FR2627951A1 - Underwater farm for study of marine flora and fauna - is formed by concrete block with numerous holes and recesses - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns an underwater farm for the study of marine life. The farm consists of four concrete blocks which are mounted on a metal frame which is anchored to the sea bed. Each concrete block is formed with a large number of holes and recesses to provide shelter for small fishes etc. from predators. The blocks also provide a base for the growth of marine gegetation. The blocks are connected to a research station on the shore by means of a pipe or umbilical cord, through which suitable food can be pumped to the blocks. An underwater television camera enables the marine flora and fauna to be observed from the shore station. USE - Study of marine flora and fauna.

Description

UNDERWATER FARM
Cheatation of an underwater jerm consisting in artificially fixing the species of sea fish existing in their natural environment.

This process differs fundamentally from aquaculture since it is by no means a closed stump. but of a fixed location of the fauna and flora in the open sea.

This immediate purpose of this project has a scientific, cultural and tourist aspect, in the form of the creation of a natural, non-commercial park, which could lead to exploitation by professional fishing.

It consists in reproducing a "mini outlet" with perfectly controlled discharge in an artificial riprap in order to favor the fixation of the fauna in its natural environment.

The underwater farm differs from the previous technique used to date in aquaculture which essentially consists of raising fish from fry placed in an enclosed area, until they reach the required size allowing their marketing.

This procedure considerably restricts the availability of species on the market since it is intended, for the moment, for a few varieties of fish likely to be reared in this way.

On the other hand, the underwater farm located in a given location chosen by specialists, and under the supervision of scientists, directly and immediately addresses species already on the spot, with the possibility of attacking other non-sedentary varieties.

In addition, the control carried out by the scientists must allow the study of the behavior of this fauna and its capacity of fixation using appropriate food, judiciously dosed, and injected on the designated site.

This study can also lead to a possible fixation of other species and in particular of migrants this depending on the possible modification of the existing flora.

Planned over at least three years, it is therefore likely to provide solutions to the depopulation of species, especially coastal and sedentary species, and thereby to revive artisanal fishing currently in decline due to the lack of opportunities found around coasts of our region.

The submarine farm is made up of riprap in the form of four solid concrete blocks, fixed on a metal frame. itself anchored on the bottom of the sea.

It is connected to the shore station for an umbilical link.

the wand station includes a cover to the device which allows food to be injected using pressurized water. It has three main parts: - technical focal point equipped with an injection device, - warehouse focal point for food.

- focal point for study as well as sanitaries.

The injection of food is carried out using fresh water, its operation is automatic, at rates determined by scientists, it will be the same for the choice of nounniture.

Presentation of the drawings:
Boards 1 and 3: an overview of the underwater farm
Plate 4: riprap is carried out with a port of concrete blocks (1.5 m X 1.5 m X 1.5 m), they include cells of different diomers.

An emsemble of four massifs is fixed on a metallic coder, itself firmly anchored in the rock in place.

Plate 5: station 6 earth serves as a cover for the device allowing injection via the umbilical link.

Detailed presentation: see attached file.

indication of how the invention is capable of industrial application: it is mainly a question of recreating an environment favorable to professional fishing.

Claims (5)

1 / Underwater farm characterized by a device recreating an artificial riprap as close as possible to reality, and unlike those already existing, in fact this riprap has cells of different sizes and diameters, to allow protection fauna against the action of predators, to promote the infiltration of food and the fixation of flora to recreate the food chain. 2 / Underwater farm according to claim I characterized by a set of four massive concrete honeycombs, fixed on a metal frame, itself anchored on the bottom of the sea. 3 / Farm according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the umbilical connection comprises a pipe connecting the farm to the shore station. 4 / A farm according to claims 1,2,3, characterized in that the shore station comprises a shelter to the device allowing the injection of food using pressurized water in the umbilical connection. It includes, three main parts - technical room equipped with an injection device and energy such as water  and electricity, - a local warehouse for food, - a room intended for the study as well as toilets. 5 / A farm according to claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the injection of food includes the use of fresh water, its operation is automatic, at rates determined by scientists, it will be the same for the choice of the food. The control of the underwater farm will be ensured, according to determined periods, using underwater video cameras, fixed on the chassis of the farm.