modules are substantially 29 as described above but rather than each string or column comprising a plurality of same or similar modules, the habitat alternates strings of modules and strings of supplementary 31 aquatic habitat modules.

33 In a variation to this embodiment the supplementary aquatic habitat modules may alternate 34 or otherwise be located amongst the modules on strings rather than occupy discreet strings.

2 The supplementary aquatic habitat modules in this embodiment also take the form/shape 3 of stacked pyramidal frusta. The construction of these modules may be relatively simple, 4 for example comprising eight identical and substantially triangular portions of a large mesh which are brought together to effectively form an octohedron. The supplementary aquatic 6 habitat modules may contain any of the growth or planting media listed above. These 7 modules may be particularly well suited to growth and retention of larger creatures or other 8 marine life, such as seaweed and oysters, which may not be compatible with the smaller 9 apertures and enclosed volumes of the primary modules. The mesh structure permits the insertion of plants for example and permits plants to grow through the outer walls of the 11 modules.

13 As described above in relation to Figure 3, it is foreseen that modules according to the 14 invention may comprise same or similar lower half-shells but dissimilar upper half-shells.

That is the case in Figure 6, which also shows that the lower half shells 305A contain 16 planting media to support the growth of seaweeds, aquatic plants and the like. Upper half- 17 shells 305B comprise a mesh which allows seaweed or aquatic plants 351 to pass 18 through, as well as allowing water and importantly light to reach them. In this embodiment, 19 the uppermost upper half-shell is omitted, such that the uppermost half shell 305A' is effectively an open container or basket for the seaweed or aquatic plant 351' contained 21 therein. It will also be observed that the roots of the seaweed or aquatic plants 351,351' 22 are able to trail out of the bottom of the half-shells 305B, and that the modules 303 are 23 spaced apart along the elongate member which in this embodiment is a chain. (Alternative 24 elongate members might comprise ropes or rods for example).

26 It is not essential for modules supporting aquatic plants or seaweed that the upper half- 27 shells comprise a mesh or woven structure, or are transparent, and Figure 5 shows 28 another alternative embodiment in which the upper half-shell 405B is the same as the 29 lower half shell 405A, and comprises a coral-like surface comprising a plurality of pits and other irregularities that encourage and support varied and various attached growth. The 31 apertures 433 provide sufficient exposure and that the leaves are able to project out of the 32 module 403 provides for adequate photosynthesis and interaction with the water body.

33 Figure 6 shows a variant of the arrangement shown in Figure 5 where the modules 503 34 are spaced apart along the elongate member (chain) rather than abutting one another as shown in Figure 5.

2 As noted above, a habitat (or strings/columns of such a habitat) may be attached to or 3 suspended from a permanent structure, such as a pier, seawall, offshore turbine (for 4 example in a wind farm), oil rig, marina or the likes. It might also form the walls of an aquaculture installation such as a fish farm. Alternatively, it may be suspended from a 6 floating ecosystem which is disposed in a body of water, such as a polluted waterway.

8 The advantages of any individual feature described herein, or any combination thereof, 9 may be exploited in a modular aquatic habitat or ecosystem comprising same without necessarily requiring all such features to be present. In other words, any combination of 11 the features described above, below and elsewhere has been envisaged by the applicant.

13 The half-shells (or modules as the case may be) may be produced by casting in a pre- 14 fabricated mould, typically made from fiberglass or plastic or metal.

16 Note that if the habitat is only partially submerged in a body of water, or indeed if it is 17 located substantially out of water, it may serve as a habitat for amphibious creatures such 18 as frogs and newts or, if the modules (and apertures) are suitably large, other aquatic or 19 semiaquatic animals such as otters.

21 The invention, in any embodiment, is suitable for freshwater as well as saltwater (e.g. 22 seawater) applications.

24 Figure 7 illustrates another alternative type of module 603 for use in the provision of an aquatic habitat. Here is shown in three different configurations a same/similar module 603 26 within three arrays or strings (a), (b), (c). In this case, the module 603 can be seen to be 27 substantially egg-shaped; the lower portion or shell 605A being substantially quarter- 28 spherical in shape and the upper portion or shell 605B being substantially quarter- 29 ellipsoidal (prolate spheroid) in shape. In array/string (a), the modules 603 form what might be described as a whole or 360 degree egg shape with four quarter shells forming 31 the whole; whereas in array/string (b) and (c) the modules 603 form what might be 32 described as half or 180 degree egg shapes with two quarter shells forming the half.

33 Regardless, whether whole or half (or quarter as the case may be) the following features 34 and benefits, described in the context of of the arrays/strings (b) and (c), apply to such modules.

2 String (b) and string (c) each show two (of a potentially large plurality) of modules 603 3 disposed on a chain. The chain serves two purposes; firstly it serves as a means to attach 4 the modules 603, and in particular the shells 605A and 605B, to a unifying member and secondly it provides a means to incrementally adjust the separation between the shells 6 605A and 605B. In string (a) the separation is zero, with the shells 605A and 605B 7 abutting, but in strings (b) and (c) the separation is by two distinct and separate amounts, 8 and this is achieved by leaving a different number of chain links between successive shell 9 attachments. In this way the chain may be considered as defining specific increments by which the separation can be increased or decreased.

12 Again, instead of a chain any kind of elongate member might be used, for example a rope 13 or a rod or bar. A rope can be provided with an analogous index with a series of knots, 14 and a rod or bar can be provided with protrusions (or recesses) or apertures. Shells may be attached using clamps, which might clamp to a chain or link, to a rope, or to a rod or 16 bar; apertures which receive chain links, knots or protrusions; or protrusions which engage 17 or enter chain links, enter the fibres or between strands of a rope, or are received in 18 recesses or apertures of a rod or bar. A key advantage of attaching individual modules to 19 an elongate member is that an entire array or string can be attached to a structure without the need for multiple fixings or attachment points.

22 By way of example, the separation between shells 605A and 605B of a particular module 23 might be 25 mm which would permit small fish to inhabit the modules, or it might be 50 mm 24 which would permit larger fish and/or eels to inhabit the modules, or it might be larger still to permit species such as octopus to inhabit the module. It can be understood that by 26 providing modules with multiple and different separations, multiple and different species 27 can inhabit and thrive within a habitat based on such a modular approach.

29 It is to be noted that in this embodiment the ability to tesselate is not the key feature or benefit although it is preferred and advantageous if this is possible (see for example Figure 31 8 which shows different configurations in which a module such as module 603 shown in 32 Figure 7 might be tessellated). Rather, the key feature of this embodiment is the ability to 33 control or incrementally adjust the separation of the shells.

1 Also note that in this embodiment the shells are shown as having solid walls but they may 2 be provided with apertures and/or texture as in any of the preceding embodiments.

3 Likewise, any of the preceding embodiments may be modified to provide for the separation 4 between upper and lower portions to be incrementally adjusted to limit the size of species able to inhabit the aquatic habitat module (and make tessellation an optional, preferred but 6 not essential, feature). In fact, it will be understood that optional features of any described 7 embodiment or possible variant may be incorporated in the other described embodiments 8 or variants. For example, the modules 603 can be provided with growth or planting media 9 and/or may be configured to retain water (for example when the water level drops below the vertical height of the lower shell).

12 For the avoidance of doubt, it is envisaged that any of the embodiments described with 13 reference to Figures 1 to 6 (or otherwise) above may also be modified to enable the 14 incremental adjustment of the separation between the upper and lower half-shells as described above.

17 String (a) of Figure 7 was described above as having zero separation between the shells 18 605A and 605B. This would tend to suggest that no species would be able to inhabit the 19 module 603. However, it is envisaged that the outer radius (or boundary) of the shells 605A and 605B might not be identical such that an aperture is provided even when the 21 vertical separation is zero. In fact by providing such different sized shells, or indeed by 22 providing shims, spacers or the like which might adjust the relative lateral position of the 23 upper or lower shells, an aperture allowing access to the module might also be provided.

The modular habitats illustrated in Figure 9 and Figure 10 serve to illustrate this potential 26 variant. In this case the modules 703 comprise a top shell 705B which has a larger outer 27 radius (or boundary) than the bottom shell 705A. It will be understood that the reverse 28 configuration might also be used, for further variation within a modular habitat. Figure 9 29 also shows different manners in which habitats, or more accurately arrays or strings which make up said habitats, might be deployed or disposed in use. For example, to the right of 31 Figure 9 there is shown a number of arrays or strings suspended from a bridge or trellising 32 over a body of water. Some of the modules 703 are submerged and some are above the 33 water line. Those above the water line may retain water and/or growth or planting media 34 and provide safe habitat until the water level rises sufficiently. To the left of Figure 9 there is shown a number of arrays or strings which are disposed on a wall, which might be a sea 1 wall, marina wall or the like. These modules would likely be of the half or 180 degree type 2 discussed above, may be mounted directly on the wall, or to a chain or other elongate 3 member having a single point of attachment at an upper end. As shown the modules may 4 be spaced apart, or can be more closely packed in a tessellated arrangement such as described in relation to other embodiments above.

7 It can also be seen, particularly in Figure 10, that the shells are provided with surface 8 texture or castellations which can provide additional habitat for marine life, as well as 9 providing an organic aesthetic that might be particularly appealing.

11 For the avoidance of doubt, it is also envisaged that any of the embodiments described 12 with reference to Figures 1 to 6 (or otherwise) above may be modified such that the outer 13 radius (or boundary) of the upper and lower shells are not identical such that an aperture is 14 provided even when the vertical separation is zero. Likewise, any of the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 10 and/or described above may incorporate features of the 16 embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6.

18 The invention provides a modular aquatic habitat, which may be suspended or otherwise 19 located in a body of water, the habitat comprising a number of aquatic habitat modules which in turn may comprise a symmetric pair of half-shells. The separation between upper 21 the half-shells can be incrementally adjusted to limit the size of species able to inhabit a 22 particular aquatic habitat module. These modules, or said half-shells, may be shaped 23 such that the habitat comprises a tessellated structure which when tightly packed water is 24 unable to pass through other than as permitted by the habitat, or may be spaced apart to provide fissure-like voids. Apertures in the modules or half-shells provide fluid flow paths 26 through and/or within the habitat, and the modules or half shells are hollow so as to allow 27 retention of growth and/or planting media to support an aquatic ecosystem. The modules 28 or half shells also provide habitats for marine creatures. The habitat is capable of 29 indefinite expansion in three dimensions and of providing complex and varied void spaces and habitats by varying shell separations, module sizes, shapes, materials, surface 31 structures and features, and spacings (or lack thereof) between adjacent modules.

33 As may be used herein, the terms bottom, lower, below and the like are descriptive of a 34 feature that is located towards a first end/side of an apparatus, system or component while the terms top, upper, above and the like are descriptive of a feature that is located towards 1 a second, opposing end/side of the apparatus, system or component. Such an apparatus, 2 system or component may be inverted without altering the scope of protection which, as 3 below, is defined by the appended claims. Likewise, where an embodiment or feature has 4 been described as vertical, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection to vertical habitats; it is for example foreseen that the modular aquatic habitat might be used in a 6 substantially horizontal orientation, for example to form an artificial sea bed.

8 Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms "comprise" 9 Or "include", Or variations such as "Comprises" Or "comprising", "includes" Or "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the 11 exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

13 The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for the purposes of 14 illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in 16 order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby 17 enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and 18 with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, 19 further modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention herein intended. For example, the present invention has been 21 exemplified with reference to habitats which are submerged as it is of particular and 22 beneficial use in bodies of water, but it shall not be limited to such uses and may 23 alternatively be deployed in land-based or other ecosystems where it is desirable to 24 maintain and support aquatic life. Furthermore, as the half-shells are the basic building blocks of the modular aquatic habitat it is foreseen that the half-shells might be described 26 as modules with the modules instead described as shells (being formed from two half- 27 shells). Regardless of terminology the underlying concept of the invention remains the 28 same.

Claims

1 Claims 3 1.

A modular aquatic habitat comprising a plurality of aquatic habitat modules, each 4 aquatic habitat module comprising at least one pair of shells, wherein the separation between the shells can be incrementally adjusted to limit the size of species able to 6 inhabit the aquatic habitat module.8 2.

The habitat of claim 1, wherein at least one aquatic habitat module comprises 9 multiple pairs of shells.11 3.

The habitat of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shells of at least one pair are 12 substantially identical, or at least similar, in shape and size.14 4.

The habitat of any preceding claim, wherein the shells of at least one pair comprise different materials or a different structure.17 5.

The habitat of claim 4, wherein one shell is porous and the other shell is non-porous.19 The habitat of any preceding claim, wherein one or more shells may be omitted to provide one or more open aquatic habitat modules.22

7. The habitat of any preceding claim, wherein the shells of at least one pair have a 23 different radius or boundary so as to provide an aperture even when the vertical 24 separation of the shells is zero.26

8. The habitat of any preceding claim, wherein the shells of at least one pair exhibit 27 translational and rotational symmetry.29

9. The habitat of any preceding claim, wherein the shells take the form of one of a pyramidal frustum, cone, regular pyramid, conical frustum, half sphere/spheroid, 31 quarter sphere/spheroid, cube, regular pyramidal frustum, or regular prism.33

10. The habitat of any preceding claim, wherein at least one shell is constructed from a 34 series of overlapping panels, or leaves, providing additional crevices and habitat opportunities between them.1

11. The habitat of any preceding claim, wherein each aquatic habitat module is shaped 2 to cooperate with adjacent aquatic habitat modules to provide a tessellated 3 arrangement of the aquatic habitat modules.

12. The habitat of any preceding claim, comprising at least one column or string of 6 aquatic habitat modules.8

13. The habitat of claim 12, comprising a plurality of columns or strings of aquatic habitat 9 modules, wherein the columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules abut adjacent columns or strings of aquatic habitat modules in a tessellated arrangement of the 11 columns or strings.13

14. The habitat of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the at least one column or string of 14 aquatic habitat modules comprises an elongate member which extends vertically through a plurality of aquatic habitat modules.17

15. The habitat of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the elongate member comprises a 18 chain, a rope or a rod.

16. The habitat of claim 15, wherein links of the chain, knots on the rope, or apertures or 21 protrusions on the rod provide the means for incrementally adjusting the separation 22 between the shells.24

17. The habitat of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the plurality of aquatic habitat modules contains one or any combination of rock, wood, shell, clay, soil, 26 retained water, inoculated gravel, sand or alternative growth or planting media such 27 as lignin based fibres, coir fibres, wood fibres, cellulose, plastic fibres, plastic mesh 28 which may be woven or non-woven, sphagnum moss, or recycled/repurposed 29 material, and/or seaweed or aquatic plants.31

18. The habitat of any preceding claim, wherein each aquatic habitat module comprises 32 at least one aperture that provides an entrance and/or an exit to/from the aquatic 33 habitat module, and preferably at least two apertures that provide a fluid flow path 34 through the aquatic habitat module.36

19. The habitat of any claim 18, wherein the at least one aperture is positioned to define 37 a level at which water may be retained within the respective aquatic habitat module.2

20. The habitat of any preceding claim, wherein the aquatic habitat modules comprise a 3 surface texture or a patterned surface that provides additional surface area to attract 4 and support growth, and/or to attract coral or bivalve larvae.6

21. The habitat of any preceding claim, wherein the aquatic habitat modules comprise 7 pores and/or voids.9

22. The habitat of any preceding claim, wherein one or more faces of the aquatic habitat modules are concave or comprise one or more concavities.12

23. The habitat of any preceding claim, wherein aquatic habitat modules of the modular 13 aquatic habitat cooperate to provide a tessellated arrangement of aquatic habitat 14 modules in two or three dimensions.16

24. A floating ecosystem comprising the modular aquatic habitat of any preceding claim 17 suspended from a platform thereof 19

25. The floating ecosystem of claim 24, wherein the floating ecosystem is a fish farm and the modular aquatic habitat forms a net of the fish farm.