IE20100074A1

IE20100074A1 - Means for distribution of fish

Info

Publication number: IE20100074A1
Application number: IE20100074A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Ingmar Jensen
Original assignee: Melbu Systems As
Priority date: 2009-02-13
Filing date: 2010-02-11
Publication date: 2010-09-29
Also published as: CA2692883A1; GB201002119D0; GB2467838A; GB2467838B; NO20090707L; NO329466B1; CL2010000122A1; IE86400B1; CA2692883C

Abstract

The invention relates to a fish distribution table (10) intended for uni-directional orientation of live fish (12) for further transfer to a processing line, comprising a water filled reservoir (11) for collecting fish (12) intended to be further transferred, inlet (19) for introducing fish (12), a water source (15) for supply of water for information of a water current, and one or more outlet ducts (14) being in fluid communication with said reservoir (11). The reservoir (11) is configured and shaped in such way that the fish (12) swimming forward is guided into one of the outlet ducts (14) with its head first; that the water source (15) is arranged in such way with respect to the outlet ducts (14) that water flows from the reservoir (11) and out through the outlet ducts (14); and that the water source (15) is placed and arranged in such way that the fish (12) does not find a favourable place to remain standing against the water current. <Figure 2>

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a table for distribution of fish, intended for unidirectional orientation of live fish for subsequent transport to a processing line.

The table comprises a water-filled reservoir for collecting fish to be transferred, an inlet for introducing fish, a water source for supply of water for creation of a water current and one or more outlets.

Background for the Invention When handling fish for further processing, such as fish counting, vaccination, 10 stunning, or the like, it is a need for uni-directing the orientation of the fish, for example so that the head always points in the direction of the fish motion.

It is well known that fish standing in flowing water naturally orientates its head in a direction with the head pointing towards the direction of flow. This knowledge is used for a major portion of the apparatuses for handling live fish.

EP 1 908 353 A1 discloses a known system for process handling of fish, comprising a first fish guide with an inlet for receipt of the fish. A stunning device is at one end connected to the first fish guide, the stunning device consisting of a first holder for holding and releasing the fish and being configured to strike the fish. A duct is at the opposite end connected to the stunning device, said duct having an internal passage rotating the fish substantially around a longitudinal axis of the duct. The first fish guide is arranged at an overflow duct arranged at an end of a waterfilled reservoir. Water is introduced at the same end of the reservoir as said overflow duct and said first fish guiding means. At the opposite end an outlet for the water is arranged, so that a water current is created from the overflow duct to the outlet at the opposite side, so as to secure that fish in a naturally manner will swim towards the overflow duct with its head oriented towards fhe outlet.

IE 1 0 00 74 When handling live fish it is also a need for gentle handling so as to avoid stressing the fish to any substantial degree.

Further, in order not to cause blood effusion in the fish meat, it is a need for a solution which does not expose the fish body to unnecessary impacts.

It is also a need for a solution where also dead fish and/or nearly dead fish may be guided out from the distribution table without requiring manual assistance of the operator.

It is also a need for a solution keeping live fish in water, since human handling requires that live fish shall be out of the water only a very short period.

Summary of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide a solution handling the fish in the most gentle manner and where the fish is not exposed to any degree of stress or strain or is exposed to blows, impacts or the like producing blood effusion in the fish meat..

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved fish distribution table, where the fish is given a uni-directional orientation and where the fish itself contributes to swimming towards the outlet end(s) of the table.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a solution where the fish is not given the opportunity to position itself in a transverse position at the outlet duct(s) of the table and thus blocking the outlets).

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a solution where the fish is motivated to swim in the direction of the water current.

Still another object of the present invention is to prevent the fish from finding any position where it is favorable for the fish to be heading against the direction of the water current.

Yet another object, either on its own merits, or in combination with one or more of the objects listed above, is to provide a solution making it difficult, if not impossible, for the fish to turn around, heading in a direction back to where it is coming from when having entered the outlet duct.

According to the present invention the objects are achieved by means of a solution as further defined by the independent claim, and where alternative embodiments are defined by the independent claims.

According to the invention the reservoir may be linked to one or more separate outlet ducts and the reservoir may be configured in such way that the fish does not find it favorable to be heading against the water current direction, but swims IE 1 0 00 74 together with the water flowing towards said at least one outlet duct where it is guided into said at least one outlet duct with its head first.

According to an embodiment of the invention the reservoir may be centrally arranged and may at least at two positions be provided with outlet ducts, so that water in all instances will flow from the middle part and outwards towards said outlet duct(s). The reservoir may preferably be small, oblong and narrow, so that the fish is only given the option of swimming towards one of said outlet ducts.

According to another embodiment the water source may be orientated in such way with respect to the outlet ducts that the water flows from the reservoir towards and out of the outlet ducts.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the water source may be placed and oriented in such way that the fish does not find any favorable position for remaining standing with the head against the direction of water current.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the reservoir may have a 15 circular, oval or polygonal cross sectional shape.

The entire or parts of the inlet for fish may preferably also be form as an integrated part of the reservoir and may be configured in such way that the fish is hindered from being standing at the inlet, but moves further along into the reservoir, the inlet for water and/or fish being arranged at the bottom of said reservoir.

Alternatively, the inlet may be arranged in a side wall in said centrally arranged reservoir.

In order to increase the effect the bottom of the reservoir or the entire distribution table may be lifted at the rear end, thereby establishing a slope towards the outlet.

Further, the fish distribution table may be shaped or configured in such way that moveable walls, sliding bulkheads or other types of movable walls may be arranged in conjunction with the reservoir, thereby increasing the capacity and/or in order to direct the fish towards the outlets.

According to a still further embodiment, the water level in the reservoir and/or the inlet may be adjusted in order to direct the fish towards the outlets.

When emptying the reservoir a water flow from the rear part of the reservoir towards the outlet duct(s) may preferably be used in order to direct non-swimming fish towards the outlets.

The reservoir may according to one embodiment be in the form of a narrow duct or a reservoir which is centrally arranged with respect to each of said at least two separated outlet ducts. The inlet for introducing fish and/or water is arranged centrally with respect to said at least two separated outlet ducts. 1£ 1 Ο Ο Ο 7 4 Further, the outlet ducts may preferably be formed or provided with means for slowing down the water flow as much as possible. Such means may for example be upwardly facing inclined surfaces arranged for example at the end of the outlet ducts and/or the cross sectional area of the duct, in particular, but not exclusively, at the duct outlet end may be narrow at its bottom part, preferably V-shaped, up to a certain level or height.

Due to the solution according to the present invention, the fish is exposed to a reduced level of stress and strain and the distribution table is configured in such way that the fish is not exposed to bodily impact caused by the apparatus.

Since the water flows out of the reservoir and towards the outlet openings, also dead fish or fish having low vitality will be directed towards the outlet, thereby eliminating, or at least reducing the need of manual intervention.

In addition a solution is provided wherein the possibilities for the fish to find a favorable place for standing up against the current direction is eliminated, or at least substantially reduced.

Since the solution according to the present is based on the principle that water is flowing from a centrally arranged water source towards said outlet(s), it wiil according to the present invention be possible to arrange outlets at each end of a narrow, duct shaped reservoir. Aiternatively, since the inlet is centrally arranged, the reservoir may at all its sides be provided with outlets.

If desirable, the outlet ducts may in such case be curved, so that their free outlet ends are on the same side with respect to the centrally arranged reservoir.

A characteristic feature of the invention is that the bottom of the outlet is inclined upwards from the bottom of the reservoir towards the free, open end of the outlet, which in addition to the reduction in cross sectional area towards this end opening, contributes to reducing the possibility for the fish to turn around in the duct, while at the same time making it possible to maintain water in the reservoir even if the pumps should fail.

Another characteristic feature according to the present invention is that the entrance of the outlet is formed in such way that these are more or less rounded without sharp edges. Hence, in this manner the fish is prevented from being hit by a sharp and pointed impact, if the fish should miss the opening at the outlet, tn addition, such more or less rounded edge will function as a point of rotation, making it possible for fish floating with a lateral orientation to be turned so that either the head or the caudal fin first enters the one or the other outlet duct.

According to the invention, it is also possible to shut off or close one or more of the outlet ducts, thereby reducing the need for supply of water to the reservoir. (£ 1 0 00 74 For a solution according to the present invention, it is possible to handle and transfer fish in a human and gentle manner into the processing fine. Further, the system will ensure that the fish to the largest extent will be uni-directionally orientated, so that the fish will enter the processing line with the its head first. The system ensures also that a certain distribution of the fish into several outlet ducts is made possible, so that fish may be transferred to several lines of the process stage.

Several outlets may also be used for obtaining sufficient feeding capacity of fish into the apparatus, even if only one processing line exists. The system may in addition secure that fish which is not able to swim, such as dead fish or exhausted fish, automatically will be directed into the processing line without need of manual assistance. The system allows in addition drainage of water leaving out through the outlet, so that the water is prevented from entering the processing line, but instead may be reused for circulation of water into the reservoir.

Short Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the invention shall now be described in further details, referring to the drawings, where: Figure 1 shows schematically a top view of an apparatus for distributing fish according to the invention; Figure 2 shows schematically the fish distributing apparatus shown in Figure 1, seen from a side; Figure 3 shows schematically in perspective the reservoir with outlets at the end of the fish distributing apparatus; Figure 4 shows schematically a top view of the reservoir with outlets shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows schematically the reservoir with outlets seen in perspective from opposite side compared to the perspective seen in Figure 3; Figure 6 shows schematically the reservoir with outlets shown in Figure 3, seen from the side; Figure 7 shows schematically an alternative embodiment of the reservoir with outlets; Figures 8a-8d show different views of an alternative embodiment of the reservoir with outlet, where Figure 8a shows the reservoir seen from the side; Figure 8b shows the reservoir seen from above; Figure 8c shows the reservoir seen from inside of the reservoir and outwards through the ducts; and Figure 8d shows the reservoir seen in perspective; IE 1 0 00 74 Figures 9a-9d show different views of an alternative embodiment of the reservoir with outlets, where Figure 9a shows the reservoir from the side; Figure 9b shows the reservoir seen from above; Figure 9c shows the reservoir seen from inside the reservoir and out through the outlet ducts; and Figure 9d shows the reservoir seen in perspective; and Figures 10a-10d show different views of an alternative embodiment of the reservoir with exits, where Figure 10a shows the reservoir, seen from the side; Figure 10b shows the reservoir seen from above; Figure 10c shows the reservoir seen from within the reservoir and out through the outlet ducts; and Figure 10d shows the reservoir seen in perspective.

Detailed Description of the invention Figure 1 and 2 show schematically a distributing means 10 according to the present invention, where Figure 1 shows the distributing means seen from above, while Figure 2 shows the distributing means seen from the side. Due to clarity, Figure 1 and 2 are shown in a very simplified form. The distributing means 10 comprises a water-filled reservoir to be filled with water, where fish 12 to be distributed is transferred for example from a vessel (not shown) to the reservoir 11. According to the solution shown in Figure 1, the fish 12 is delivered from the vessel to a drainage table 13 where the fish 12 and water are separated. The fish 13 is moved along from the drainage table 13 and down into said reservoir 11 via a duct or a transporter 19. At the opposite end of the reservoir 11 three separate outlets are arranged, at the end of which an additional drainage means 16 is arranged. Said additional drainage means will be described in further details below.

Further, the distributing means 10 comprises a pump 15 for supply of and/or circulation of water from the distributing table 12 and/or the drainage 16 at the end of the outlet 14. The pump 15 is in fluid communication with the drainage table 12 and the drainage means 16 through a pipe system 17 and a buffer tank 18 for supply of water to the reservoir 11. The arrows in Figure 2 show the direction of flow in the pipe system 17.

As shown in Figure 2, water is pumped from the pump 15 centrally into the reservoir 11 through the inlet 19.

Figure 3-6 shows schematically an embodiment of the reservoir 11 with outletsl 1 according to the present invention, where Figure 3 shows schematically the reservoir 11 with outlets 14 seen in perspective at an angle from above; figure 4 shows schematically the reservoir 11 with outlets seen from above; Figure 5 shows schematically the reservoir 11 with outlets 14 seen in perspective form the opposite IE 1 0 0 0 74 side compared to the perspective shown in Figure 3 and Figure 6 shows schematically the reservoir 11 with outlets 14, seen from the side.

From a clarity point of view the inlet 19 for supply of water is not shown in these drawings. Alternatively, fish may be supplied to the reservoir 11 from one of the sides or from above. For the same reasons as set out above, neither of such alternatives are shown.

Figures 3-6 show an embodiment of the reservoir 11 with outlet ducts 14. The reservoir 11 is provided with a bottom 29 which for example form the lowest part of the reservoir 11. From this bottom 20 and up towards the inlet 19 from the drainage table 13, an inclined surface 21 may be arranged, so that the fish leaving the drainage table 13 slides down towards the deepest part of the reservoir 11. The fish then tends to swim towards this deepest part and hence closer towards the outlet ducts 14. By regulating the supply of water to the reservoir 11, it is possible to collect the fish further in the deepest part and hence, closer to outlet ducts 14. This may for example be done by regulating the number of rotations of the circulation pump 15. In the same manner it is for example possible firstly speed up the pump, which then delivers more water per minute. This will increase the water level in the reservoir 11, so that the fish also will stay in the water adjacent the inlet. When the fish is entering the reservoir 11 it will land in a gentle way into the water.

By lowering the number of rotations of the circulation pump 15, the inclined surface(s) 21 will become dry, so that all the fish in the inlet will be collected near the outlet ducts 14 and tend to move out through the outlet ducts 14. Such procedure may for example be done several times so as to empty the reservoir and/or remove all dead fish.

For optionally to reduce the liquid filled volume, the side walls 22 may be inclined upwards and inwards towards the inlet from the drainage table 13.

At the opposite end of the deepest area of the reservoir 11, three outlet ducts 14 are according to the present invention arranged, the reservoir 11 at this end also being provided with an inclined surface in upwards direction towards the entrance to said three outlet ducts 14. Also along this portion at least the lower parts of the side walls are inclined inwards in direction towards the outlet 14 of the outlets duct 24, while corresponding surfaces also are inclined upwards and outwards, so that a Vshaped or a U-shaped cross sectional area is established. The outlet ducts 24 has also a bottom 26 which is slightly inclined upwards towards the end outlet, while at the same time at least the lower parts of the side walls are inclined upwards and outwards so that also these parts is provided with a V-shaped or U-shaped cross sectional area. It should be appreciated, however, that the bottom 26 also may be IE 1 0 00 74 horizontal or given an downwards inclination towards the free end of the outlet. Such solution will, however, require that the water supply to the reservoir is not stopped while it is fish in the reservoir 11. In such latter case the reservoir 11 would otherwise be emptied for water, sine the water then automatically will flow out of the reservoir 14.

In addition, the side walls are inwardly skewed in each outlet duct, making the outlet narrower in direction towards the outlet end, giving the outlet duct 24 a funnel shape which contributes to increasing the water lever in the system. In the widest end the outlet duct 14 only the back half or the front half of the fish, floating with a transverse orientation, will completely stop against a side of the outlet duct 14, while the opposite end will float further along into the outlet duct 14, whereby the fish is rotated around and enters the outlet duct 14, either with caudal fin or head first As shown in the Figures the reservoir walls and bottom, together with the duct walls and duct bottom are formed of plane surfaces. It should be noted however, that said surfaces of course may be curved surfaces.

The entrance to each outlet duct may preferably also be given a more or less rounded shape, thereby avoiding causing damages to the fish and/or preventing that the fish is allowed to block the entrance of said outlet duct.

Since the outlet ducts are choked at the outlet end, the water level on the reservoir is allowed to build up, contributing to the fish tending to swim towards the outlet duct, since at the opposite end there is not sufficient depth of water due to the inclined bottom towards the drainage table. Further, the duct cross section and the outlet are dimensioned in such way that the fish is allowed to back into the reservoir 11 in case the caudal fin enters the duct first. The shape of the outlet duct 24 of the outlet 14 is configured in such way that the fish may flow out even if it is lying on its side, but at the same time it will be difficult for the fish to turn around again and swim back into the reservoir 11 or leave with the caudal fin first.

Figure 7 shows schematically an alternative embodiment of the reservoir 11 with outlets 14. According to this embodiment the main reservoir 11 is centrally positioned. Further, only two outlets 14 are used, one outlet duct positioned on each side of the reservoir 11. Although only an outlet 14 with one outlet duct 24 is shown on each side, it should be appreciated that each such outlet may be substituted by outlets having two or more outlet ducts 24, such as indicated in the Figures 3-6. According to this solution, the water is introduced through the bottom, centrally at the deepest part of the reservoir 11. The fish may be introduced over one of the side walls of the reservoir 11 or from above. Alternatively, the fish may be pumped up through the inlet of water. Due to the shape of the reservoir 11, the fish will by IE 1 ο 0 0 7 4 swimming forward have its head heading towards an outlet 14, independent of its orientation in the reservoir 11. Hence, the fish will leave the outlet 14 with its head first.

According to such solution, one of or both outlets may be curved so that the free end of the outlets 14 points in same direction.

Figures 8a-8d show different views of an alternative embodiment of the reservoir 11 with outlets, where Figure 8a shows the reservoir 11 seen from the side; Figure 8b shows the reservoir 11 seen from above; Figure 8c shows the reservoir 11 seen from inside the reservoir 11 out through the outlet ducts 14; and Figure 8d shows the reservoir 11 seen in perspective. According to the embodiment shown a narrow inlet 19 for fish and two outlets 14 are used, arranged a distance apart. The inlet 19 into the reservoir 11 is at a level above the bottom of the reservoir 11.

The Figures 9a-9d show different views of a further embodiment of the reservoir 11 with outlet 14, where Figure 9a shows the reservoir 11 with outlet seen from the side; Figure 9b shows the reservoir 11 seen from above; Figure 9c shows the reservoir seen form the reservoir 1 and out through the outlet ducts 14; and Figure 9d shows the reservoir 11 seen in perspective. The only real difference between this embodiment and the embodiment shown in Figures 8a-8d is the shape and the position of the inlet. According to this solution the inlet 19 is wider and has an entrance into the reservoir aligned with the bottom of the reservoir 11.

Figures 10a-10d show different views of a still further alternative embodiment of the reservoir 11 with outlet 14, where Figure 10a shows the reservoir seen from the side; Figure 10b shows the reservoir 11 seen from above; Figure 10c shows the reservoir form the reservoir 11 and out through the outlet ducts 14; and Figure 10d shows the reservoir 11 seen in perspective. According to this embodiment two inlet is connected to the reservoir 11, the inlets being arranged on the opposite sides of the reservoir 11, and two outlets which aiso are arranged on opposite sides of the reservoir, but being two other opposite sides than the sides with the inlets 19.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the reservoir 11 may be connected to means (not shown) for tilting the reservoir 11 or the bottom 20 of the reservoir 11, so that for urgency slaughtering, for example, dead and/or nearly dead fish may slide inside the reservoir 11 towards and out of the outlets 14. For such an embodiment the deepest part of the reservoir 11 will be moved closer to or further away from the outlet 14, dependent upon the direction of tilt. In such way the time taken before the fish swims towards the outlets 14 may be regulated, and hence the amount of fish leaving the outlets and entering the processing line may be adusted correspondingly. fr IE 1 0 0 0 7 4 According to a preferred embodiment the ration between the largest width of the outlet 14, which is in the region of the entrance of the outlet, and the length of the duct should be in the order of approximateiy 1:1. This will mean that if the width of the opening is in the order of about 40-50 cm, then the length of the outlet duct should also be in the order of about 40-50 cm. Further, the ration between the width at the entrance of the outlet 14 and the width at the exit of the outlet should be in the order of about 2:1. This means that that if the entrance is about 50 cm wide, then the width of the exit of the outlet duct 14 may be 25 cm wide. In this context it should be appreciated that for salmon from an aqua marine plant, the width of the exit of the outlet duct 14 should be in the order of 20-30 cm, which implies that the length of the outlet duct should be in the order of 40-60 cm. Correspondingly, the width of the entrance to the outlet duct 14 should be in the order of 40-60 cm.

In addition, it is also desirable that for the same type of use, the water level should be at least 7 cm, preferably 10-15 cm at the exit of the outlet 14. This may imply that the height up to the bending line at the lower part of the outlet duct also should fie within this range. Such water levels and such dimensions of the outlet wili contribute to making it more difficult, if not impossible, for the fish to turn around and swim back out of the outlet duct, once it has entered the outlet duct.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the reservoir 11 may also be provided with movable walls or the like for guiding the fish in a direction towards the outlet duct(s) 14.

It should also be appreciated that the reservoir may be provided with a completely or at least partly light-proof cover (not shown) covering the entire or at least a part of the reservoir, and further be provided with a light source at the outlet end in order to guide the fish towards said outlet end 14.

According to the present invention the buffer tank 18 is filled with water whereupon the circulation pump 15 is started. The pump 15 fills the reservoir 11 with water from the buffer tank 18 and circulates water via the reservoir 11 to the outlet 14 and from the water collecting tank below the outlet 14 and back to the pump 15.

Fish is the guided into the reservoir 11 via a duct 19 or a transporting means. If a fish pump (not shown) is used, the fish leaves the supply duct with a high speed. Such high speed may for example be 3 m/sec.

Water from the pump 15 enters the reservoir 11 at its bottom. This prevents the fish from remain standing with its head towards in upstream direction until it has entered into the outlet duct 14, mainly since the water inlet is arranged directly below the entrance to the outlet ducts 14. The direction of the water flow will the be from the reservoir 11 bottom and out through the outlet ducts 14.

IE 1 0 0074 Fish swimming around in the reservoir 11 will try to find a water current to swim up against. The fish will therefore try to swim against the water flowing up into the reservoir through the inlet in the bottom and thus ending directly into the entrance of the outlet ducts, since the water inlet is lying close to said entrance. The fish will then either chose to turn and swim back into the reservoir 11 or to swim towards the outlet 14 which is the only way out of the reservoir 11. The outlet is also narrowing in direction towards the free end of the outlet ducts, thereby making it more difficult for the fish to turn around once it has entered into the outlet duct 14.

The fish which has chosen to swim back into the reservoir 11 will continue to look for a water current or a way out of the reservoir 11 and will eventually swim back towards the outlet and out together with the water flowing through the outlet ducts 14. This effect is strengthen by making the reservoir 11 as little in volume as possible from a practical point of view.

If the fish is dead or to lifeless to swim, it will be forced towards the entrance by other fish and/or of the water current and flow together with the water towards and out of the outlet 14.

Fish and water are guided from the outlet and into the processing line by means of a duct or a transporter (not shown), with drainage of water and recirculation back to the pump 15.

Although only one inlet 11 for fish is disclosed above, it should be appreciated that it is possible to use two or more inlets 11 without thereby deviating from the inventive idea.

Further, it should be appreciated that the solution with a reservoir according to the alternative shown in Figures 7-10 may be in the form of a closed system. Closed system means here that the inlet 19 for fish 12, the reservoir 11 and the outlets 14 may be closed, covered preferably, but not necessary, with a transparent tight cover on the top, so that the cover closes the system. This implies that the system optionally also may be made of closed pipe elements, such as T-pipes, pipe bends and concentric transitions between the transition to the outlet 14 for making such outlet narrower. By a closed system fish and possible water may be guided in through the iniet 19, for example via a pipe or a duct, possibly directly from the fish pump, in so large a pipe that the velocity of water and fish may be slowed down. Alternatively, the inlet pipe may have a certain length and slope down towards the reservoir 11 so that the reservoir gradually is emptied for water and fish which are flowing out of the pipe and into the reservoir 11. The fish pump may then be used partly for driving the system, in that water supply from the pump 15 then firstly will be started when the water level in the inlet pipe has sunken to a certain level. With such IE 1 ο 0074 low water velocity through the inlet pipe the fish will not be washed out, but will swim around as described above, even if the system is closed.

When water and fish enter centrally into the reservoir, then the fish will not find any suitable places to remain standing, swimming against the water current. As mentioned above, the fish will then instead swim towards the outlet subsequent to coming into the reservoir.

It should be appreciated that that the above solution also is possible with an open system, but the emptying effect may be more simple and more easily be achieved in a complete or partly closed system.

From a clarity point of view features such as inlet for water supply from the pump 15 are not shown in the Figures 3-10.

Claims

1. Fish distribution table (10) intended for uni-directional orientation of live fish (12) for further transfer to a processing line, comprising a water filled reservoir (11) 5 for collecting fish (12) intended to be further transferred, inlet (19) for introducing fish (12), a water source (15) for supply of water for formation of a water current, and one or more outlet ducts (14) being in fluid communication with said reservoir (11), characterized in that the reservoir (11) is configured and shaped in such way that the fish (12) swimming forward is guided into one of the outlet ducts (14) 10 with its head first; that the water source (15) is arranged in such way with respect to the outlet ducts (14) that water flows from the reservoir (11) and out towards and through the outlet ducts (14); and that the water source (15) is placed and arranged in such way that the fish (12) does not find a favorable place to remain standing against the water current.

2. Fish distributing table (10) according to claim 1, wherein said reservoir (11) has a circular, oval or polygonal cross sectional shape.

3. Fish distributing table (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the entire or 20 parts of the inlet (19) for fish (12) is integrated into the reservoir (11) and configured in such way that the fish (12) will not remain standing at the inlet (19), but will move into the reservoir (11).

4. Fish distributing table (10) according to one of the claims 1 -3, wherein the inlet 25 (15,19) for water and/or fish is arranged in the bottom of the reservoir (11).

5. Fish distributing table (10) according to one of the claims 1 -4, wherein the inlet (15,19) is arranged in a side wall of said centrally arranged reservoir (11). 30

6. Fish distributing table (10) according to one of the claims 1 -5, wherein the bottom or the entire fish distributing table (10) may be lifted at its rear end, so that an downwards slope towards the outlet (14) may be provided.

7. , Fish distributing table (10) according to one of the claims 1 -6, wherein 35 movable walls, bulk heads or movable enclosures are arranged in the reservoir (11) in order to increase the capacity and/or the suitability for guiding fish (12) towards the outlets (14). IE 1 0 00 7 4

8. Fish distributing table (10) according to one of the claims 1 -7, wherein the water level in the reservoir (11) and/or at the inlet (19) may be adjusted in order to guide the fish (12) towards the outlet(s)(14) by regulating or varying the volume of water entering the reservoir (11), for example by adjusting the speed of a circulation pump,

9. Fish distributing table (10) according to one of the claims 1 -8, wherein a water jet introduces at the rear end of the reservoir (11), directed towards the outlet(s)(14) is used for moving no-swimming fish (12) to be guided towards the outlets (14).

10. Fish distributing table (10) according to one of the claims 1 -9, wherein the reservoir (11) is in the form of a narrow duct or reservoir which is centrally arranged with respect to each of said at least two different, separated outlet ducts (14).

11. Fish distributing table (10) according to one of the claims 1 -10, wherein the inlet (15,19) for introducing fish (12) and/or water is centrally arranged with respect to said at least two different, separated outlet ducts (14).

12. Fish distributing table (10) according to one of the claims 1-11, wherein said at least one outlet duct (14) at least at its entrance is configured in such way that fish (12) floating together with the water current is prevented from blocking the entrance to the outlet ducts in a traverse position.

13. Fish distributing table (10) according to one of the claims 1 -12, wherein said at least one outlet duct, in particular at its free end, are as narrow at its bottom part as possible, preferably V-shaped up to a certain height.