Object Overview

For assets in the scene, I plan to include both stationary and floating objects. For the most part these objects themselves will not involve too much complexity, it will be the ocean's reaction to them that will prove the most difficult aspect.

I have a few ideas as to giving each object a presence in the ocean, when an object is at rest, particle emitters inside the object could generate foam particles which would float outwards from the object, dissipating as their distance from the object increases or merely limiting their lifespan. This could give the impression of slight ripples or at least representing some kind of disturbance in the water.

This concept is further implemented by creating an object's wake, occurring when an object is moving through the ocean. In this case the emitter will have to create particles which will last much longer than a stationary object's. The difficulty here is that the wake will have to disperse in certain fashion as shown below.

The shape of the wake is achievable however the complexities of creating the disjointed, swirling patterns of the foam within the shape of the wake might be challenging. Another opportunity to use  multiple motion fields and emitters perhaps?