FR3025696A1 - FISH RESEARCH AND AGGREGATION EQUIPMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention refers to a non-piloted, self-propelled seaworthy craft for detecting and aggregating schools of fish, which autonomously navigates according to a strategy defined by its user based on data such as the presence of fish, species and sizes , water temperature, presence of phytoplankton, source of chlorophyll, surface currents and deep layers. The craft can be submerged during the day to be totally discreet and emerge at night to move in the darkness of the night and thus be difficult to detect from other ships. This strategy can be changed remotely at any time through its telecommunications device. The craft can sail day or night, it also has the opportunity at night to activate underwater lights with different sequences of flashes, intensity variations to attract fish in the area and through its systems detection estimate quantities, species and sizes.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention belongs to the field of self-propelled unmanned equipment for detecting and aggregating schools of fish, in particular pelagic species. History of the Invention or State of the Art In the industrial fishing of tuna and other pelagic species fishing with FAD's (Fish Aggregating Devices) is in common use. ADFs are floating elements of natural or artificial origin to concentrate fish. It has been observed that after some time in the water, they generate an ecosystem allowing schools of fish (especially tunas) to remain below at certain times of the day. These FADs generally have nets at 10 - 20 m depth acting as floating anchors, creating on the one hand an underwater luminous discontinuity and on the other hand to drift and be driven under the influence of currents more deep. Several antecedents describe uncontrolled devices related to the concentration or detection of fish. The patent application FR 2674338 describes a radio buoy with GPS, which informs about the position of the fish.

Marine Instruments' patent application ES2454915 A1 also discloses a fish detection buoy equipped with a GPS and a multifrequency sonar and a few accelerometers to determine when to trigger the ultrasonic ping. Patent application US20130006445 shows how a machine with a wave-propelled GPS system distributes fertilizer for the growth of phytoplankton in the oceans, to improve the fish stock. Nevertheless, it does not take into account the presence of fish or phytoplankton. Utility model CN202197670 U describes the application of lights in the perimeter of an ADF, to aggregate a larger amount of fish. Nevertheless, it does not take into account the energy consumption that they assume.

In general, buoys present on the market do not change their trajectory according to the data obtained but follow the marine currents. On the other hand, self-propelled self-propelled gears do not have the ability to detect or aggregate fish. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention refers to an unmanned, self-propelled, seaworthy craft for detecting and aggregating schools of fish. For this, the energy produced by the solar panels must be managed efficiently, thanks to this, we manage to navigate a programmed trajectory at a distance that can reach 20 nautical miles per day. It must also be taken into account that the aggregation means consume more or less energy. That's why it's important to target energy according to circumstances to devices or to others. The fish research and aggregation apparatus comprises a hull of float material, a solar panel for producing electrical energy, an electric propulsion unit, a plurality of sensor means for detecting fish and measuring environmental conditions. , a plurality of aggregation means for attracting fish, a control module configured to distribute the available electrical energy according to the information of the sensor means between the propulsion module and the aggregation means to move it to or maintain it in a specific area. Optionally, the machine further comprises a communication module 15 configured to send and receive wireless information. Optionally, the sensor means comprise a hydroacoustic detection probe for detecting a school of fish and / or identifying the type. Optionally, the sensor means include an underwater camera for capturing the images.

Optionally, the machine comprises a geolocation module. Optionally, the machine includes a submarine current sensor. Optionally, the underwater current sensor is associated with the control module and the geolocation module to establish the navigation route according to the available energy.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a magnetic compass and / or a gyroscope for recording and communicating the rotations to the control module. Optionally, the apparatus includes an inertial detection apparatus with accelerators configured to measure and communicate the height and direction of the waves to the control module.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the surface temperature of the water. Optionally, the machine includes a turbidity sensor to estimate the level of phytoplankton present in the water. Optionally, the control module can validate the phytoplankton estimate of the turbidity sensor as a function of the temperature of the water.

Optionally, the aggregation means for attracting fish comprises a configurable intensity light source located in the hull. Optionally, the machine further comprises an electric pulse transmitter (12).

Optionally, the hull comprises a stabilizing keel in which is disposed the transmitter of electrical pulsations. Optionally, the machine comprises a drift anchor in which is disposed the transmitter of electrical pulsations. Optionally, the buoyancy of the hull is variable and controllable remotely to be submerged at least partially. Optionally, the hull comprises at least one inner deposit in the hull with a stern opening to fill with water when it is off. Optionally, the internal deposit in the hull becomes empty when in motion.

Optionally, the inner deposit is on the stern. Optionally, the machine comprises a pump for filling or emptying the deposit. Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 shows a side view of the machine schematically.

Figure 1 shows a top view of the machine schematically. Figure 3 shows a lower view of the machine schematically. Figure 4 shows a front view of the machine schematically. Figure 5 shows a lower view of the machine with internal deposits to modify the buoyancy.

Figure 6 shows elements of the invention in a block diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, an exemplary embodiment which should not be seen as a limitation is explained. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the apparatus comprises a floating hull 30 1 (it could also be a double hull of catamaran or triple type, etc.) which can act as an aggregation object. of fish with a keel 5 to stabilize. As illustrated in FIG. 2, it preferably has photovoltaic solar panels 10 that generate electrical energy that can be stored in rechargeable batteries 13. In FIG. 3, it is observed that it has one or more 35 motors such as electric propulsion units 11, which are controlled independently, can change the direction of the machine. The machine incorporates hydroacoustic detection probes 2 for fish detection and an underwater light source 3 to attract fish. It may include a temperature sensor 15 for measuring the surface temperature of the water and a turbidity sensor 6 for measuring the amount of phytoplankton present in the water. Additionally, a temperature sensor 15 can verify that the temperature is higher for, together with the turbidity sensor 6 data, to avoid false positives when an increase in turbidity is not due to phytoplankton. It comprises a satellite geolocation module 9 and a communication module 16 for transmitting the results of the measurements of the sensors, the position, and so on. and that also allow to receive instructions to control their operation. Thus, one can transmit, periodically or on demand, the data of position, temperature, energy level, activity detected. With the incorporation of a submarine current sensor 8 information is obtained to determine navigation routes with less possible energy consumption. Additionally, the machine may comprise a drift anchor 7 to reduce the forward speed. This anchor 7 may in turn incorporate an electric current pulse transmitter 12 having the ability to attract fish. For example, with the communication module 16 information can be sent on the ultrasonic waves reflected with the hydroacoustic probe 2. With this, information on the types of fish under the apparatus can be obtained and their quantity estimated. Also, it can include an underwater camera, to visualize under the machine and to be able to see the types of fish and / or their quantity. Also with the communication module 16 commands can additionally be received to act on the machine through the control module 14. It may also include a memory which stores the data on the processed signals and the measured values, among others . Additionally, the apparatus may include other devices such as a magnetic compass and / or a gyroscope for recording rotations as well as an inertial detection apparatus with accelerometers for measuring the height and direction of the waves to hold them. account and be able to optimize the route to follow. Alternatively or jointly with the photovoltaic panels 10, the machine may comprise a different source of energy. For example: a wind turbine, a thermodynamic energy generator, a fuel depot, a fuel cell or a hydrogen deposit. The power sources may be connected to a battery 13 for storing unused energy and employing it when needed when the supply of energy source is not sufficient. The battery can be incorporated inside the keel 5 as seen in Figures 1 and 4. Optionally, as shown in Figure 5, this shell can have a variable buoyancy and be remotely controlled to be able to be submerged 5 partially or completely for a certain time to be very discreet. For this, the hull may have a shape allowing it to be half submerged when stopped, and emerge by starting to move with the help of his propulsion device. It may have internal water deposits which can be filled and emptied in a controlled manner. For example, through a water pump. Including, simply with 10 openings in the stern of the boat that allow their filling in the stopping state and the start of the propulsion through their hydrodynamic shape, the machine raises its bow and its deposits 17 are emptied by gravity. Then an example of the operation is described: From data from satellite images on water temperatures, currents and the presence of nutrients and chlorophyll, an area with a possible presence of phytoplankton can be deduced. This means that it has a high probability of being productive because of the presence of fish in the next days / weeks. This area would be a candidate for the launch of the craft or to go towards it.

To navigate to the chosen area, an optimized navigation route must be established based on satellite data on ocean currents and meteorology. This navigation route can be optimized daily from the mainland in a server that simulates the different navigation possibilities that take into account the sea currents and weather conditions, the user can decide to manually control his gear or to request his piloting at server that will optimize its route to arrive in a timely manner at the determined location. With this information the satellite navigation orders are sent. In the selected area and / or during the navigation route, the various means of attraction and active aggregation of fish are started. In particular: The light source 3, which can emit different sequences and intensities. The hydroacoustic detection probe 2, which can emit sound signals with different intensities and sequences. The drift anchor 7 which can incorporate an electric pulse transmitter 12 with different electrical current sequences and intensities. The detection means, the hydroacoustic detection probe 2, an underwater camera 4, a turbidity sensor 6, a temperature sensor 15 can also start and they transmit the information via satellite through the communication module 16.

The control module 14 and the geolocation module 9 perform a constant check and course corrections to prevent the craft entering dangerous areas of grounding, or in non-jurisdictional waters, etc. In addition, the control module 14 of the machine efficiently manages the use of the energy produced by the photovoltaic panels 10 and / or stored in the battery 13. When the machine is in navigation mode towards the potentially productive area, much of the energy is for propulsion (> 90%), and a small part is for detection and communication (<10%). When the temperature, turbidity and sonar sensors confirm that the machine has arrived in a potentially productive zone, a large part of the energy is intended for the different active attraction or aggregation systems, and the detection systems. and communication (> 90%) and a small part is for propulsion (> 10%). In addition, the underwater current sensor 8 provides data to determine the optimum navigation route, and thereby save energy. The detection means comprises a hydroacoustic probe 2 for discerning types of fish, species and sizes. The hydroacoustic probe 2 transmits ultrasonic pulses at different frequencies to water and detects the echoes independently in any transmitted frequency, having the ability to independently measure the echo resulting from each frequency. The response of a fish or a set of fish to different ultrasonic frequencies can be obtained by virtue of the characteristics of the wave received as an echo, it is possible to classify its size and including the species (skipjack, tuna yellow, white tuna, bigeye tuna, etc.). Therefore, the characteristics of the reflected echo for the pulsation emitted for a specific species of fish must be known in order to establish an acoustic signature. Differences in reflective echo are generally due to morphological characteristics, such as distinct body densities, size, shape, skin hardness and the presence or absence of swim bladders, etc. Thus, by comparing the results with this information, one can identify a species. In other cases, although the species can not be determined accurately, the information relevant to the fishery can be extracted. For example, the timing of the detection of a bench with concrete characteristics can be stored and thereby identify behavioral patterns. On the other hand, the shape of the craft creates a shadow (similar to a FAD object) and is combined with other active elements (light, sound and electric currents) to attract and aggregate the fish. . As has been mentioned, the machine preferably has a shape that represents a surface similar to FAD's objects. In one embodiment we chose a design of 4 m2, an elongated shape of 3 to 5 meters long) and narrow (over 1 meter wide). The hull 1 material is foam-filled composite, which provides buoyancy and optionally with internal water deposits to compensate for buoyancy at rest, which allows it to navigate over the waves. We choose a keel 5 with a depth between 0.5-1 meter. Preferably, as mentioned above, the battery 13 and the other devices (control module 14, emitter of electric pulses 12) are housed there to provide a very low center of gravity. Thus, in case of reversal, the machine would return to its good position.

Lastly, in FIG. 6, the flow of information is schematically illustrated by means of several blocks. The broken line connecting the elements indicates the data and the continuous line indicates the orders / instructions. The control module 14 manages the process, it obtains the data measured by the various sensors and probes to control the machine. It can transmit them wirelessly to a server through the communications module 16 or act directly on the different means of aggregation (emitter of electric pulsations 12, light source 3) and attract fish if the conditions are favorable. It can also through the communications module 16 receive commands to steer the craft remotely or activate one of the previous devices.

25 Numerical references: 1 Shell.

2 Hydroacoustic detection probe.

3 Light source.

4 Underwater camera.

30 5 Keel.

6 Turbidity sensor.

7 Anchor.

8 Underwater Current Sensor.

9 Geolocation module.

35 10 Solar photovoltaic panels.

Claims (21)

1. Apparatus for research and aggregation of fish which comprises a shell (1) float material, characterized in that it further comprises: - a photovoltaic solar panel (10) for producing electrical energy, - an electric propulsion module (11), - a plurality of sensor means (2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 15) for detecting fish and measuring environmental conditions, - a plurality of aggregation means (1, 3). , 12) for attracting fish, - a control module (14) configured to distribute the available electrical energy according to the information of the sensor means (2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 15) between the propulsion module (11) ) and the aggregation means (1, 3, 12) to move it to or maintain it in a defined area. 2.- Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a communication module (16) configured to send and receive wireless information. 3.- Machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor means comprises a hydroacoustic detection probe (2) for detecting a school of fish and / or identifying the type. 4. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor means comprises an underwater camera (4) for capturing images. 5.- Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a geolocation module (9). 30 6.- Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a subsea current sensor (8). 7. Machine according to claim 5 and 6, characterized in that the subsea current sensor (8) is associated with the control module (14) and the geolocation module (9) to establish the navigation route depending on the energy 3025696 available. 8. A machine according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a magnetic compass and / or a gyroscope for recording and communicating the rotations to the control module (14). 9. A machine according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises an inertial detection apparatus with accelerometers configured to measure and communicate the height and direction of the waves to the control module (14). 10 10.- Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a temperature sensor (15) for measuring the surface temperature of the water. 15 11. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a turbidity sensor (6) for estimating the level of phytoplankton present in the water. Apparatus according to claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the control module (14) validates the phytoplankton estimate of the turbidity sensor (6) as a function of the water temperature. 13. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aggregation means (1, 3, 12) for attracting the fish comprises a light source (3) of configurable intensity placed in the hull ( 1). 14.- A machine according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises an emitter of electric pulsations (12). 15.- Machine according to claim 14, characterized in that the shell (1) comprises a keel (5) stabilizer in which is disposed the transmitter of electric pulsations (12). 16.- Machine according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a drift anchor (7) in which is disposed the transmitter of electric pulsations (12). 3025696 11 17.- Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the buoyancy of the hull (1) is variable and controllable remotely to be submerged at least partially. 5 18.- Machine according to claim 17, characterized in that the shell (1) comprises at least one inner deposit (17) in the hull with a stern opening to fill with water when it is off. 19. A machine according to claim 18, characterized in that the internal deposit (17) 10 in the hull empties when it is in motion. 20.- Machine according to claim 19, characterized in that the inner deposit (17) is located in the stern. 15 21. A machine according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that it comprises a pump for additionally performing the filling or emptying of the inner deposit (17).