Introducing the Mooring and Nursery

Abstract

The invention relates to a wetting and nursery device comprising a concrete dead body (1), characterized in that it has a shape and appearance allowing its rapid colonization by aquatic flora and fauna, and the concrete is exposed aggregate concrete (5) with a rough surface. Figure for the abstract: (Fig. 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Presentation of the Mooring and Nursery

[0001] A bit of history:

[0002] Since boats of all kinds have existed, man has invented all sorts of systems to moor what allowed him to move on the water. There have been piles driven into the open water, drilled rocks, pontoons and of course mooring blocks, designed and made of different materials and in various shapes, leading up to contemporary times with the creation of concrete and therefore, the production of concrete mooring blocks, in cubic or prismatic shape.

[0003] This system is, to date, the most widespread and also one of the most reliable.

[0004] Screw fixings are perfectly effective in sand, but impractical in rocky or stony areas.

[0005] The Mooring and Nursery dead body combines two functions: that of an effective mooring and that of a habitat for a marine ecosystem, thanks to its volumetric design and the surface properties of the rough concrete (exposed aggregate concrete), which allows for the rapid colonization of flora and then fauna. It becomes a place of development and refuge for small fish, thereby attracting larger predators and recolonizing deserted areas. It very quickly transforms into a genuine reef.

[0006] The physical design of this dead body shows that it is - Effective, comparable to traditional dead bodies because it is adaptable to any underwater bottom: sand, mud, pebbles and rock. - Ecological biotope: it provides habitat and colonization support for a diversity of marine life at different stages of their life cycle, as well as species that prefer crevices and fissures. On its scale, it constitutes an artificial reef, which can be replicated in multiple locations at mooring sites, thus facilitating communication between species in different mooring and nursery areas. - Economical because it is easy to make and place in mooring areas without the intervention of divers, the construction requires little additional concrete compared to traditional moorings.

[0007] In place of conventional dead bodies which serve only as moorings for boats or as anchoring systems for buoys, the Mooring and Nursery therefore presents undeniable additional qualities.

[0008] It is a certain and effective ecological actor whose mission is to combat the disappearance of coastal marine life by creating new biotopes.

[0009] The need to increase the number of coastal mooring areas arises from the ever-growing number of pleasure boats whose anchors destroy seagrass beds, cabins, and other essential hazards for marine life. Preserving the seabed becomes an "ecological and moral obligation" for all responsible citizens and local elected officials.

[0010] It would be a shame to deprive ourselves of these Mooring and Nursery, mini reserves quickly colonized by algae and fry at the origin of the appearance of an authentic one.

[0011] From an economic point of view, we achieve a selling price substantially identical to the classic dead bodies which offer only the function of a dead body. - Lifespan: Over 30 years without any maintenance Technical data for the Mooring and Nursery Principle:

[0012] By its design, beyond the function of an authentic dead body used for anchoring boats or for marking, it becomes a true protected reserve for the life and reproduction of living underwater species.

[0013] The stacking of these concrete slabs creates safe, shaded areas conducive to the life and reproduction of living species. These areas are open to all kinds of fish, and also to shellfish farming, becoming a veritable artificial reef. Design:

[0014] The Mooring and Nursery has a rough appearance (exposed aggregate concrete) which facilitates, in record time, the proliferation of grasses, coral, mollusks, shellfish, and algae. It is quickly colonized by fry, leading to the emergence of a genuine biotope that becomes a perfect larder for our protected species.

[0015] Mooring and Nursery and made in two parts in order to facilitate its manufacture (cost) and also handling.

[0016] The first part consists of a base (main weighting element) whose lower part has a concave shape to create a very effective "suction cup" effect on muddy or sandy bottoms. The hub is positioned in the center of the upper surface; its function is to center the stack of slabs and to position the anchor point ready to receive the mooring line.

[0017] The cicada will necessarily be made of mild steel in order to resist possible deformations without causing breakage.

[0018] The second part is composed of circular, square or rectangular shapes in order to meet the arrangement requirements essential for the realization of assemblies.

[0019] These slabs will be pierced with a circular window so that they can be stacked on the central hub of the base; they also include heel pads whose function is to control spaces between the slabs. The space between the slabs will depend on the type of biotope that one wishes to develop.

[0020] In order to suit the needs of each use, the height, number of slabs, their spaces between them as well as their shapes and dimensions will be determined on demand in order to meet all specific cases.

Claims

Claims

1. Mooring device comprising a concrete dead body, characterized in that it has a volumetric design and an appearance allowing its rapid colonization by aquatic flora and fauna, and the concrete of which is a deactivated concrete whose surface has a rough appearance.

2. Mooring device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a pile of slabs organizing spaces of safe shade, conducive to the life and reproduction of species.

3. Mooring device according to claim 2, characterized in that it is made in two parts: - a first part composed of a base, a lower part of which has a concave shape capable of creating a suction cup effect on a muddy or sandy bottom, and an upper part has a hub in its center; in which a mild steel cicada is positioned in said hub in order to receive a mooring line; and - a second part composed of slabs of circular, square or rectangular shape capable of meeting the arrangement requirements essential for the overall construction, said concrete slabs being stacked and centered on said hub.

4. Mooring device according to claim 3, characterized in that said first part forms the main weight element, and has the same shape as the concrete slabs stacked on it.

5. Mooring device according to claim 4, characterized in that: - said concrete slabs are pierced with a circular or square window in order to be stacked on the hub in the center of the base, and - spacers are arranged on said concrete slabs in order to define the spaces between the slabs according to the type of biotope to be developed.

6. Moistening device according to claim 5, characterized in that the height, the number of tiles, the space between the tiles as well as their shapes and dimensions are determined in order to suit the needs of each use.

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