System for planting seagrass seeds into sediment and methods for the control thereof

Abstract

The seagrass seed-planting system includes: a storage and agitation subassembly; a dispenser subassembly; and a pump subsystem. The storage and agitation subassembly: is configured to store a quantity of seagrass seeds in an aqueous environment; includes a set of fluid inlet ports configured to direct water into the aqueous environment to agitate the quantity of seagrass seeds; and defines an outlet aperture. The dispenser subassembly: is fluidically coupled to the outlet aperture; and is configured to dispense the seagrass seed into a sediment layer. The pump subsystem directs a flow of water from the storage and agitation subassembly through the set of fluid inlet ports, through the outlet aperture, and toward the dispenser subassembly.

Description

ULYS-M02-PCTSYSTEM FOR PLANTING SEAGRASS SEEDS INTO SEDIMENT AND METHODS FOR THE CONTROL THEREOFCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 717,733, filed on 07-NOV-2024, which is incorporated in its entirety by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of aquatic ecosystem management and aquaculture and, more specifically, to a new and useful system for planting seagrass into sediment utilizing water as a transport medium in the field.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0003] FIGURE 1 is a schematic representation of one variation of the seagrass seed-planting system.

[0004] FIGURE 2A is a schematic representation of one variation of the storage and agitation subassembly.

[0005] FIGURE 2B is a schematic representation of one variation of the storage and agitation subassembly.

[0006] FIGURE 3 is a flowchart representation of one method for operating the seagrass seed-planting system.

[0007] FIGURE 4 is a schematic representation of one variation of the metering subassembly.

[0008] FIGURE 5 is a schematic representation of one variation of the magazine subassembly.

[0009] FIGURE 6 is a schematic representation of one variation of a seed chamber in the set of seed chambers.

[0010] FIGURE 7 is a schematic representation of one variation of the dispenser subassembly.

[0011] FIGURE 8 is a schematic representation of one variation of the seagrass seed-planting system.ULYS-M02-PCT

[0012] FIGURE 9 is a schematic representation of one variation of the drum subassembly.

[0013] FIGURE 10 is a schematic representation of one variation of the drum subassembly.DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The following description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments but rather to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use this invention. Variants, configurations, embodiments, implementations, example implementations, and examples described herein are optional and are not exclusive to the variants, configurations, embodiments, implementations, example implementations, and examples they describe. The invention described herein can include any and all permutations of these variants, configurations, embodiments, implementations, example implementations, and examples.

[0015] Generally, the term “can,” as utilized herein, indicates an action or attribute of the system, which may or may not be executed by or be applicable to the system depending on the implementation or embodiment of the system.

[0016] Generally, the term “include,” as utilized herein, can mean “comprise,” “consist of,” or “consist essentially of’ and is not restricted to any one of the above interpretations throughout.

[0017] Generally, the term “a set of,” as utilized herein, refers to one or more of the subject objects. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., as utilized herein, do not imply an order but simply identify multiple instances of a step or component unless an order or series is otherwise implied.

[0018] Generally, the term “representative,” as utilized herein, indicates a central tendency statistic such as a mean or median of a particular data type over a short period of time suitable for use in the calculation of operational parameters.

[0019] Generally, the term “distribution,” as utilized herein, represents any characterization of data that approximates a true distribution of the data and is not intended to imply any degree of accuracyULYS-M02-PCT

[0020] Generally, the terms “planar,” “symmetric,” “coaxial,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” and other terms characterizing the relative position defining characteristics of physical objects, as utilized herein, describe substantial adherence to the aforementioned concepts within mechanical tolerances. For example, if one component is “coaxial” with another, this indicates that the central axes of these components are aligned within a predefined tolerance. However, these components may define slightly different central axes relative to each other (e.g., due to play in an interface between these components, elasticity, and / or thermal expansion).

[0021] Generally, the term “defining,” as utilized herein, describes elements of a subject, is open-ended, and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0022] Generally, the term “seagrass,” as utilized herein, refers to any species of seagrass including, but not limited to, species in the posidonia genus (e.g., posidonia australis), the syringodium genus (e.g., syringodium filiforme), and the zostera genus (e.g., zostera marina). However, the methods and systems described herein can be utilized to plant other marine species capable of growing in loose sediment.

[0023] Generally, the term “body of water,” as utilized herein, refers to any body of water capable of supporting seagrass-based aquatic ecosystems, such as oceans, seas, rivers, or lakes.

[0024] Generally, the term “downstream” as utilized herein, refers to the location of a component of the system relative to the direction of fluid flow. For example, the system can direct a seagrass seed, utilizing water as a transport medium, from the storage and agitation subassembly to the dispenser subassembly. Thus, the dispenser subassembly is arranged downstream of the storage and agitation subassembly.1. Seagrass Seed-Planting System

[0025] As shown in FIGURE 8, a seagrass seed-planting system 100 (hereinafter “the system”) includes: a storage and agitation subassembly 104; a dispenser subassembly 124; and a pump subsystem 122. The storage and agitation subassembly 104: is configured to store a quantity of seagrass seeds 102 in an aqueous environment; includes a set of fluid inlet ports 108 configuredULYS-M02-PCT to direct water into the aqueous environment to agitate the quantity of seagrass seeds 102; and defines an outlet aperture 106. The dispenser subassembly 124: is fluidically coupled to the outlet aperture 106; and is configured to dispense the seagrass seed into a sediment layer. The pump subsystem 122 directs a flow of water from the storage and agitation subassembly 104 through the set of fluid inlet ports 108, through the outlet aperture 106, and toward the dispenser subassembly 124.2. Control Method for the Seagrass Seed-Planting System

[0026] The system 100 can include a control unit configured to execute a method for operating the seagrass seed-planting system 100 (hereinafter “the method”) including: operating the pump subsystem 122 to modulate a flow rate of the flow of water; and actuating the dispenser subassembly 124 to dispense the seagrass seed into the sediment layer via the flow of water.3. Applications

[0027] Generally, the system 100 includes the storage and agitation subassembly 104 and the dispenser subassembly 124. The storage and agitation subassembly 104 prevents seed blockages by agitating the seeds within the storage and agitation subassembly 104 utilizing fluid flow. The system 100 is therefore configured to store a quantity of seagrass seeds 102 in water within the storage and agitation subassembly 104 and does not require additional materials or cartridges for storage and separation of the seagrass seeds 102. The system 100 includes a pump subsystem 122 configured to create a zone of high fluid pressure within the storage and agitation subassembly 104 and a zone of low fluid pressure at the dispenser subassembly 124 such that the fluid pressure gradient directs the seagrass seeds 102 from the storage and agitation subassembly 104 to the dispenser subassembly 124 without additional actuation of the seagrass seeds 102.

[0028] In one application, instances of the system 100 are installed (permanently or transiently) on a set of autonomous underwater vehicles (hereinafter “AUVs”), which can position instances of the system 100 over seabed sediment and can control instances of the system 100 to repeatedly plant seeds over a large area of seabed. Additionally or alternatively, the system 100ULYS-M02-PCT can include an onboard control unit capable of executing the method to plant seagrass seeds 102 into the seabed. In an example of this application, a single AUV can simultaneously operate multiple modular instances of the system, thereby increasing the rate at which seagrass seeds 102 can be deposited in the seabed. Thus, the system 100 can enable mass seagrass seed planting operations for marine ecosystem management, nature-based carbon sequestration, or large-scale aquaculture.

[0029] In another application, the system 100 can be deployed as a standalone device to enable manual seagrass seed planting by divers operating a handheld variation of the system 100. Thus, the system 100 can also enable small-scale seagrass seed planting.

[0030] In one implementation, the system 100 can additionally include a magazine subassembly 138 and metering subassembly 132 configured to cooperate to isolate an individual seagrass seed using water as a transport medium. The metering subassembly 132 is configured to mechanically prevent seed blockages when transitioning the seeds from the storage and agitation subassembly 104 to the magazine subassembly 138. The metering subassembly 132 includes a dislodgement mechanism 134 to prevent multiple seeds from entering a metering mechanism 136 simultaneously, thereby allowing the metering mechanism 136 to meter individual seagrass seeds 102 toward the magazine subassembly 138. Upon isolating the individual seeds within the magazine subassembly 138, the system 100 utilizes the dispenser subassembly 124 to dispense individual seagrass seeds 102 into the sediment. Thus, the system 100 utilizes specific electromechanical means to plant seagrass seeds 102 into sediment at a high rate and without requiring externally sourced transport or storage media, thereby vastly reducing the costs of seagrass seed planting operations.4. Storage and Agitation Subassembly

[0031] Generally, as shown in FIGURES 2A, 2B, and 8, the system 100 includes a storage and agitation subassembly 104 configured to hold a quantity of seeds (e.g., 3000 seeds) for subsequent planting and agitate these seeds to transition them toward downstream subassembliesUEYS-M02-PCT for subsequent isolation and injection into the sediment. More specifically, the storage and agitation subassembly 104: is configured to store a quantity of seagrass seeds 102 in an aqueous environment (e.g., in water pumped into the storage and agitation subassembly 104 through the storage and agitation tank pump from the body of water by the pump subsystem 122); includes a set of fluid inlet ports 108 configured to direct water into the aqueous environment to agitate the quantity of seagrass seeds 102; and defines an outlet aperture 106.

[0032] Additionally, the storage and agitation subassembly 104 prevents seed blockages from forming at an outlet aperture 106 by directing fluid flow to create turbulent zones or vortexes around the outlet aperture 106 as shown in FIGURES 2A and 2B, thereby preventing seeds from accumulating there. More specifically, the storage and agitation subassembly 104 is configured to store a quantity of seagrass seeds 102 in a fluid environment, wherein the storage and agitation subassembly 104 defines an outlet aperture 106 and is configured to transition a set of seagrass seeds 102 from the quantity of seagrass toward the outlet aperture 106. Thus, the storage and agitation subassembly 104 enables the storage of seagrass seeds 102 utilizing a fluid storage medium.

[0033] The storage and agitation subassembly 104 can include a seed inlet to enable the transfer of a quantity of seagrass seeds 102 into an internal volume of the storage and agitation assembly. Upon loading the quantity of seagrass seeds 102 into the storage and agitation assembly, the seed inlet can be closed via a cap or electromechanical gate.

[0034] The storage and agitation subassembly 104 can define an internal volume based on the intended application of the system 100 and, more specifically, based on the number of seeds to be deployed by the system 100 prior to refilling. In one example, the storage and agitation subassembly 104 can define an internal volume sufficient to contain 3000 seagrass seeds 102.

[0035] In one implementation, the storage and agitation subassembly 104 can include a set of fluid inlets to cause a fluid flow out of the outlet aperture 106 and transition seeds downstream from the storage and agitation subassembly 104 toward other components of the system 100.ULYS-M02-PCTGenerally, the set of fluid inlets is fed by a set of pumps in the pump subsystem 122 further described below. In one implementation, the system 100 supplies the storage and agitation subassembly 104 with water sourced from the body of water in which the system 100 is located by pumping ambient water into the storage and agitation subassembly 104 via the pump subsystem 122.

[0036] The storage and agitation subassembly 104 can include an agitation mechanism to prevent seed blockages from occurring at the outlet aperture 106 of the storage and agitation assembly. The storage and agitation subassembly 104 can include a turbulating funnel 110 or a vortex chamber 114 to prevent blockages from forming at the outlet aperture 106. Each of these variations are further described below. The storage and agitation subassembly 104 can be implemented according to any of the mechanisms described above, or according to any active mechanisms effective in storing a quantity of seagrass seeds and / or directing a fluid flow into a seed storage tank to agitate the quantity of seeds.4.1. Drum Subassembly

[0037] In one implementation, as shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, the system 100 includes a drum subassembly 158 configured to receive a quantity of seagrass seeds from the outlet aperture of the storage and agitation subassembly 104. Generally, the drum subassembly 158 includes: a rotary drum 160 defining a set of seed perforations 162; a mandrel 164; a drum actuator 166; a drum pump inlet 168; and a drum pump outlet 170. The drum subassembly 158 receives a quantity of seagrass seeds from the outlet aperture of the storage and agitation subassembly 104, and negative fluid pressure imposed by the pump (e.g., fluidically connected to the drum pump inlet 168 and the drum pump outlet 170) directs the quantity of seagrass seeds from the outlet aperture toward the rotary drum 160. The rotary drum 160 includes a set of seed perforations 162 through which water is pulled into the hollow body of the drum 160 (e.g., via the pump) thereby causing negative fluid pressure that suctions one or more seagrass seeds to each seed perforation 162 of the set of seed perforations 162.ULYS-M02-PCT

[0038] In one implementation, the drum actuator 166 rotates the rotary drum 160 about a rotary axis, and the drum subassembly 158 further includes a stationary mandrel 164 arranged within the hollow body of the rotary drum 160. As the drum actuator 166 rotates a seed perforation 162 of the set of seed perforations 162 past the mandrel 164, the mandrel 164 blocks fluidic suction to the seed perforation 162, thereby causing the seed to dislodge from the seed perforation 162 and travel into an outlet area where the seed is fluidically directed (e.g., by a flow of water directed by the pump) through the drum seed outlet and into a metering queue and / or seed transport line 154. Thus, the drum subassembly 158 enables transportation of seagrass seeds from the storage and agitation subassembly 104 and toward a dispenser subassembly 124 and additionally prevents clogging or blockage of system components downstream of the storage and agitation subassembly 104 by limiting a number of seeds entering the metering queue and / or seed transport line 154 via the seed perforations 162.

[0039] The drum subassembly 158 can be implemented according to any of the mechanisms described above, or according to any active mechanisms effective in a seagrass seed from the outlet aperture and / or preventing blockage of downstream components by clumps of seagrass seeds.4.2. Turbulating Variation

[0040] As shown in FIGURE 2A, in a turbulating variation, the storage and agitation subassembly 104 includes an agitation chamber and a turbulating funnel 110 leading to the outlet aperture 106. More specifically, the storage and agitation chamber can include: an agitation chamber configured to store the quantity of seagrass seeds 102 in the fluid environment and including a set of fluid inlet ports 108 configured to agitate the quantity of seagrass seeds 102 via inlet fluid flow into the agitation chamber from the set of fluid inlet ports 108; and a turbulating funnel 110. The turbulating funnel 110: defines a tapering cross-section from the agitation chamber toward the outlet aperture 106; fluidically couples the agitation chamber withULYS-M02-PCT the outlet aperture 106; and includes a turbulating inlet 112 configured to dislodge seed blockages within the turbulating funnel 110.

[0041] In particular, the fluid inlet ports 108 within the agitation chamber are configured to direct water to move seagrass seeds 102 toward the turbulating funnel 110. Additionally, the turbulating funnel 110 can intermittently inject water via the turbulating inlet 112 to cause a turbulent zone upstream of the outlet aperture 106, thereby dislodging any seed blockages in the area. Thus, the turbulating variation of the storage and agitation subassembly 104 can effectively utilize a turbulent zone within the turbulating funnel 110 to smoothly transition seeds from storage toward the magazine assembly.

[0042] In one implementation, the agitation chamber can define an enclosed trough-shaped internal volume with the set of fluid inlet ports 108 arranged along the bottom of the trough of the trough-shaped internal volume. In this implementation, the set of fluid inlet ports 108 fluidize the seagrass seeds 102 within the agitation chamber, facilitating transportation of the seeds into the turbulating funnel 110. In one example of this implementation, the set of fluid inlet ports 108 is angled in the direction of the turbulating funnel 110 to further facilitate transportation of seeds toward the turbulating funnel 110 when fluid is flowing through the set of fluid inlet ports 108. Thus, the set of fluid inlet ports 108 function to fluidize seeds within the storage and agitation subassembly 104 and generate downstream flow through the system 100. However, in other implementations, the seed storage and agitation subassembly 104 can define other internal volume shapes or fluid inlet port arrangements.

[0043] In one implementation, the turbulating funnel 110 can include a turbulating inlet 112 facing upstream and arranged within the turbulating funnel 110. The turbulating inlet 112 can create a turbulent zone upstream of the outlet aperture 106 due to the upstream orientation of the turbulating inlet 112. In one implementation, the system 100 can alternate fluid flow through the set of fluid inlet ports 108 and the turbulating port, such that when fluid is flowing through the turbulating point there is no fluid flowing downstream from the agitation chamber, therebyULYS-M02-PCT creating a stronger turbulent zone to dislodge seed blockages. In another implementation, the system 100 can detect that no seeds are traversing the outlet aperture 106 when the admission gate 120 is in an open configuration and reactively divert fluid flow to the turbulating inlet 112 to dislodge a potential seed blockage near the outlet aperture 106. Thus, the turbulating variation effectively utilizes a strong turbulent zone directly upstream from the outlet aperture 106 to periodically or reactively dislodge seed blockages.

[0044] The turbulating funnel 110 and turbulating inlet 112 can be implemented according to any of the mechanisms described above, or according to any active mechanisms effective in agitating a quantity of seagrass seeds to prevent and dislodge seed blockages at an outlet aperture utilizing turbulent fluid flow.4.3. Vortex Variation

[0045] As shown in FIGURE 2B, in the vortex variation, the storage and agitation subassembly 104 generates a vortex upstream from the outlet aperture 106 to prevent seed blockages from forming and to orient seeds along their direction of travel in their approach to the outlet aperture 106. More specifically, the storage and agitation subassembly 104 can include a bulk storage chamber configured to store the quantity of seagrass seeds 102; a vortex chamber 114 defining a vortex geometry and fluidically coupling the bulk storage chamber to the outlet aperture 106; and a vortex inlet 116 configured to generate a fluid vortex within the vortex chamber 114. Thus, in this implementation, the system 100 can generate a vortex within the vortex chamber 114 that simultaneously pulls seeds from the bulk storage chamber toward the outlet aperture 106 and prevents the formation of seed blockages around the outlet aperture 106.

[0046] The bulk storage chamber defines an internal volume containing water and seagrass seeds 102. In one implementation, the bulk storage chamber includes an opening and closing mechanism that opens in response to the presence of a complementarily-shaped interface to enable seeds to flow into the bulk storage chamber from any seed dispensing system 100. In another implementation, the bulk storage chamber can house a conveyor mechanism configuredULYS-M02-PCT to convey seagrass seeds 102 from the bulk storage chamber to the vortex chamber 114. In one example of this implementation, the conveyor mechanism is a helical conveyor mechanism configured to convey the quantity of seagrass seeds 102 from the bulk storage chamber to the vortex chamber 114.

[0047] The vortex chamber 114 defines an approximately conical internal volume with a vortex inlet 116 fluidically connected to the water pump and configured to inject water into the vortex chamber 114 roughly parallel to the surface of the vortex chamber 114 at the position of the water inlet point, thereby enabling the creation and sustenance of a water vortex within the vortex chamber 114. In this implementation, the vortex chamber 114 is arranged to: receive seagrass seeds 102 at the larger radius end of the conical internal volume; transport seeds from the larger radius end of the conical internal volume to the smaller radius end of the conical internal volume; and eject the seagrass seeds 102 at the smaller radius end of the conical internal volume. In this implementation, the outlet aperture 106 is arranged at the smaller radius end of the conical internal volume. Thus, the vortex chamber 114 causes the seagrass seeds 102 to move in a spiral pattern within the chamber and, as the initial kinetic energy of the seeds is lost, the seagrass seeds 102 steadily travel to the lower radius end of the conical internal volume, thereby conveying seeds through the outlet aperture 106.

[0048] In one implementation, the vortex chamber 114 can define a vortex geometry characterized by a rotated vortex profile configured to sustain a vortex within the vortex chamber 114 when fluid is injected into the vortex chamber 114 via the vortex inlet 116. The vortex profile can be a parabolic curve, a spline curve, an elliptical curve, or any other curve sufficient to sustain a vortex within the vortex chamber 114.

[0049] The vortex chamber 114 can include a vortex inlet 116 configured to inject fluid into the vortex chamber 114 approximately parallel to a surface of the vortex inlet 116 and angled toward the outlet aperture 106. In one implementation, the vortex inlet 116 is arranged on the interior surface of the vortex geometry. Alternatively, the vortex inlet 116 is arranged on a flange about aULYS-M02-PCT passage between the bulk storage chamber and the vortex chamber 114. Thus, the vortex inlet 116 is positioned such that when fluid flows through the vortex inlet 116 into the vortex chamber 114 a vortex is generated within the chamber causing seeds to flow toward the outlet aperture 106.

[0050] The bulk storage chamber defines an internal volume capable of containing a quantity of seagrass seeds 102 appropriate for the application of the system 100 (e.g., 3000 seagrass seeds 102). The bulk storage chamber can define a passage between the bulk storage chamber and the vortex chamber 114. In this implementation, the vortex chamber 114 can draw seeds into the vortex chamber 114 via the passage. The passage between the bulk storage chamber and the vortex chamber 114 can define a constant diameter circular profile sufficient to prevent seed blockages from forming within the passage.

[0051] In another implementation, the bulk storage chamber can define a set of fluid inlets similar to the set of fluid inlets of the agitation chamber described above. In this implementation, the set of fluid inlet ports 108 can further support seed movement through the passage toward the vortex chamber 114.

[0052] The vortex chamber 114 and vortex inlet 116 can be implemented according to any of the mechanisms described above, or according to any active mechanisms effective in agitating a quantity of seagrass seeds to prevent and dislodge seed blockages at an outlet aperture utilizing vortex-like fluid flow.5. Admission Subassembly

[0053] In one implementation, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, the system 100 can include an admission subassembly 118 configured to admit sets of seeds from the storage and agitation subassembly 104 into a metering queue upstream of the dispenser subassembly 124. More specifically, the admission subassembly 118 is fluidically coupled to the outlet aperture 106 downstream from the outlet aperture 106 can include an admission gate 120: arranged across the outlet aperture 106; configured to admit the set of seagrass seeds 102 in an open configuration;ULYS-M02-PCT and configured to occlude the outlet aperture 106 in a closed configuration. In one implementation, the admission subassembly 118 can additionally include an admission sensor arranged downstream from the admission gate 120 and configured to detect the set of seagrass seeds 102 traversing the admission gate 120. Thus, the admission subassembly 118 serves as a first of two stages for isolating individual seagrass seeds 102 for injection into the sediment, thereby reducing the chance of seed blockages by admitting multiple seeds into a metering queue from which the dispenser subassembly 124 dispenses the seagrass seeds 102 into the sediment.

[0054] In one implementation, the admission gate 120 is an electromechanically actuated gate configured to actuate between the open configuration and the closed configuration in response to control signals issued by the control unit. In this implementation, the system 100 can actuate the admission gate 120 in coordination with activating fluid flow through the set of fluid inlet ports 108 in the storage and agitation subassembly 104, thereby admitting seeds toward the dispenser subassembly 124 and generating downstream flow through the system 100.

[0055] In another implementation, the admission gate 120 is configured to admit fluid flow while in the closed configuration, thereby enabling fluid inlet to the storage and agitation subassembly 104 to generate downstream flow through the system 100 while preventing seeds from passing into the metering queue. Thus, the system 100 can generate downstream flow to move seeds from the admission subassembly 118 toward the dispenser subassembly 124.

[0056] In one implementation, the admission subassembly 118 includes an admission sensor configured to detect seeds passing through the admission gate 120. In this implementation, the system 100 can track the number of seeds in a metering queue and prevent the number of seeds in the metering queue from exceeding a metering queue limit, (e.g., based on the distance between the admission gate 120 and the dispenser subassembly 124 or between the admission gate 120 and the metering subassembly 132). In this implementation, the system 100 can actuate the admission gate 120 into the open configuration in response to the metering queue lengthULYS-M02-PCT falling below a threshold number (e.g., two seeds). Thus, the system 100 can utilize the admission sensor to maintain the metering queue length within an acceptable range.

[0057] Generally, the admission subassembly 118 is fluidically connected to dispenser subassembly 124 (or to the the metering subassembly 132 in implementations including the metering subassembly 132) via flexible tubing or piping characterized by a diameter between 1.5 and 2.5 times the average diameter of the seagrass seeds 102 for which the system 100 is configured, thereby enabling the passage of seeds between the admission subassembly 118 and the dispenser subassembly 124 (or the metering subassembly 132), while also maintaining the seeds in a lengthwise orientation, reducing the likelihood of seed blockages. Likewise, the outlet aperture 106 can be characterized by a similar diameter between 1.5 and 2.5 times the average diameter of the seagrass seeds 102. Thus, the system 100 can transfer seeds from the admission subassembly 118 via downstream flow through the flexible tubing or piping and can maintain the metering queue within the flexible tubing or piping.

[0058] The admission subassembly 118 can be implemented according to any of the mechanisms described above, or according to any active mechanisms effective in admitting seagrass seeds through an aperture and / or occluding passage of seagrass seeds through the aperture.6. Dispenser Subassembly

[0059] Generally, as shown in FIGURES 7 and 8, the system 100 includes a dispenser subassembly 124 fluidically coupled to the outlet aperture 106 of the storage and agitation subassembly 104 or the admission gate 120 of the admission subassembly 118. The dispenser subassembly 124 is configured to dispense seagrass seeds 102 into the sediment layer. In one implementation, the dispenser subassembly 124 is configured to dispense one or more seeds to a planting depth through some intervening volume of water, thereby ensuring that the seagrass seed is in a beneficial position to begin growing. More specifically, the dispenser subassembly 124 includes: an extensible outer tube 126 configured to receive one or more seagrass seeds 102ULYS-M02-PCT of the quantity of seagrass seeds 102; and an extensible inner plunger 128 configured to drive the one or more seagrass seed through the length of the extensible outer tube 126. In one implementation, the outer tube 126 and the inner plunger 128 are driven by independent linear actuators 130 configured to extend the inner plunger 128 through the outer tube 126 to push the seagrass seed into the sediment layer below.

[0060] Generally, the outer tube 126 fluidically couples to the outlet aperture 106 of the storage and agitation subassembly 104. In one implementation, the outer tube 126 can include an outer tube inlet 156 configured to connect directly to the outlet aperture 106 of the storage and agitation subassembly 104. Alternatively, the outer tube inlet 156 can also be fluidically coupled to one end of a seed transport line 154 while the opposite end of the seed transport line 154 fluidically connects to the outlet aperture 106 of the storage and agitation subassembly 104 or the admission subassembly 118, thereby enabling seagrass seeds 102 to flow from the storage and agitation subassembly 104, through the seed transport line 154, and into the outer tube 126. In one implementation, retraction of the inner plunger 128 within the outer tube 126 causes a negative fluid pressure within the outer tube 126 that can pull a seagrass seed from the storage and agitation subassembly 104 into the outer tube 126. Additionally, extension of the inner plunger 128 within the outer tube 126 can generate a positive fluid pressure within the outer tube 126 that directs the seagrass seed through the outer tube 126 and into the sediment layer.

[0061] In one implementation, the outer tube 126 can be constructed from a high-strength, abrasion, and corrosion-resistant material to withstand repeated insertions into the sediment layer and exposure to the body of water. In this implementation, the inner plunger 128 can include a gasket to form a seal between the outer tube 126 and the inner plunger 128, thereby improving the effectiveness of the inner plunger 128. In one implementation, the system 100 can dispense seagrass seeds 102 into the sediment layer by: extending the outer tube 126 into the sediment layer to create an enclosed passage for the seagrass seed to travel through into the sediment layer; and extending (e.g., actuating the inner plunger 128 through the outer tube 126)ULYS-M02-PCT the inner plunger 128 to push the seagrass seed through the enclosed passage and into the sediment layer. The system 100 can then retract both the outer tube 126 and the inner plunger 128 back to draw the next seagrass seed into the outer tube 126. The system 100 can then repeat this process to dispense additional seeds into the sediment layer.

[0062] In one implementation, the dispenser subassembly 124 can include an outer tube 126 and an inner plunger 128 with corresponding lead screw mechanisms effective to translate the outer tube 126 and the inner plunger 128 along linear guides. In this implementation, the dispenser subassembly 124 can include independent electric motors driving the lead screw mechanism of the outer tube 126 and the inner plunger 128. Alternatively, the dispenser subassembly 124 can include corresponding rotary linkages configured to extend and retract the outer tube 126 and the inner plunger 128. Thus, the dispenser subassembly 124 can include any linear actuator 130 or combination of linear actuators 130 to drive the outer tube 126 and inner plunger 128 according to the procedure described above.

[0063] In another implementation, the dispenser subassembly 124 is configured to simultaneously draw the inner plunger 128 upwards (i.e., away from the sediment layer) while extending the outer tube 126 to utilize suction forces to maintain the position of the seed within the seed chamber 140 in the injection chamber position during extension of the outer tube 126. Thus, the dispenser subassembly 124 can coordinate the extension of the outer tube 126 to prevent premature ejection of the seed from the seed chamber 140.

[0064] The dispenser subassembly 124 can be implemented according to any of the mechanisms described above, or according to any active mechanisms effective in dispensing one or more seagrass seeds into a layer of sediment on the floor of a body of water.7. Pump Subsystem

[0065] Generally, the system 100 includes a pump subsystem 122 configured to drive fluid through the various fluid inlets within the system 100 to generate downstream fluid flow from the storage and agitation subassembly 104 through the set of fluid inlet ports 108, through theULYS-M02-PCT outlet aperture 106, and toward the dispenser subassembly 124. In the metering and magazine variation of the system, the pump subsystem 122 can generate downstream fluid flow from the storage and agitation subassembly 104 through the admission subassembly 118 through the metering subassembly 132 and out of the seed chamber 140 in the inlet chamber position. Thus, the pump subsystem 122 ensures continuous movement of seeds from the storage and agitation subassembly 104 and through the dispenser subassembly 124.

[0066] Generally, the seagrass seed-planting system 100 is deployed within a body of water, and the pump subsystem 122 directs the flow of water from the body of water into the storage and agitation subassembly 104. Additionally or alternatively, the pump subsystem 122 can direct a flow of water from a water storage tank of the system 100 that is filled with water prior to deployment of the system 100 within a body of water. The flow of water generated by the pump subsystem 122 flows through the system 100 and exits through the dispenser subassembly 124.

[0067] Generally, the pump subsystem 122 is configured to create a zone of high fluid pressure within the storage and agitation subassembly 104 and a zone of low fluid pressure at the dispenser subassembly 124 such that the fluid pressure gradient directs the seagrass seeds 102 from the storage and agitation subassembly 104 to the dispenser subassembly 124 without additional actuation of the seagrass seeds 102. For example, the pump assembly 122 can pump water into the storage and agitation subassembly 104 to generate positive fluid pressure within the storage and agitation subassembly and / or pump water out of the dispenser subassembly 124 to generate negative fluid pressure within the dispenser subassembly 124. Therefore, the pump subsystem 122 is configured to utilize water as a transport medium to direct seagrass seeds through the system 100 from an area of high fluid pressure (e.g., within the storage and agitation subassembly) to an area of low fluid pressure (e.g., at the outer tube 126 of the dispenser subassembly 124).

[0068] The pump subsystem 122 includes a set of pumps configured to drive water from the body of water surrounding the system 100 through various fluid inlets. In the turbulatingULYS-M02-PCT variation, the pump subsystem 122 includes an inlet pump configured to drive water through the set of fluid inlet ports 108 and a turbulating pump configured to drive water through the turbulating inlet 112. In the vortex variation, the pump subsystem 122 can include an inlet pump configured to drive water through the set of fluid inlet ports 108 and a vortex pump configured to drive water through the vortex inlet 116. In another implementation, the pump subsystem 122 includes a single pump and an electromechanical diverter valve to control flow between the set of fluid inlet ports 108 and the vortex and / or turbulating inlets 112. Thus, the pump subsystem 122 can control flow through the various inlet ports via multiple pumps and / or via a diverter.8. Metering and Magazine Variation

[0069] In a metering and magazine variation, as shown in FIGURE 3, the system 100 includes the storage and agitation subassembly, admission subassembly, dispenser subassembly, and pump subsystem as described above and additionally includes a metering subassembly 132 and a magazine subassembly 138. The metering subassembly 132 and a magazine subassembly 138 are configured to: prevent clogging of the quantity of the seagrass seeds 102 within the system; and enable dispensing of a single seagrass seed at a time. In one implementation, the metering and magazine variation of the system 100 can be utilized to plant species of seagrass seeds that are prone to clumping or require seeds to be planted one at a time.

[0070] Generally, the metering subassembly 132 is fluidically connected to and arranged downstream of the storage and agitation subassembly 104 outlet aperture 106 and the admission gate 120 of the admission subassembly 118. The magazine subassembly 138 is arranged downstream from the metering subassembly 132 and includes a set of seed chambers 140 configured to each receive a seagrass seed from the metering subassembly 132.8.1. Metering Subassembly

[0071] As shown in FIGURE 4, the metering and magazine variation of the system 100 can include a metering subassembly 132 configured to meter individual seeds from the metering queue toward the magazine subassembly 138, thereby enabling the dispenser subassembly 124ULYS-M02-PCT to dispense these seeds into the sediment. More specifically, the metering subassembly 132 is arranged downstream from the admission subassembly 118 and includes a dislodgement mechanism 134 and a metering mechanism 136 configured to recurrently pass a seagrass seed in the set of seagrass seeds 102 downstream from the metering subassembly 132. The metering subassembly 132 can thus utilize the dislodgement mechanism 134 to prevent seed blockages from occurring among seeds in the metering queue, thereby enabling the metering mechanism 136 to recurrently admit individual seeds toward the magazine subassembly 138.

[0072] In one implementation, the metering subassembly 132 can include a metering sensor configured to detect seeds traversing the metering mechanism 136. The metering sensor can include a laser light gate or any other optical sensor capable of detecting the passage of seeds within a fluid medium. In this implementation, the system 100 can utilize the metering sensor and the admission sensor to detect seeds leaving and entering the metering queue, thereby enabling the system 100 to determine the timing of seed admission toward the metering subassembly 132.

[0073] In one implementation, the dislodgement mechanism 134 includes a radially extending paddle configured to recurrently rotate upstream to dislodge lodged seagrass seeds 102 upstream from the metering mechanism 136. In this implementation, the dislodgement mechanism 134 can be arranged such that the paddle extends up to halfway across a seed passage within the metering subassembly 132. However, the dislodgement mechanism 134 can define any other mechanical form sufficient to dislodge seeds upstream from the metering mechanism 136. Thus, when multiple seeds simultaneously pass the dislodgement mechanism 134, the system 100 can actuate the dislodgement mechanism 134 to physically push seeds upstream from the metering mechanism 136 while allowing enough space within the seed passage for a single seed to pass.

[0074] The system 100 can periodically actuate the dislodgement mechanism 134 to proactively prevent seed blockages upstream from the metering mechanism 136. Alternatively, the systemULYS-M02-PCT100 can actuate the dislodgement mechanism 134 in response to detecting that seeds are not leaving the metering queue (based on signals from the metering sensor).

[0075] In another implementation, the metering mechanism 136 can include a pair of counter-rotating rollers configured to pass the seagrass seed between the pair of counter-rotating rollers toward the magazine subassembly 138. The pair of counter-rotating rollers are arranged on opposite sides of the seed passage and both rotate downstream in opposite rotational directions (clockwise and counter-clockwise). The pair of counter-rotating rollers can define an intervening space less than the average diameter of the seagrass seeds 102 such that seeds that come into contact with the pair of counter-rotating rollers are pulled through the intervening space. Additionally, the pair of counter-rotating rollers can include a high-friction and / or compressible surface to prevent the pair of counter-rotating rollers from crushing the seeds, improve the grip of the pair of counter-rotating rollers, and more effectively meter seeds through the metering mechanism 136. Thus, due to the spacing between the pair of counter-rotating rollers, the system 100 can prevent multiple seeds from simultaneously being released from the metering queue downstream toward the magazine subassembly 138.

[0076] The metering subassembly 132 can be implemented according to any of the mechanisms described above, or according to any active mechanisms effective in recurrently passing a seagrass seed toward downstream components and / or preventing blockages by clumping of multiple seagrass seeds.8.2. Magazine Subassembly

[0077] As shown in FIGURE 5, the metering and magazine variation of the system 100 can include a magazine subassembly 138 configured to receive individual seagrass seeds 102 from the metering subassembly 132 and position these seagrass seeds 102 such that they can be injected into the sediment by the dispenser subassembly 124. More specifically, the magazine subassembly 138 includes a set of seed chambers 140, each seed chamber 140 defining an interior volume configured to contain the seagrass seed. The magazine subassembly 138: definesULYS-M02-PCT an inlet chamber position, wherein a seed chamber 140 in the inlet chamber position is fluidically coupled to the metering subassembly 132 and configured to receive seagrass seeds 102 passed through the metering mechanism 136; defines an injection chamber position; and is configured to recurrently transition the set of seed chambers 140 from the inlet chamber position to the injection chamber position and from the injection chamber position to the inlet chamber position. Thus, the magazine subassembly 138 isolates seagrass seeds 102 with a seed chamber 140 and recurrently moves these seed chambers 140 into an injection position.

[0078] In one implementation, the magazine subassembly 138 defines a revolving form, wherein seed chambers 140 are rotated from the inlet chamber position to the injection position. More specifically, the magazine subassembly 138 includes a set of seed chambers 140 arranged about an axis of rotation 148 and is configured to rotate the set of seed chambers 140 about the axis of rotation 148 to recurrently transition the set of seed chambers 140 from the inlet chamber position to the injection chamber position and from the injection chamber position to the inlet chamber position. In this implementation, the magazine subassembly 138 can include an electromechanical rotational actuator or electric motor to recurrently rotate the seed chambers 140 about the axis of rotation 148. Thus, in this implementation, the magazine subassembly 138 can transition seed chambers 140 via rotation of a rigid structure including the seed chambers 140.

[0079] In another implementation, the magazine subassembly 138 includes a set of seed chambers 140 attached to a conveyor mechanism configured to transition seed chambers 140 from the inlet chamber position to the injection chamber position. In one example of this implementation, the conveyor mechanism can include a circuitous track to which the set of seed chambers 140 are attached. The system 100 can utilize an electromechanical actuator to slide the seed chambers 140 around the circuitous track, thereby transitioning the seed chambers 140 from the inlet seed chamber 140 position to the injection seed chamber 140 position and back to the inlet seed chamber 140 position.ULYS-M02-PCT

[0080] In yet another implementation, the system 100 can actuate the magazine subassembly 138 in response to detecting a seed passing the metering sensor to position an empty seed chamber 140 in the inlet chamber position, thereby ensuring each seed chamber 140 contains a single seed prior to being positioned in the injection chamber position.

[0081] As shown in FIGURE 6, each seed chamber 140 in the set of seed chambers 140 can include a set of radially arranged bristles 146 configured to hold a seagrass seed in the center of the seed chamber 140 and prevent the seagrass seed from leaving the seed chamber 140 prior to injection via the dispenser subassembly 124. More specifically, each seed chamber 140 in the set of seed chambers 140 can include a set of bristles 146: extending radially into the interior volume of the seed chamber; and characterized by a bristle length profile defining a conical region 150 within the interior volume configured to receive and centrally position a seed within the seed chamber 140. The larger diameter side of the conical region 150 faces the inlet of the seed chamber 140 (e.g., the proximal end of the seed chamber), thereby enabling the seed to enter into the seed chamber 140 with less resistance before coming into contact with the longer bristles 146 in the set of bristles 146 at the distal end of the seed chamber 140. The set of bristles 146 are characterized by a stiffness that is sufficient to position a seagrass seed within the seed chamber, but will yield when the outer tube 126 of the dispenser subassembly 124 passes through the seed chamber 140 during injection. Additionally, the set of bristles 146 can be arranged in multiple circular rows distributed over the length of the seed chamber 140. Thus, the set of bristles 146 holds the seed in a central position within the seed chamber 140 until injection occurs without substantially hindering the movement of the outer tube 126 of the dispenser subassembly 124 as the outer tube 126 moves through the seed chamber 140. Additionally, the set of bristles 146 enables downstream fluid flow through the seed chamber 140 in the inlet seed chamber 140 position without allowing the seed to pass out of the chamber with the downstream fluid flow.ULYS-M02-PCT

[0082] In one implementation, the set of bristles 146 is characterized by increasing bristle stiffness toward a distal end of the seed chamber 140. In this implementation, the set of bristles 146 are initially more flexible toward the proximal end of the seed chamber 140 facilitating entry of the seed into the seed chamber 140. The set of bristles 146 is characterized by increased stiffness toward a distal end of the seed chamber 140 to prevent seeds from exiting the seed chamber 140 due to the downstream fluid flow through the seed chamber 140. Thus, the set of bristles 146 enables the system 100 to effectively transport seeds into the seed chamber 140 in the inlet chamber position via downstream fluid flow without allowing the seeds to pass through the seed chamber 140 along with the downstream fluid flow.

[0083] In another implementation, the set of bristles 146 is angled toward a distal end of the seed chamber 140 to further facilitate entry of the seed into the seed chamber 140. In one example of this implementation, the set of bristles 146 defines an initial angle towards the distal end of the seed chamber 140 at the proximal end of the seed chamber 140 with this angle decreasing toward the distal end of the seed chamber 140. Thus, in this example, the set of bristles 146 more easily receives seeds from the proximal end of the seed chamber, as less bristle deflection is required for seeds to enter the seed chamber 140 when the bristles 146 are angled toward the distal end of the seed chamber 140. However, as the angle decreases toward the distal end of the chamber the resistance to forward progress of the seed through the seed chamber 140 increases.

[0084] In yet another implementation, the magazine subassembly 138 includes a cross-slit valve manufactured from silicone, rubber, and / or another flexible material, arranged at the distal end of the seed chamber 140 to prevent the seed from exiting the distal end of the seed chamber 140 until the outer tube 126 of the dispenser subassembly 124 opens the cross-slit valve when passing through the seed chamber 140. In one example of this implementation, the magazine subassembly 138 includes static cross-slit valves at a distal end of the inlet chamber position and at a distal end of the injection chamber position. In this example, the magazine subassembly 138ULYS-M02-PCT can move seed chambers 140 in the set of seed chambers 140 into position behind the cross-slit valves in the inlet chamber position and the injection chamber position. In this implementation, the magazine subassembly 138 defines enclosing panels between the inlet chamber position and the injection chamber position that prevent the seed from exiting on either the distal end or the proximal end of the seed chamber 140. Thus, the magazine subassembly 138 can include additional means to prevent unintended ejection of the seed from the seed chamber 140.

[0085] In yet another implementation, the magazine subassembly 138 includes a grate or mesh over the distal end of the inlet chamber position to allow fluid flow out of the seed chamber 140 while blocking the passage of seeds through the distal end of the seed chamber 140. Thus, in this implementation, the magazine assembly prevents unintentional ejection via a static physical impediment across the distal end of the inlet chamber position.

[0086] In yet another implementation, the magazine subassembly 138 includes an electromechanical panel over the distal end of the injection chamber. In this implementation, the system 100 can actuate the electromechanical panel to enable the outer tube 126 and the inner plunger 128 to pass through the seed chamber 140 in the injection chamber position. Thus, in this implementation, the system 100 can physically block and unblock the distal end of the injection chamber position to prevent unintentional ejection of the seed from the seed chamber 140 prior to injection by the dispenser subassembly 124.

[0087] The magazine subassembly 138 can be implemented according to any of the mechanisms described above, or according to any active mechanisms effective in passing a single seagrass seed at a time toward a downstream dispenser subassembly.8.3. Seed Dispensing

[0088] Generally, the dispenser subassembly 124 of the metering and magazine variation of the system 100 is configured to dispense the seagrass seed in a seed chamber 140 of the magazine subassembly 138 into the sediment layer of the body of water. More specifically, the extendable outer tube 126 is configured to pass through an injection seed chamber 140 in the injectionULYS-M02-PCT chamber position around the seagrass seed within the injection seed chamber; and the extensible inner plunger 128 is configured to drive the seagrass seed within the injection seed chamber 140 through the length of the extensible outer tube 126. Thus, in this implementation, the system 100 can dispense seagrass seeds 102 into the sediment layer by: extending the outer tube 126 through the seed chamber 140 in the injection chamber position and into the sediment layer to create an enclosed passage for the seagrass seed to travel through into the sediment layer; and extending the inner plunger 128 to dislodge the seagrass seed from the seed chamber 140 and push the seagrass seed through the enclosed passage and into the sediment layer. The system 100 can then retract both the outer tube 126 and the inner plunger 128 back through the proximal end of the seed chamber 140 to enable the seed chamber 140 to translate back toward the inlet chamber position and be replaced by a new seed chamber 140 in the injection chamber position. The system 100 can then repeat this process to dispense additional seeds into the sediment layer.9. Control Unit

[0089] Generally, the system 100 includes a control unit configured to actuate various components of the system 100 to recurrently execute a method to plant seagrass seeds into a sediment layer. In one implementation, each instance of the system 100 includes an onboard control unit such as a microprocessor or computer system 100 configured to execute the injection method. In another implementation, the system 100 is electrically coupled to a control unit of an AUV on which the system 100 is installed. In yet another implementation, the system 100 includes a transmitter and is operated in part by a remote computer system 100 acting as the control unit for the system 100. Additionally, the system 100 can include any combination of the above control unit implementations. Thus, the control unit can generate electrical signals to actuate various electromechanical components of the system 100 to recurrently execute the method.

[0090] Generally, the control unit is configured to: operate the pump subsystem 122 to modulate a flow rate of the flow of water; and actuate the dispenser subassembly 124 to dispense theULYS-M02-PCT seagrass seed into the sediment layer via the flow of water. For example, the control unit can transmit a set of signals to the pump subsystem 122 to activate the set of pumps and to modulate the flow rate through the system 100 generated by the pumps. The control unit can further transmit signals to the dispenser subassembly 124 to actuate the outer tube 126 and the inner plunger 128 to dispense a seagrass seed 102 into the sediment layer at a target planting depth and at a target distance. In one implementation in which the system 100 is coupled to an AUV travelling through the body of water, the control unit can receive inputs from a navigation controller of the AUV indicating the speed of the AUV. The control unit can therefore actuate the dispenser subassembly 124 at a rate based on the speed of the AUV to enable planting of the seagrass seeds at the target distance apart.

[0091] The control unit can execute additional steps of the method to plant seagrass seeds 102 based on the components included in the system 100. For an instance of the system 100 including the admission subassembly 118, the control unit can additionally: actuate the admission gate 120 to admit the set of seagrass seeds 102 into a metering queue upstream from the metering subassembly 132. For an instance of the system 100 including the magazine subassembly 138 with a set of seed chambers 140, the control unit is further configured to actuate the magazine subassembly 138 to transition the seed chamber 140 from inlet chamber position to the injection chamber position. For an instance of the system 100 including the metering subassembly 132, the control unit is further configured to: recurrently actuate the dislodgement mechanism 134 to prevent blockages upstream from the metering mechanism 136; and actuate the metering mechanism 136 to admit the seagrass seed into the seed chamber 140 in the inlet chamber position.

[0092] In an implementation including the drum subassembly 158, the control unit is further configured to: via the pump subsystem, fluidically suction a seagrass seed of the quantity of seagrass seeds onto a seed perforation of the set of seed perforations; via the drum actuator, rotate the rotary drum about the rotary axis for the seed perforation of the set of seedULYS-M02-PCT perforations to align with the mandel resulting in the seagrass seed of the quantity of seagrass seeds dislodging from the seed perforation; and via the pump subsystem, direct the seagrass seed of the quantity of seagrass seeds toward the dispenser subassembly.

[0093] The control unit can be implemented according to any of the mechanisms described above, or according to any active mechanisms effective in monitoring and actuating components of a seagrass seed planting system to execute the steps of the seagrass seed planting method.Additional Considerations

[0094] The systems and methods described herein can be embodied and / or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computer-executable components integrated with the application, applet, host, server, network, website, communication service, communication interface, hardware / firmware / software elements of a user computer or mobile device, wristband, smartphone, or any suitable combination thereof. Other systems and methods of the embodiment can be embodied and / or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computer-executable components integrated by computer-executable components integrated with apparatuses and networks of the type described above. The computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component can be a processor but any suitable dedicated hardware device can (alternatively or additionally) execute the instructions.

[0095] As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

ULYS-M02-PCTCLAIMSWe Claim:

1. A seagrass seed-planting system comprising:• a storage and agitation subassembly: o configured to store a quantity of seagrass seeds in an aqueous environment; o comprising a set of fluid inlet ports configured to direct water into the aqueous environment to agitate the quantity of seagrass seeds; and o defining an outlet aperture;• a dispenser subassembly: o fluidically coupled to the outlet aperture; and o configured to dispense the seagrass seed into a sediment layer; and• a pump subsystem directing a flow of water from the storage and agitation subassembly through the set of fluid inlet ports, through the outlet aperture, and toward the dispenser subassembly.

2. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 1, further comprising a drum subassembly configured to:• receive a quantity of seagrass seeds from the outlet aperture of the storage and agitation subassembly; and• direct a seagrass seed of the quantity of seagrass seeds from the outlet aperture toward the dispenser subassembly.

3. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 1, further comprising a drum subassembly:• comprising: o a rotary drum defining a set of seed perforations;ULYS-M02-PCT o a mandrel; and o a drum actuator configured to rotate the rotary drum about a rotary axis; and• configured to: o fluidically suction a seagrass seed of the quantity of seagrass seeds onto a seed perforation of the set of seed perforations; o rotate the rotary drum via the drum actuator about the rotary axis; o dislodge the seagrass seed of the quantity of seagrass seeds from the seed perforation upon the seed perforation aligning with the mandrel; and o direct the seagrass seed of the quantity of seagrass seeds toward the dispenser subassembly.

4. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 1, further comprising an admission subassembly:• fluidically coupled to the outlet aperture downstream from the outlet aperture; and• comprising an admission gate: o arranged across the outlet aperture; o configured to admit the set of seagrass seeds in an open configuration; and o configured to occlude the outlet aperture in a closed configuration.

5. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 1, further comprising a metering subassembly fluidically, arranged downstream from the admission subassembly, and comprising:• a dislodgment mechanism; and• a metering mechanism configured to recurrently pass a seagrass seed in the set of seagrass seeds.ULYS-M02-PCT6. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 5, further comprising a magazine subassembly comprising a set of seed chambers, each seed chamber defining an interior volume configured to contain the seagrass seed, the magazine subassembly:• defining an inlet chamber position, wherein a seed chamber in the inlet chamber position is fluidically coupled to the metering subassembly and configured to receive the seagrass seed passed through the metering mechanism;• defining an injection chamber position; and• configured to recurrently transition the set of seed chambers from the inlet chamber position to the injection chamber position and from the injection chamber position to the inlet chamber position.

7. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 1, wherein:• the seagrass seed-planting system is deployed within a body of water; and• the pump directs the flow of water from the body of water into the storage and agitation subassembly.

8. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 1, wherein the storage and agitation subassembly further comprises a turbulating funnel:• defining a tapering cross-section from the agitation chamber toward the outlet aperture;• fluidically coupling the agitation chamber with the outlet aperture; and• comprising a turbulating inlet configured to dislodge seed blockages within the turbulating funnel.

9. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 1, wherein the storage and agitation subassembly further comprises:• a vortex chamber defining a vortex geometry and fluidically coupled to the outletULYS-M02-PCT aperture; and• a vortex fluid inlet configured to generate a fluid vortex within the vortex chamber.

10. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 1, wherein the dispenser subassembly further comprises:• an extensible outer tube configured to receive one or more seagrass seeds of the quantity of seagrass seeds; and• an extensible inner plunger configured to drive the one or more seagrass seed through the length of the extensible outer tube.

11. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 1, further comprising a control unit configured to:• operate the pump subsystem to modulate a flow rate of the flow of water;• actuate the dispenser subassembly to dispense the seagrass seed into the sediment layer via the flow of water.

12. A seagrass seed-planting system comprising:• a storage and agitation subassembly: o configure to store a quantity of seagrass seeds in an aqueous environment; o comprising a set of fluid inlet ports configured to direct water into the aqueous environment to agitate the quantity of seagrass seeds; and o defining an outlet aperture;• a dispenser subassembly: o fluidically coupled to the outlet aperture; and o configured to dispense the seagrass seed into a sediment layer;• a pump subsystem directing a flow of water from the storage and agitation subassemblyULYS-M02-PCT through the set of fluid inlet ports, through the outlet aperture, and toward the dispenser subassembly; and• a control unit configured to: o operate the pump subsystem to modulate a flow rate of the flow of water; o actuate the dispenser subassembly to dispense the seagrass seed into the sediment layer via the flow of water.

13. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 12:• further comprising an admission subassembly: o fluidically coupled to the outlet aperture downstream from the outlet aperture; and o comprising an admission gate:■ arranged across the outlet aperture;■ configured to admit the set of seagrass seeds in an open configuration; and■ configured to occlude the outlet aperture in a closed configuration;• wherein the control unit is further configured to actuate the admission gate to admit the set of seagrass seeds into a metering queue upstream from the metering subassembly.

14. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 12:• further comprising a magazine subassembly comprising a set of seed chambers, each seed chamber defining an interior volume configured to contain the seagrass seed, the magazine subassembly: o defining an inlet chamber position, wherein a seed chamber in the inlet chamber position is fluidically coupled to the metering subassembly and configured to receive the seagrass seed passed through the metering mechanism; o defining an injection chamber position; andULYS-M02-PCT o configured to recurrently transition the set of seed chambers from the inlet chamber position to the injection chamber position and from the injection chamber position to the inlet chamber position; and• wherein the control unit is further configured to actuate the magazine subassembly to transition the seed chamber from inlet chamber position to the injection chamber position.

15. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 12:• further comprising a metering subassembly fluidically coupled to the admission subassembly, arranged downstream from the admission subassembly, and comprising: o a dislodgment mechanism; and o a metering mechanism configured to recurrently pass a seagrass seed in the set of seagrass seeds downstream from the metering subassembly; and• wherein the control unit is further configured to: o recurrently actuate the dislodgement mechanism to prevent blockages upstream from the metering mechanism; and o actuate the metering mechanism to admit the seagrass seed into the seed chamber in the inlet chamber position.

16. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 12:• further comprising a drum subassembly configured to: o receive a quantity of seagrass seeds from the outlet aperture of the storage and agitation subassembly; and o direct a seagrass seed of the quantity of seagrass seeds from the outlet aperture toward the dispenser subassembly; and• wherein the control unit is further configured to:ULYS-M02-PCT o trigger the drum actuator to rotate a rotary drum of the drum subassembly about a rotary axis.

17. The seagrass seed-planting system of Claim 12:• further comprising a drum subassembly comprising: o a rotary drum defining a set of seed perforations; o a mandrel; and o a drum actuator configured to rotate the rotary drum about a rotary axis; and• wherein the control unit is further configured to: o via the pump subsystem, fluidically suction a seagrass seed of the quantity of seagrass seeds onto a seed perforation of the set of seed perforations; o via the drum actuator, rotate the rotary drum about the rotary axis for the seed perforation of the set of seed perforations to align with the mandel resulting in the seagrass seed of the quantity of seagrass seeds dislodging from the seed perforation; and o via the pump subsystem, direct the seagrass seed of the quantity of seagrass seeds toward the dispenser subassembly.

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