Coupling systems and methods for marine barriers

A marine barrier system comprising:

• first and second barrier sections comprising first and second main flotation members, respectively, where each main flotation member is a hollow plastic pipe and contains buoyant material;
• at least one post member associated with each barrier section, where at least a portion of each post member extends into the main flotation member;
• first and second cables extending through the first and second main flotation members, respectively;
• a coupler system arranged at the juncture of the first and second barrier sections, the coupler system comprising a chain assembly connected to and extending between ends of the cables of adjacent main flotation members such that the cables and the chain assembly form a continuous connection along the entire length of the barrier system;
• whereby
• the chain assembly comprises first and second chain segments and first and second intermediate rings,
• the first and second intermediate rings are operatively connected to the first and second cables, respectively,
• the first and second chain segments are operatively connected to the first and second intermediate rings, respectively,
• the first chain segment is operatively connected to the second chain segment, and
• at least one of the post members extends through one of the intermediate rings;
• and
• the chain assembly is configured such that the first and second main flotation members may be placed in
• a storage configuration in which the first and second main flotation members are arranged in a parallel, side by side arrangement, and
• a deployed configuration in which the first and second main flotation members are arranged end to end to define a barrier line in a body of water across which movement is limited.