A movable platform adjacent to a stationary platform and operable between a raised position forming a part of a deck surface and a lowered position at least partially submerged in the body of water. A landing section and walkway section included in the movable platform. A lever arm carried by the landing section and extending underneath the walkway section, wherein the lever arm engages a bottom side of the walkway section when the movable platform is in the raised position, and the lever arm disengages from the walkway section when the movable platform is in the lowered position. A floatation unit disposed on the bottom side of the landing section. An air pump unit carried by the stationary platform, wherein the air pump unit channels air into and out of the floatation unit to change the buoyancy of the floatation unit to raise and lower the movable platform.

The invention relates to an underwater modular structure comprising a plurality of modules, at least one connector that interlocks the plurality of modules and a labyrinth defined by contours of at least the plurality of modules. Each module of the underwater modular structure comprises at least one connector insertion opening that is configured to receive a connector therethrough. Further, the at least one connector is an elongate member arranged through at least one connector insertion opening of each of the plurality of modules thereby interlocking the plurality of modules. The labyrinth of such underwater modular structure may at least in part be defined by outer and/or inner contours of the plurality of modules. The invention also relates to a module of or for an underwater modular structure according to the invention. Finally, the invention relates to a method of constructing an underwater modular structure, the method comprising the steps of sinking a plurality of modules to a seabed, each module comprising at least one connector insertion opening, and interlocking the plurality of modules with at least one connector that is an elongate member, by arranging the at least one connector through at least one connector insertion opening of each of the plurality of modules, to form a labyrinth defined by contours of at least the plurality of modules. Such method may further comprise the step of filling at least part of the underwater modular structure with a filler.

The present invention provides a low-energy coastal beach restoration method, comprising: constructing a convex beach berm, determining an aspect ratio of the beach berm edge, determining a beach face slope, performing sand replenishment, determining the dredging zone and dredging depth, and determining the steps of building a sediment groin. The present invention utilizes the feature of the convergence effect of the wave energy on the headland, artificially constructs a convex headland shaped beach berm, and determines the required beach face range and slope according to the convex beach berm edge. During beach restoration, dredging around the beach face, while reducing mud sources and increasing the nearshore water depth, it also builds a convex nearshore terrain, which effectively increases the wave energy at the restoration site and improves the coast muddy situation of low-energy coasts.

The present invention provides a low-energy coastal beach restoration method, comprising: constructing a convex beach berm, determining an aspect ratio of the beach berm edge, determining a beach face slope, performing sand replenishment, determining the dredging zone and dredging depth, and determining the steps of building a sediment groin. The present invention utilizes the feature of the convergence effect of the wave energy on the headland, artificially constructs a convex headland shaped beach berm, and determines the required beach face range and slope according to the convex beach berm edge. During beach restoration, dredging around the beach face, while reducing mud sources and increasing the nearshore water depth, it also builds a convex nearshore terrain, which effectively increases the wave energy at the restoration site and improves the coast muddy situation of low-energy coasts.

Portable and interchangeable marine tiles, marine pods and tanks are disclosed. The marine tile typically contains a first face, a second face, and one or more sites for supporting one or more marine organisms, such as coral, and. may contain a tracking device. The marine pod typically contains a first panel having a first slit and a second panel having a second slit. The first panel and the second panel can be interlocked via sliding the first slit into the second slit. The marine pod can have one or more marine tiles attached thereto. The marine tank typically contains one or more coral reef organisms. Water can be pumped into and through the marine tank to flow in the form of a river stream. Typically, the flow of the seawater is controlled such that a consistent temperature is maintained in the marine tank.

Compositions for making native-like marine structures are provided. The compositions include materials, typically a limestone and/or ceramic composite, for 3D printing of marine structures. Environmentally-friendly 3D printing and coating methods are also provided. The methods can be used to print structures/objects composed of a 3D printing material such as the compositions described herein, and/or coat formed structures/objects with an adhesive, such as a peptide-based bioorganic adhesive. Compositions and methods for supporting the attachment and growth of marine organisms such as coral to a substrate are also provided. The compositions contain one or more self-assembling peptides suitable for use as bioorganic adhesives. The peptide compositions are suitable for adhesive applications in the marine environment such as supporting coral growth and restoration. Methods of using the peptide-based adhesive compositions are also provided.

Systems and methods are disclosed for coastal resiliency amelioration or other flooding amelioration, comprising adding a layer of foamed glass aggregates to a property to raise its elevation, wherein the surcharge on an underlying soil of the property is not increased. In some embodiments, the surcharge on an underlying soil of the property is decreased (e.g., a negative surcharge). Systems and methods are also disclosed for increasing the stormwater storage capacity of a property, comprising, adding a layer of foamed glass aggregates to the property.

Systems and methods are disclosed for coastal resiliency amelioration or other flooding amelioration, comprising adding a layer of foamed glass aggregates to a property to raise its elevation, wherein the surcharge on an underlying soil of the property is not increased. In some embodiments, the surcharge on an underlying soil of the property is decreased (e.g., a negative surcharge). Systems and methods are also disclosed for increasing the stormwater storage capacity of a property, comprising, adding a layer of foamed glass aggregates to the property.

A drainage device includes a conduit extending from a bottom end toward a top end and a valve coupled to the conduit. The valve includes a first stop having an opening and an obstruction within the conduit. The obstruction, in a first configuration, may be spaced apart from the opening, enabling fluid to flow through the first stop and through the conduit. The obstruction, in a second configuration, may block the opening to prevent fluid flow through the first stop and through the conduit. The obstruction may move from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to (1) fluid pressure acting in a direction from the bottom end toward the top end of the conduit, or (2) when a fluid having a higher density than the obstruction is disposed within the valve.

This invention provides a method and system for abating flooding that uses retention or detention ponds that require less surface area than prior art methods. The invention comprises at least one deep but narrow pond or water storage basin that can be pumped down during non-flood periods to an adjacent or remote water body. In one embodiment, the invention further comprises a levee to forms part or all of the water storage basin. The water levels in the water storage basin are controlled through a series of sensors, gauges, and/or valves either manually or automatically both for flow coming into the water storage basin during peak levels in an adjacent or remote water body and after peak elevations.