Renewably buoyant, self-protective floating habitat

Abstract

A floating habitat designed to be renewably buoyant, self-sustaining and optionally specialized for waterfowl nesting. The first embodiment comprises one or more flotation units, a source of compressed air, and a means for connecting the source of compressed air to the flotation units. Each flotation unit comprises an individual supply hose, an inflatable bladder, a relief valve, a diffusing manifold, bottom mesh, top mesh, and buoyant growth medium. An alternative embodiment comprises a self-compensating buoyancy system. In the waterfowl nesting embodiment, the floating habitat includes one or more waterfowl nesting structures and construction material selected to optimize the nesting habitat. The floating habitat can be comprised of scrap pieces or layers of polyester mesh material. The floating habitats can be combined to provide safe habitat for juvenile waterfowl, encourage colony nesting, or allow a variety of waterfowl or shore bird species to enjoy suitable habitat on the same floating habitat.

1 . A floating habitat comprising a self-compensating inflation device, wherein the self-compensating inflation device comprises a source of compressed air, one or more inflatable bladders, and a means for connecting the source of compressed air to the inflatable bladder(s). 
     
     
         2 . The floating habitat of  claim 1 , further comprising, in connection with each inflatable bladder, a ball float and a float valve with a sealing face. 
     
     
         3 . The floating habitat of  claim 2 , wherein the ball float seals against the sealing face of the float valve when the buoyancy of the inflatable bladder needs to be increased. 
     
     
         4 . The floating habitat of  claim 2 , wherein the ball float is not in contact with the sealing face of the float valve when the buoyancy of the inflatable bladder needs to be decreased. 
     
     
         5 . The floating habitat of  claim 1 , further comprising a waterfowl nesting structure. 
     
     
         6 . The floating habitat of  claim 5 , wherein the waterfowl nesting structure is designed to attract a particular species of waterfowl. 
     
     
         7 . The floating habitat of  claim 1 , further comprising a predator control device. 
     
     
         8 . The floating habitat of  claim 1 , further comprising live vegetation that is selected based on the nesting preferences of a particular species of waterfowl.