NOVELTY - The wave energy converter (10) has air columns (20a,20b,20c,20d) in fluid communication to ocean waves via corresponding ports (50a,50b,50c,50d). The ports are arranged in series along a forward direction (40), and are of progressively greater depth into the ocean environment along the forward direction so as to cause the ocean waves to propagate in a downwardly directed vortex (45). The columns have upwardly tapered cross-section and are coupled at their upper ends to respective energy pick-off devices (60).    USE - Wave energy converter for converting energy conveyed in ocean waves propagating in forward direction in an ocean environment into generated power. Used in a wave energy system (claimed), particularly an ocean wave energy production system used in production of hydrogen or in combination with aquaculture or fish farm installation.    ADVANTAGE - The disposition of upwardly tapered ports to create a robust downwardly-directed vortex provides for more efficient wave energy adsorption. The wave energy system utilizing the converters is capable of generating from 10 to 500 mega-watts of power without risk of radioactive contamination or thermal runaway. Combination of hydrogen production and wave energy allows for more flexible installations in which the hydrogen acts as energy storage of the system. Utilizing hydrogen as main energy storage omits use of cables or other grid connections for transferring power from offshore to the shore. The use of the system also realizes greater potential for aquaculture by opening up the sea, securing both better turn over on water and better salinity, energy production remote installations without cabling, energy storage when needed, and use of oxygen wastes for fish farming. When the system is used up and towed into a harbor, the system materials can be recycled for making other products, realizing low carbon energy production at a cost which is less than total life time cost of producing nuclear power, which makes the system suited for countries such as Japan which are seismically active and unsuited for nuclear power. The system can be deployed at distances offshore without disfiguring the natural beauty of coastlines, and offers a low weight profile which does not interfere significantly with coastal radar. The system can be built in existing shipyards using known construction techniques and represents an attractive product to manufacture.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (1) a wave energy system; and    (2) a method of converting energy conveyed in ocean waves propagating in a forward direction in an ocean environment.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows the schematic perspective view of a wave energy converter.    Wave energy converter (10)    Air columns (20a,20b,20c,20d)    Forward direction (40)    Vortex (45)    Ports (50a,50b,50c,50d)    Energy pick-off devices (60)