WO2023194916A1 - Système, procédé et dispositifs de capture et/ou d'élevage d'une espèce marine - Google Patents

Système, procédé et dispositifs de capture et/ou d'élevage d'une espèce marine Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023194916A1
WO2023194916A1 PCT/IB2023/053439 IB2023053439W WO2023194916A1 WO 2023194916 A1 WO2023194916 A1 WO 2023194916A1 IB 2023053439 W IB2023053439 W IB 2023053439W WO 2023194916 A1 WO2023194916 A1 WO 2023194916A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
spool
species
marine species
elongate member
flexible elongate
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2023/053439
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Hare Patau Hohepa TEPANIA
Original Assignee
Maui Inc Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Maui Inc Limited filed Critical Maui Inc Limited
Publication of WO2023194916A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023194916A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K61/00—Culture of aquatic animals
    • A01K61/60—Floating cultivation devices, e.g. rafts or floating fish-farms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K61/00—Culture of aquatic animals
    • A01K61/50—Culture of aquatic animals of shellfish
    • A01K61/54—Culture of aquatic animals of shellfish of bivalves, e.g. oysters or mussels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K79/00—Methods or means of catching fish in bulk not provided for in groups A01K69/00 - A01K77/00, e.g. fish pumps; Detection of fish; Whale fishery
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K61/00—Culture of aquatic animals
    • A01K61/50—Culture of aquatic animals of shellfish
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K61/00—Culture of aquatic animals
    • A01K61/50—Culture of aquatic animals of shellfish
    • A01K61/59—Culture of aquatic animals of shellfish of crustaceans, e.g. lobsters or shrimps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K80/00—Harvesting oysters, mussels, sponges or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K99/00—Methods or apparatus for fishing not provided for in groups A01K69/00 - A01K97/00

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of aquaculture in general, and in particular, to a system and method, and to related devices for capturing and growing a marine species, such as a bivalve mollusc.
  • capturing mussel spat involves mechanical harvesting of large volumes of spat encrusted seaweed using large front-loader machines. Most of New Zealand’s mussels are currently harvested in this manner.
  • the green-lipped mussel Perna canaliculus
  • Perna canaliculus is considered as the most important aquaculture species in Aotearoa, with an estimated total revenue of $381 million in 2019.
  • Greenshell mussels are farmed in the Coromandel (28%), Warkworth/ Kaipara (3%), Malborough (57%), and Canterbury (2%), the majority of spat used in the industry comes from Northland beaches, commonly referred to as “Kataia spat”.
  • this process results in a combination of mussel spat, some seaweed, and a biodegradable stocking that are used to associate the harvested spat with the culture line.
  • mussel spat migrate progressively onto the culture line and bind to it by secreting collagen fibres.
  • Culture lines are also referred to as “grow ropes”, typically deployed in a longline system in shallow coastal waters of 15-30m depth. After 15 to 18 months, the mussels typically reach a size of 90 to 100mm and are harvestable. Significant spat losses occur through this process. In some cases, losses are estimated to be over 90% of the spat harvested.
  • this technique of mussel harvesting is only applicable to situations where the catching aquatic environment is the same as the spat-cultivation environment, such that there is little to no need to transfer spat from one medium to another.
  • This type of system is therefore only applicable to certain species of molluscs or to certain geographical regions.
  • Raft culture is a method of growing mussels using a floating platform with rope or socking material suspended underneath, i.e., from the bottom of the raft.
  • suspended ropes remain fixed in place to both collect spat and maintain mussels through the entire growing cycle.
  • the mussels grow and concentrate, they are thinned out or transferred to socking with a larger mesh size to allow for maximum growth.
  • the raft culture technique of mussel harvesting is only applicable to situations where the catching aquatic environment is the same as the spatcultivation environment, such that there is little to no need to transfer spat from one medium to another. This is only applicable to certain species of molluscs or to certain geographical regions.
  • the catching environment differs from the spat-cultivation environment such that the spat will need to be transferred from one location and medium, to another location and medium. Accordingly, a volume of collected spat must be retrieved, optionally brought ashore, transported, and then manually associated with culture lines or posts in a cultivation farm. There is typically a significant loss in yield associated with this process, as spat are damaged, removed or otherwise compromised when the spat collection medium is loaded onto transportation vehicles, and then again when the spat is transferred from the medium onto the culture lines.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative system or method, and/or associated device, for collecting and/or cultivating a marine species that reduces damage to the species and/or improves yield of the species before and/or after cultivation, and/or that at least provides the public with a useful choice.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist of an apparatus for catching a marine species, the apparatus comprising: a spool; and a flexible elongate member wound about the spool.
  • the flexible elongate member is a string.
  • the flexible elongate member comprises a natural fibrous material.
  • the flexible elongate member is formed from a natural fibrous material.
  • the natural fibrous material comprises Coir.
  • the natural fibrous material may comprise a wool material.
  • the spool comprises a substantially elongate body.
  • the spool comprises a substantially cylindrical main body.
  • the spool comprises a central opening extending through and open at both ends of a main elongate body of the spool.
  • the opening is sized to receive a culture line therethrough.
  • the apparatus is configured for catching a marine species during an early stage of development.
  • the apparatus may be configured for catching the seed, larva, or juvenile forms of a species.
  • the apparatus may be configured for catching the spat of a marine animal species.
  • the apparatus comprises a group of multiple spools collectively coupled to a common frame, base, or housing.
  • each spool in the group is removably coupled to the common frame, base, or housing.
  • each spool in the group is independently removably coupled.
  • the spools in the group are radially spaced about a common axis.
  • the spools are circumferentially spaced about a periphery of the frame, base, or housing.
  • the spools are evenly spaced.
  • the flexible elongate member of each spool is substantially spaced from each adjacent spool.
  • the apparatus comprises a frame having at least one support plate.
  • the support plate comprises a plurality of couplings distributed about the periphery of the plate; each coupling configured to couple a corresponding spool.
  • each coupling is configured to couple an end of the corresponding spool.
  • each coupling is configured to couple the corresponding spool via a friction- fit engagement.
  • each frame comprises a pair of support plates, the pair of plates having alignable couplings for coupling opposing ends of a corresponding spool.
  • each spool comprises a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel with the common axis.
  • the frame, base, or housing comprises at least one connection for connecting the group of spools to a suspension device or system, configured to suspend the group of apparatuses in a submerged position within an aquatic environment.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist of a system for catching a marine species, the system comprising: at least one catching apparatus having: a spool, and a flexible elongate member wound about the spool; and a suspension system configured to suspend each apparatus in a submerged position within an aquatic environment, in situ.
  • the system comprises multiple catching apparatuses suspended by a common suspension system.
  • the multiple apparatuses are spaced along a common suspension line of the suspension system.
  • the suspension system comprises at least one floating device coupled to each apparatus for providing buoyancy to the apparatus within the surface of the aquatic environment, in situ.
  • the apparatus is substantially fully submerged.
  • the suspension system comprises a pair of floating devices coupled to either end of a common line, from which multiple apparatuses are suspended.
  • the suspension system comprises a common line from which multiple apparatuses are suspended and a separate floating device for each apparatus on the common line.
  • the suspension system comprises at least one anchor device coupled to each apparatus for anchoring the submerged apparatus with the bottom of the aquatic environment, in situ.
  • multiple apparatuses are coupled to the anchor device via a common line.
  • the system comprises at least one apparatus group comprising multiple apparatuses collectively coupled to a common frame, base or housing, and the suspension system is configured to suspend one or more apparatus groups within the aquatic environment in situ.
  • each apparatus in the group is removably coupled to the common frame, base, or housing.
  • each apparatus in the group is independently removably coupled.
  • the apparatuses in the group are radially spaced about a common axis.
  • the apparatuses are circumferentially spaced about a periphery of the frame, base, or housing.
  • the apparatuses are evenly spaced.
  • the flexible elongate member of each apparatus is substantially spaced from each adjacent apparatus.
  • each apparatus comprises a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel with the common axis.
  • the frame, base, or housing comprises at least one connection for connecting the group of apparatuses to the suspension system.
  • the suspension system is configured to substantially vertically suspend one or more apparatus(es) and/or apparatus group(s) within the aquatic environment, in situ.
  • the suspension system is configured to substantially horizontally suspend one or more apparatus(es) and/or apparatus group(s) within the aquatic environment, in situ.
  • the suspension system moveably suspends each apparatus or apparatus group in the aquatic environment to allow translational motion, in situ.
  • the translational motion is along at least two substantially orthogonal axes that are substantially parallel to a general plane of the floor or surface of the aquatic environment. More preferably the translational motion is along three substantially orthogonal axes.
  • the system is configured for catching a marine species during an early stage of development.
  • the system may be configured for catching the seed, larva, or juvenile forms of a species.
  • the system may be configured for catching the spat of a marine animal species.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist of a system for catching or growing a marine species, or both, the system comprising: at least one catching apparatus having: a spool, and a flexible elongate member wound about the spool; and at least one culture line.
  • the spool comprises a central opening and the at least one culture line is receivable through the central opening in use.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist of a method for catching a marine species, comprising the steps of submerging at least one apparatus, having a spool and a flexible elongate member wound about the spool within an aquatic environment.
  • the method further comprises suspending the at least one apparatus within the aquatic environment.
  • the step of suspending each apparatus comprises suspending the apparatus in a manner that permits motion within the aquatic environment, in situ.
  • the method comprises suspending multiple apparatuses via a common suspension system, wherein the common suspension system permits independent movements between the multiple apparatuses within the aquatic environment, in situ.
  • the method comprises grouping multiple apparatuses into a single unit and suspending multiple apparatus group units via a common suspension system.
  • the method comprises catching a marine species during an early stage of development.
  • the method may comprise catching the seed, larva, or juvenile forms of a species.
  • the method may comprise catching the spat of a marine animal species.
  • the method comprises submerging the apparatus within the aquatic environment until a viable population of the marine species has recruited onto the flexible elongate member.
  • submerging is for sufficient time to allow the viable population of the marine species to recruit to the elongate flexible member.
  • the method comprises submerging the apparatus within the aquatic environment for approximately 1 week to approximately 30 weeks, more preferably after approximately 4 weeks to approximately 20 weeks, and most preferably between approximately 7 weeks to approximately 15 weeks. In an embodiment the method comprises submerging the apparatus in the aquatic environment for approximately 9 weeks to approximately 13 weeks.
  • the method further comprises identifying that a viable population of the marine species has recruited to the flexible elongate member after submerging the apparatus within the aquatic environment.
  • the step of identifying that a viable population of the marine species has recruited to the elongate flexible member comprises inspecting the flexible elongate member after a desired elapsed time period following initial submergence of the apparatus. In one embodiment inspection is visual inspection. In an embodiment, the step of identifying that a viable population of the marine species has recruited to the elongate flexible member comprises inspecting the flexible elongate member substantially periodically.
  • the elapsed period is between approximately 1 week to approximately 30 weeks, more preferably between approximately 4 weeks to approximately 20 weeks, even more preferably between approximately 7 weeks to approximately 15, and most preferably between approximately 9 weeks to approximately 13 weeks.
  • the step of identifying a viable population of the marine species comprises identifying individual organisms within the population that have reached a desired size.
  • the desired size of the marine species comprises a desired width and/or a desired length of the marine species.
  • the desired size of the marine species is between approximately 1mm to approximately 10mm, more preferably between approximately 1.25mm and approximately 5mm, even more preferably between approximately 1.5mm and approximately 4mm, and most preferably between approximately 2mm and approximately 3 mm.
  • the step of identifying viable population of the marine species is based on determining that the population has reached a desired percentage of coverage of the marine species on the flexible elongate member.
  • the desired percentage of coverage of the marine species is an accumulation of the marine species on at least approximately 50% of a total length of the flexible elongate member, more preferably an accumulation on at least approximately 60% of a total length of the flexible elongate member, even more preferably an accumulation on at approximately 70% of a total length of the flexible elongate member, and most preferably an accumulation of at least approximately 80% of a total length of the flexible elongate member.
  • the step of identifying viable population of the marine species is based on a desired percentage of coverage of a desired size of the marine species, as mentioned above.
  • the step of identifying a viable population of the marine species is based on any combination of two or more of the size, elapsed period and/or percentage of coverage as mentioned above. Preferably it is based on a combination of the size, the elapsed period, and the percentage of coverage, as mentioned above.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist of a method for culturing a marine species comprising the step of transferring the marine species accumulated on an apparatus having a flexible elongate member wound about a spool onto a culture line, by attaching the flexible elongate member to the culture line and moving the culture line relative to the spool to cause the flexible elongate member to continuously unwind from the spool and wrap about a length of the culture line.
  • the flexible elongate member is attached to a leading end of the culture line.
  • moving the culture line relative to the spool comprises moving the culture line axially relative to the spool.
  • the flexible elongate member is a string.
  • the culture line is moved through a central opening of the spool.
  • the method comprises attaching the string to the culture line after wrapping the string about the length of culture line.
  • the string may be attached to a trailing end of the culture line or an intermediate section of the culture line between a leading end and a trailing end.
  • the method comprises submerging and suspending the culture line in a water environment after wrapping the string about the length of culture line.
  • the method comprises coupling a stocking or netting about the culture line wrapping the string about the length of the culture line.
  • the method comprises, prior to transferring the marine species onto the culture line, catching the marine species by submerging the apparatus in an aquatic environment and allowing one or more of the marine species to accumulate on the string of the apparatus.
  • the method comprises, prior to transferring the marine species onto the culture line, transporting the apparatus on a vehicle or vessel by supporting the apparatus on a support that prevents contact of the string with another surface to avoid damage to the marine species.
  • the step of transporting the apparatus comprises supporting the apparatus vertically on the vehicle or vessel.
  • the apparatus may be supported vertically via a vertical shaft coupled to the vehicle or vessel and the method comprises transferring the apparatus onto the vertical shaft prior to transport.
  • the method comprises submerging the apparatus within the aquatic environment until a viable population of the marine species has recruited onto the flexible elongate member. In one embodiment submerging is for sufficient time to allow the viable population of the marine species to recruit to the elongate flexible member.
  • the method comprises submerging the apparatus within the aquatic environment for approximately 1 week to approximately 30 weeks, more preferably after approximately 4 weeks to approximately 20 weeks, and most preferably between approximately 7 weeks to approximately 15 weeks. In an embodiment the method comprises submerging the apparatus in the aquatic environment for approximately 9 weeks to approximately 13 weeks.
  • the method further comprises identifying that a viable population of the marine species has recruited to the flexible elongate member after submerging the apparatus within the aquatic environment.
  • the step of identifying that a viable population of the marine species has recruited to the elongate flexible member comprises inspecting the flexible elongate member after a desired elapsed period of time following initial submergence of the apparatus. In one embodiment inspection is visual inspection. In an embodiment, the step of identifying that a viable population of the marine species has recruited to the elongate flexible member comprises inspecting the flexible elongate member substantially periodically.
  • the elapsed period is between approximately 1 week to approximately 30 weeks, more preferably between approximately 4 weeks to approximately 20 weeks, even more preferably between approximately 7 weeks to approximately 15, and most preferably between approximately 9 weeks to approximately 13 weeks.
  • the step of identifying a viable population of the marine species comprises identifying individual organisms within the population that have reached a desired size.
  • the desired size of the marine species comprises a desired width and/or a desired length of the marine species.
  • the desired size of the marine species is between approximately 1mm to approximately 10mm, more preferably between approximately 1.25mm and approximately 5mm, even more preferably between approximately 1.5mm and approximately 4mm, and most preferably between approximately 2mm and approximately 3 mm.
  • the step of identifying viable population of the marine species is based on determining that the population has reached a desired percentage of coverage of the marine species on the flexible elongate member.
  • the desired percentage of coverage of the marine species is an accumulation of the marine species on at least approximately 50% of a total length of the flexible elongate member, more preferably an accumulation on at least approximately 60% of a total length of the flexible elongate member, even more preferably an accumulation on at approximately 70% of a total length of the flexible elongate member, and most preferably an accumulation of at least approximately 80% of a total length of the flexible elongate member.
  • the step of identifying viable population of the marine species is based on a desired percentage of coverage of a desired size of the marine species, as mentioned above.
  • the step of identifying a viable population of the marine species is based on any combination of two or more of the size, elapsed period and/or percentage of coverage as mentioned above. Preferably it is based on a combination of the size, the elapsed period, and the percentage of coverage, as mentioned above.
  • the method comprises transferring the marine species accumulated on multiple apparatuses onto multiple corresponding culture lines.
  • the method comprises, prior to transferring the marine species accumulated on multiple apparatuses onto multiple corresponding culture lines, catching the marine species by submerging and suspending the multiple apparatuses in an aquatic environment.
  • the method comprises prior to submerging and suspending multiple apparatuses, grouping multiple apparatuses into a single unit, and then submerging and suspending multiple apparatus groups in an aquatic environment.
  • the method comprises, prior to transferring the marine species onto the culture line, transporting the multiple apparatuses on a vehicle or vessel by supporting the apparatuses on the vehicle or vessel in a manner that prevents contact of the string of each apparatus with other surfaces to avoid damage to the marine species on the string.
  • the step of transporting the apparatuses comprises supporting the apparatuses vertically on the vehicle or vessel.
  • the method comprises culturing a marine species during an early stage of development.
  • the method may comprise culturing the seed, larva, or juvenile forms of a species.
  • the method may comprise culturing the spat of a marine animal species.
  • the method comprises identifying the total number of viable seed or spat per given length of string.
  • a given length of string is selected from the group consisting of 10 cm, 100 cm, 200 cm, 300 cm, 500 cm, and 1000 cm.
  • the method comprises identifying the number of developing viable juvenile animals present on a length of culture line that is in contact with a given length of string from which the total number of viable seed or spat is known.
  • the method comprises determining the percentage of viable seed or spat transfer from the string to the culture line based on the identified total number of viable seed or spat per given length of string and the identified number of developing viable juvenile animals present on a corresponding length of culture line.
  • the percentage of viable seed or spat transfer is at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% viable seed or spat transfer, wherein viable seed or spat transfer is determined by comparison of the number of identified viable seed or spat per given length of string with the number of identified viable developing juvenile animals per corresponding length of culture line.
  • the bivalve mollusc is a mussel, clam, or oyster species.
  • the mussel species is selected from the group consisting of Perna canaliculus.
  • the marine species may be a marine plant species.
  • the marine plant species may be a plant species or an algal species.
  • the plant species is a sea grass species.
  • the algal species is a red, green, or brown algal species.
  • the algal species is a seaweed.
  • Fig. 1 is flow diagram of preferred form culture process of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a preferred form catching apparatus of the invention
  • Fig. 3A is a first exemplary embodiment showing the suspension of the apparatus of Fig. 2 in a vertical position
  • Fig. 4A is a third exemplary embodiment showing the suspension of multiple apparatuses of Fig. 2 in vertical positions;
  • Fig. 4B is a fourth exemplary embodiment showing the suspension of multiple apparatuses of Fig. 2 in vertical positions;
  • Fig. 4C is a fifth exemplary embodiment showing the suspension of multiple apparatuses of Fig. 2 in horizontal positions;
  • Fig. 4D is a sixth exemplary embodiment showing the suspension of multiple apparatuses of Fig. 2 in horizontal positions
  • Fig. 4E is a seventh exemplary embodiment showing the suspension of multiple apparatuses of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4F is a perspective view of a frame for connecting multiple apparatuses as utilised in the embodiment of Fig. 4E;
  • Fig. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle transporting multiple apparatuses of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 6 is flow diagram of a preferred form process for cultivating a marine species
  • Figs. 7A-7D show an exemplary embodiment of the stages of transferring a marine species from the apparatus of Fig. 2 to a culture line;
  • Figs. 8 A and 8B are schematics of variations of the spool shape of the apparatus of Fig. 2;
  • Figs. 9A and 9B are photographs of an exemplary apparatus of the invention with mussel spat deposited on the outer and inner walls of the apparatus respectively.
  • an embodiment of an aquaculture method 100 for catching and growing a target marine species is shown.
  • the target marine species is preferably a marine animal species.
  • the method 100 comprises catching and growing a target marine animal species, such as a mollusc or a crustacean species.
  • molluscs include bivalve molluscs, such as mussels, oysters, clams, and other similar shellfish.
  • crustaceans include crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, prawns, and the like.
  • the method may comprise catching a bivalve mollusc species, such as Perna canaliculus (common name - Green lipped mussel).
  • the invention may comprise catching and/or growing a target marine plant species, such as marine plant or algal species, including seaweed species.
  • the method 100, and associated system(s) and apparatus(es) described herein comprise catching a target marine species during an early stage of development of the species, where the species may be in a seed or juvenile form, for instance.
  • the method 100, and associated system(s) and apparatus(es) described herein may also comprise growing the caught species into a more mature or adult form.
  • An exemplary method 100, and associated system(s) and apparatus(es), of the invention will be described with reference to catching and growing the spat of a target marine animal species, such as a bivalve mollusc. This implementation is only exemplary and not intended to be limiting.
  • the early stage of development may be a seed, spore, propagule or other part of a plant or algal thallus that is able to regenerate an entire plant/organism.
  • the method 100 is initiated by submerging and anchoring a catching apparatus, or a system comprising multiple catching apparatuses, in an aquatic environment (stage 110) which is known to contain (or is expected to contain) the target marine species, preferably at an early stage of development of the species.
  • an aquatic environment can be a river, a lake, an estuary, a salt marsh, a mangrove forest, a coral reef, the open ocean, and the deep-sea ocean, for instance.
  • the method 100 comprises submerging the catching apparatus in an aquatic environment containing a bivalve mollusc species, and preferably the spat of the bivalve mollusc species.
  • each catching apparatus After submerging and anchoring the apparatus(es) in stage 110, each catching apparatus is left in the aquatic environment for a period that is sufficient to allow the target marine species, which may be in spat form, to recruit to, and to accumulate on, each apparatus (stage 120).
  • This catching or recruitment period (herein referred to as “catching period”) may be dependent and selected based on the type of marine species, geographical location, as well as the season, for instance. The period may be anywhere between a few weeks to a few months, for example. During this period, each catching apparatus may also act as a natural surrogate for some spat during early stages of development.
  • the catching period may be pre-defined for a particular species and/or environment, or it may be determined in situ, for instance conducting periodic checks on one or more apparatuses to determine if an appropriate yield and/or species size has been achieved.
  • the catching period may be seasonal, or the catching method, species and aquatic environment may enable capture all year round.
  • the catching environment may be a sheltered environment.
  • the method, at step 120 may comprise submerging the apparatus within the aquatic environment for approximately 1 week to approximately 30 weeks, more preferably after approximately 4 weeks to approximately 20 weeks, and most preferably between approximately 7 weeks to approximately 15 weeks. In an embodiment, the method, at step 120, may comprise submerging the apparatus in the aquatic environment for approximately 9 weeks to approximately 13 weeks.
  • the method further comprises identifying that a viable population of the marine species has recruited to the flexible elongate member after submerging the apparatus within the aquatic environment.
  • the step of identification may comprise allowing the apparatus to be submerged for a desired elapsed period.
  • the elapsed period may be between approximately 1 week to approximately 30 weeks, more preferably between approximately 4 weeks to approximately 20 weeks, even more preferably between approximately 7 weeks to approximately 15, and most preferably between approximately 9 weeks to approximately 13 weeks.
  • identification may comprise inspecting at least one of the apparatuses (step 125) after one or more elapsed time periods.
  • the inspection may be a visual inspection.
  • the inspection may be an inspection of at least one apparatus in a system comprising multiple apparatuses, or it may be of each apparatus in a system comprising multiple apparatuses.
  • An appropriate yield and/or size may be determined by visual inspection of a part of one or more apparatuses or the whole apparatus by a skilled inspector.
  • a viable population of the marine species may be identified on an inspected apparatus when individual organisms of the target marine species have reached a desired size.
  • the desired size of the individual organism may comprise a desired width and/or a desired length of the marine species.
  • the desired size of the organism may be between approximately 1mm to approximately 10mm, more preferably between approximately 1.25mm and approximately 5mm, even more preferably between approximately 1.5mm and approximately 4mm, and most preferably between approximately 2mm and approximately 3 mm.
  • a viable population of the marine species may be identified when the population has reached a desired percentage of coverage of the marine species on a target length of the string of an inspected apparatus.
  • the target length may be the total length of the string.
  • the desired percentage of coverage of the marine species is an accumulation of the marine species on at least approximately 50% of a target length of the string, more preferably an accumulation on at least approximately 60% of the target length, even more preferably an accumulation on at approximately 70% of the target length, and most preferably an accumulation of at least approximately 80% of the target length.
  • a viable population of the marine species may be identified a desired percentage of coverage of a desired size of the marine species are identified, as mentioned above.
  • a viable population of the marine species may be identified when any combination of two or more of the size, elapsed period and/or percentage of coverage as mentioned above are identified. Preferably, identification is based on a combination of the size, the elapsed period, and the percentage of coverage, as mentioned above.
  • each apparatus is retrieved from the catching environment (stage 130), optionally transported to a different geographical region or location, and then the species, which may be in spat or juvenile form, is transferred onto an aquaculture farm to continue development to adult form.
  • the species is first transferred from each apparatus onto a corresponding culture line, and then the culture line is submerged in a cultivation aquatic environment (stage 140).
  • the culture line(s) remain submerged for a cultivation period that is sufficient to allow the species to grow into an adult form (stage 150).
  • the cultivation period may be dependent and selected based on the type of marine species, geographical location, as well as the season.
  • the cultivation aquatic environment is generally a more controlled or semicontrolled growing environment relative to the aquatic catching environment.
  • It may be a saltwater pond, river, lake, salt marsh, estuary, the ocean, or a man-made closed marine system on land, and it may be controlled via temperature, currents, composition and/or in any other manner for promoting the growth of the relevant type of marine species.
  • each culture line with the fully grown, adult marine species attached thereto is retrieved from the cultivation aquatic environment, and the species harvested from the culture line using suitable harvesting techniques (stage 160).
  • the catching apparatus 10 comprises a spool 11 and a string 12 wound about the spool 11.
  • string as used herein is intended to mean an elongate flexible member that is relatively thin compared to its length and that is capable of being wound and unwound about another member.
  • the string is substantially slender to minimise an overall diameter and maximise the number of turns per unit of longitudinal length of the spool 11.
  • the spool 11 comprises a main body 13 about which the string 12 is wound.
  • the spool 11 may further comprises a flange at either end, or other protrusion, for containing the string therebetween.
  • the flange(s) may be shaped and sized to also facilitate handling of the apparatus 10 by a user.
  • a separate handle or handles may be provided on the apparatus 10 to facilitate handling by a user.
  • only one end comprises a flange. In the embodiment shown, neither end is flanged.
  • the spool 11 comprises a central opening 16 extending axially through the entire length of the main body 13 such that the spool 11 is open at both ends 14 and 15.
  • the opening 16 is preferably sized to at least comfortably receive a culture line therethrough, during stage 140.
  • the size is preferably maximised without significantly affecting the integrity/rigidity of the outer wall 13a to minimise the overall weight of the apparatus 10.
  • the opening 16 facilitates the transfer, transport and/or storage of the spool 11 on corresponding shafts or rods as will be explained in further detail below. It also facilitates transfer of the string from the spool onto a culture line as at stage 140.
  • only one end 14, 15 may be open and the other end may be closed.
  • the opening 16 may also extend from the one open end partially into the main body 13, or entirely through to the other closed end 15, 14.
  • the main body 13 may be substantially solid with no central opening. It is envisaged that in such embodiments, the apparatus could still be transferred to an aquaculture farm, and the marine species could still be transferred onto a culture line with minimal disruption or damage as will be apparent to the skilled person from this disclosure.
  • the main body 13 of the spool 11 comprises a substantially cylindrical outer peripheral wall 13a.
  • the main body 13 may be substantially elongate, but with an outer wall 13a of a different cross- sectional shape.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the outer wall 13a is preferably substantially curved without any significant edges, comers, or obstructions to allow the string 12 to be closely and tightly wound onto the outer wall 13a of the spool 11 and to be smoothly unwound, in use.
  • the curved outer wall 13a is preferably substantially enclosed without any gaps along the cross-sectional profile. However, gaps that are unobstructive to the wound string may exist in some cases.
  • the outer wall 13a may be substantially smooth.
  • the outer wall 13a may comprise one or more formations to promote coupling and/or retention of the string on the outer wall 13a.
  • a helical groove may be formed in the outer wall 13a, for instance, to facilitate winding and coupling of a string about the spool.
  • a roughened surface may also promote retention of the string about the spool, in situ.
  • the outer surface 13 may also comprise a substantially consistent diameter and/or width along a substantially or an entire portion of its length to maintain an even rate of unwinding, as will be explained in further detail below.
  • the curved outer wall is substantially annular in cross-section.
  • Figs. 8A and 8B provide examples of other potential cross-sectional shapes of the curved outer wall 13a of the spool 11.
  • the spool may comprise substantially oval outer wall 13a, for instance.
  • the spool may comprise a substantially rectangular cross-section with smoothly curved edge.
  • the spool 11 may comprise an outer surface 13 configured to attract a desired marine species.
  • the outer surface 13 may comprise a surface material, colour, shade, hue and/or pattern that reflects light in a manner that is attractive to the desired marine species.
  • the outer surface 13 may be white, green, or orange to attract a particular marine animal species.
  • the main body 13 may further comprise an aperture adjacent one or both ends 14, 15 through which a corresponding end of the string 12 is threaded. Inside the opening 16, the end of the string 12 may be knotted, adhered, or otherwise coupled to an attachment formation or means for coupling the end of the string inside the opening 16 and preventing inadvertent unravelling of the string 12.
  • the spool 11 is preferably formed from a material and/or structure that is substantially rigid and submergible in water, but that is also sufficiently lightweight to be lifted and manipulated by a human operator.
  • the spool 11 may be formed from a plastics material, such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) for instance and may comprise of a weight of up to approximately 20kg for a size of approximately l-2m long and 50-250mm diameter, for instance.
  • PVC Polyvinyl Chloride
  • the spool 11 comprises a material composition that is also substantially corrosion resistant and that is chemically neutral or conducive to hosting spat and natural materials, such as natural fibre strings.
  • the string 12 comprises a sufficiently rough or non-smooth surface texture to promote attachment and accumulation of a marine species thereon in use, e.g., the spat of a mollusc species.
  • the string comprises a natural fibre material, such as Coir.
  • the string may additionally or alternatively comprise a wool, such as a sheep’s wool.
  • the string 12 is preferably also of a sufficient length such that it may wrap about the spool 11 sufficient times to cover a substantial portion of the main body 13.
  • a length of 50-200m of string may be used, for instance.
  • a string having a harder natural fibrous structure such as, Manila, Sisal or Coir is preferred as the structure can assume the tight winds of the spool 11. Natural fibres are also conducive to attracting and hosting hydroids and larval/early stage spat.
  • a first end of a string 12 is first attached to a corresponding end of the spool 11, and then the string is wound about the outer wall 13a of the main body in a helical manner.
  • the pitch and number of rotations is selected to promote the collection and attachment of the marine species, in situ.
  • the string 12 is preferably tightly wound about the outer wall 13a with no or minimal overlap between successive winds to promote collection and attachment of the marine species.
  • the diameter of the main body 13 is predetermined to achieve this desired level of pitch and number of rotations for the application.
  • a groove about the spool may facilitate in winding the string about the spool in this manner.
  • An opposing end of the string 12 is preferably attached to the other opposing end of the spool 11 to complete assembly.
  • the apparatus 10 in use and at stage 110 of the preferred method, is submerged in a body of water 5 (within a catching aquatic environment) and anchored in a suitable position between the surface 5A and bottom 5B of the body of water 5 using a suspension mechanism, including a float 3 and an anchor 4.
  • the apparatus 10 is fully submerged in water.
  • the apparatus may also be submerged at any depth that is required to maximise catchment of the desired type and/or stage of development of a marine species. For instance, it may be submerged close to the surface of the water to catch spat of a bivalve mollusc species.
  • the suspension mechanism is coupled to the apparatus via a flexible member, such as a flexible line of rope 3A.
  • the apparatus 10 is permitted to move a suitable distance from a reference location with the natural ocean currents, in situ, to promote and enhance catchment of a marine species.
  • the apparatus 10 is preferably movably anchored in position, as opposed to being fixedly anchored, to allow for a predetermined level of displacement from a reference position, in situ.
  • the suspension mechanism preferably movably suspends each apparatus within the aquatic environment to permits translational movements.
  • the translational movements are permitted along at least two substantially orthogonal axes, which are both substantially parallel to a general plane of the ocean floor or the ocean surface, in situ.
  • the minor movements are allowed by the suspension system across three orthogonal axes.
  • the suspension system also permits rotational movements of each apparatus along at least one, more preferably at least two, and most preferably three substantially orthogonal axes.
  • the movements permitted are relatively minor meaning that the entire system 1 is maintained within a containment region defined by the length of the line 4A between the anchor 4 and the float 3.
  • the anchor device 4 is a weighted mass that has a structure capable of hooking the earth at the bottom 5B of the body of water 5.
  • the floating mechanism 3 is preferably a separate floating device 3, such as a buoy.
  • the floating mechanism may be integral part of the apparatus 10.
  • the spool 11 may comprises a substantially buoyant main body 13 or component connected to the main body 13, for instance.
  • the spool 11 is formed from a submergible and non-buoyant body and connected to a separate float device 3.
  • the apparatus 10 is connected to the float device 3 via a flexible line of rope 3 A, as shown in Fig. 3 A, or lines 3 A and 3B as shown in Fig. 3B.
  • the anchor 4 is connected directly to the float 3 via a flexible line of rope 4A.
  • Fig. 3 A a configuration is shown where the apparatus 10 is anchored in a substantially vertical position where the longitudinal axis 17 of the apparatus is substantially perpendicular or angled relative to the general axis/axes of the surface and/or floor of the body of water.
  • a single line of rope 3A for example, is coupled between the end 14 of the spool 11 and the float device 3.
  • the length of line 3 A is selected to achieve the desired depth of submersion.
  • the apparatus 10 is preferably removably coupled to the suspension mechanism (i.e., to float 3 and anchor 4) to re-use or replace the apparatus when required.
  • a coupling mechanism may be provided at an end of line 3A to removably couple the respective end 14 of the spool 11.
  • the apparatus 10 is submerged in a substantially horizontal orientation where the longitudinal axis 17 is substantially parallel to the general axis/axes of the surface 5A and/or floor 5B of the body of water 5.
  • a line of rope 3 A, 3B is coupled between each end 14, 15 of the spool 11 and the float device 3 to achieve the desired orientation.
  • a coupling mechanism may be provided at an end of each line 3 A, 3B to removably couple the respective ends 14, 15 of the spool 11.
  • the relative lengths between lines 3 A and 3B will determine the angle at which the apparatus is generally submerged in situ, relative to the surface and/or bottom of the body of water. In some embodiments, an angle that is not vertical or horizontal may be selected to maximise yield.
  • the type of suspension and orientation of the apparatus 10 may be selected dependent on the time of the year for instance to maximise yield.
  • the apparatus 10, including the float 3, anchor 4 and associated attachment lines 3A/3B and 4A of Figs. 3 A and 3B form a catching system 1.
  • the catching system 1 includes a single apparatus 10 coupled to each float and anchor mechanism. Multiple systems 1 may be submerged in a catching region to achieve the desired level of yield from a particular environment.
  • the apparatuses 10 may all be of the same shape, size, and structure, or in some embodiments may comprise any combination of apparatuses 10 which may be varied in shape, size and/or structure as herein described.
  • the system 1 comprises multiple apparatuses 10 coupled to a common suspension mechanism.
  • the apparatuses 10 may all be of the same shape, size, and structure, or in some embodiments the system 1 may comprise any combination of apparatuses 10 which may be varied in shape, size and/or structure as herein described.
  • the multiple apparatuses 10 are preferably connected or otherwise operatively coupled to the same suspension mechanism or system, which may consist of at least a float device 3 and an anchor 4 connected to the apparatuses via respective lines.
  • the suspension mechanism allows for movement of the apparatuses 10 with ocean currents to maximise yield as described in relation to Figs. 3 A and 3B.
  • the system may comprise a network of apparatuses 10 that are distributed in a manner that maximises catchment or yield for a particular region, and type and/or stage of development of a marine species.
  • FIG. 4A a first exemplary configuration of a system 1 comprising multiple apparatuses 10 arranged in a similar orientation to Fig. 3 A is shown.
  • the apparatuses 10 are spaced along a common line of rope 6 and are connected to the common line 6 via respective lines 3A.
  • a coupling mechanism may be provided at an end of each line 3A to removably couple the respective end 14 of each spool 11.
  • FIG. 4B an alternative arrangement is shown, similar to the configuration of Fig. 4A, but with intermediate floating devices 3 provided along the length of common line 6, and preferably at or adjacent each spool 11.
  • FIG. 4C another exemplary configuration of a system 1 comprising multiple apparatuses 10 arranged in a similar orientation to Fig. 3B is shown.
  • the apparatuses 10 are spaced along a common line of rope 6 and are connected to the common line 6 via respective lines 3A, 3B (only referenced on one of the apparatuses 10).
  • a coupling mechanism may be provided at an end of line 3, 3B to removably couple the respective end 14, 15 of each spool 11.
  • FIG. 4D an alternative arrangement is shown, similar to the configuration of Fig. 4C, but with intermediate floating devices 3 provided along the length of common line 6, and preferably at or adjacent each spool 11.
  • FIGs. 4E and 4F another exemplary configuration of a system 1 comprising multiple apparatuses grouped together into a single unit (herein referred to as an apparatus group 18), with each apparatus group 18 being connected to and spaced along the common line rope 6.
  • Each apparatus group 18 comprises multiple apparatuses 10 collectively arranged and coupled to a common frame 19.
  • the frame 19 may alternatively or additionally form a base or housing for the apparatuses in each group 18.
  • Each apparatus group 18 may be connected to the common line 6 via a respective line 3A.
  • the line 3A may be coupled to the frame 19 of each apparatus group 18 or directly to one or more apparatuses 10 in the group 18.
  • each apparatus group 18 in an assembled state of each apparatus group 18, the apparatuses 10 are radially spaced and distributed about a common central axis 21.
  • the apparatuses 10 are preferably evenly distributed about the common central axis.
  • the apparatuses may be circumferentially spaced about a periphery of the frame 19. It is preferred that the apparatuses 10 are spaced such that string 12 of each apparatus 10 in the group 18 does not contact each adjacent apparatus 10 to provide space for the collection and initial growth of a target marine species.
  • a longitudinal axis of each apparatus 10 extends substantially in parallel with the common central axis 21.
  • the frame 19 of each group 18 comprises a plurality of connected support surfaces, each configured to contact with a corresponding apparatus 10 in an assembled state of the group 18, to group the apparatuses into a single, connected unit.
  • the plurality of connected support surfaces are provided at either end of the frame 19 to contact and support either end 14, 15 of each apparatus 10 in the group 18.
  • a first set of connected support surfaces is provided via first plate member 22 for a first end 14 of the apparatuses 10 and a second set of connected support surfaces is provided via second plate member 23 for a second end 15 of apparatuses 10.
  • only one plate member may be provided.
  • the plate members 22 and 23 are connected to one another in an assembled form of the frame 19 via a central shaft 21, forming common central axis 21.
  • Plate member 22 preferably comprises a substantially annular cross-sectional and/or outer periphery profile, and the corresponding connected support surfaces are distributed about this profile. In this manner, the apparatuses 10 couple about an annular envelope of the frame 19 in an assembled state of each group 18.
  • the plate member 22 may comprise an annular outer ring 22A, a central opening 22B, and one or more reinforcement struts 22C connecting the central opening 22B to the annular ring 22.
  • the struts 22C may be radially spaced about the common axis 21 and the apparatuses may locate between the struts 22C in an assembled state of each group 18.
  • the central opening 22B is configured to receive a corresponding end of the shaft 21 and may comprise an internal thread in some embodiments.
  • the plate member 22 may alternatively be a solid or partially solid plate with an annular cross-section and/or periphery and a central opening. In another configuration, the member 22 may not be annular but rectangular or comprising any other cross-sectional shape to achieve a desired grouping and/ distribution of the apparatuses 10.
  • the plate 22 comprises a plurality of couplings in the form of support collars 22D that are distributed about the periphery of the outer ring 22A.
  • the collars 22D are preferably substantially evenly distributed about the outer ring 22A and form the support surfaces of the plate 22.
  • Each collar 22D is configured to couple a complementary end 14 of a corresponding apparatus 10 to releasably connect the apparatus to the plate 22.
  • the collar 22D and end 14 are preferably connected via a friction fit engagement.
  • Each collar 22D is configured to couple over the end 14, however, it will be appreciated in alternative embodiments the collar 22D may couple within the end 14.
  • Another or an alternative fixing mechanism may be provided to connect each collar to the corresponding apparatus 10.
  • the other plate member 23 preferably comprises a similar or same shape as member 22. However, in some embodiments this may not be the case.
  • Plate member 23 preferably comprises a substantially annular cross-sectional and/or outer periphery profile, and the corresponding connected support surfaces are distributed about this profile. In this manner, the apparatuses 10 couple about an annular envelope of the frame 19 in an assembled state of each group 18.
  • the plate member 23 may comprise an annular outer ring 23A, a central opening 23B, and one or more reinforcement struts 23C connecting the central opening 23B to the annular ring 23.
  • the struts 23C may be radially spaced about the common axis 21 and the apparatuses may locate between the struts 23 C in an assembled state of each group 18.
  • the central opening 23B is configured to receive a corresponding end of the shaft 21 and may comprise an internal thread in some embodiments to couple an external thread at a corresponding end of the shaft 21.
  • the plate member 23 may alternatively be a solid or partially solid plate with an annular cross-section and/or periphery and a central opening. In another configuration, the member 23 may not be annular but rectangular or comprising any other cross-sectional shape to achieve a desired grouping and/ distribution of the apparatuses 10.
  • the plate 23 comprises a plurality of support collars 23D that are distributed about the periphery of the outer ring 23 A. The collars 23D are preferably substantially evenly distributed about the outer ring 23 A and form the support surfaces of the plate 23.
  • the collars 23D are alignable with collars 22D.
  • Each collar 23D is configured to couple a complementary other end 15 of a corresponding apparatus 10 to releasably connect the apparatus to the plate 23.
  • the collar 23D and end 15 are preferably connected via a friction fit engagement.
  • Each collar 23D is configured to couple over the end 15, however, it will be appreciated in alternative embodiments the collar 23D may couple within the end 15.
  • Another or an alternative fixing mechanism may be provided to connect each collar to the corresponding apparatus 10.
  • Six collars 22D, 23D are shown for each plate 22, 23, to connect the frame 19 to six apparatuses. It will be appreciated that any number of collars and apparatuses may be provided to form the apparatus group 18.
  • the size and distribution of the collars 22D, 23D may be dictated by the cross-section diameter/width of each apparatus to ensure a sufficient spacing exists between the apparatuses in the group 18.
  • the size and distribution of the collars 22D, 23D may also be dictated by the maximum acceptable weight of an apparatus group 18, for operator handling.
  • the apparatuses 10 are preferably removably coupled to frame 19 so that they may be independently handled, when appropriate.
  • the frame 19 preferably also comprises at least one connection or attachment point at one or both ends to allow the frame 19 to couple the frame 19 to a corresponding float line 3 A and/or anchor line, for suspension.
  • an eyelet 24 may be provided on a fixing member or at an end of the shaft 21 to provide an attachment for float line 3 A.
  • one or more apparatuses may be directly coupled to the float line 31 as per the embodiments of Figs. 3 A-4D.
  • each apparatus 10 is individually located and fitted between corresponding support collars 22D, 23D of the frame members 22, 23.
  • a central shaft 21 is then inserted through the central openings 22B and 23B of the frame members 22 and 23 and fixed at either end to the frame members 22 and 23 via an appropriate fixing mechanism.
  • the fixing mechanism may be a nut 25 with an eyelet 24 for at least one end of the shaft 21.
  • the assembled apparatus group 10 may then be connected to a line 6 via the eyelet 24 or any other attachment provided on the frame 19 and/or on one or more of the apparatuses 10 in the group 18.
  • the shaft 21 is disconnected from one or both frame plates 22 and/or 23 first, and then one or both frame plates 22 and/or 23 are removed to release the apparatuses 10.
  • the frame 19 may be a common housing or base that is configured to releasably couple and accommodate the multiple apparatuses 10 in a predefined configuration.
  • the frame, housing or base may comprise one or more fixing mechanisms or formations for coupling to each of the apparatuses in the group.
  • the end of each spool may be formed to have formations or couplings that may releasably couple corresponding formations or couplings of a base, housing, or frame.
  • Each apparatus group 18 may be submerged and then retrieved from the aquatic environment as one unit via the common frame 19.
  • the apparatus group 18 may be transported to a culturing environment as a common unit, and then disassembled prior to the culturing stage for individually associated each flexible member with a corresponding culture line, as herein described.
  • a pair of floating devices 3 are provided at either end of the common line 6 as shown.
  • a single or multiple intermediate floating devices 3 may be utilised (as shown in Figs. 4B, 4D and 4E) as required or desired by the application.
  • the floats 3 may be distributed evenly along common line 6 and are preferably at or adjacent each spool 11 or apparatus group 18.
  • the apparatuses 10 or apparatus groups 18 are also anchored to anchoring device 4 via the line 4A.
  • the system 1 may comprise a raft or other floating body having a support surface for carrying at least one person, and the apparatus(es) 10 or apparatus groups 18 may be connected to the raft or body, and suspended and submerged therefrom, with or without anchors 4.
  • the suspension mechanism permits movement of the apparatuses 10 with the ocean currents.
  • the suspension system permits independent movements between the multiple apparatuses 10 or apparatus groups 18.
  • each apparatus 10 or apparatus group 18 is coupled via a flexible line 3A to the suspension mechanism.
  • the entire collection of apparatuses 10 or apparatus groups 18 is also coupled via a flexible line 6 to the suspension mechanism.
  • each apparatus 10 can be easily retrieved from the aquatic catching environment by a user, with minimal disruption to the species accumulated on the corresponding string 12.
  • each apparatus 10 can be retrieved from the body of water at stage 130, either by hand or using an appropriate tool.
  • a user may first pull the float line to draw in and retrieve the apparatuses 10 or apparatus groups 18 one by one.
  • a user may handle each apparatus at the ends 14, 15, or an apparatus in a group via the respective ends 14, 15, or the frame 19 of the apparatus group 18, to avoid grasping the coiled string 12.
  • a user may optionally utilise a shaft through the central opening 16 to help pull and carry the spool 11 or a group of spools 11 out of the water.
  • a visual inspection may be performed first by a user on a part of or a whole apparatus 10 to determine if the caught species has reached the desirable yield, size and/or stage of development. Any suitable method for visual inspection may be performed. For instance, a portion of the string 12 may be retrieved from one of the apparatuses and inspected for caught spat. The spat may be removed from the string first to enable inspection of size and/or count. For instance, the retrieved portion of string 12 may be washed in a solution, and then the solution drained to inspect the size and/or count of the spat. For a mussel application, a 2-3 mm hard-shell with reasonable density may be a desired/optimal result for the catching phase.
  • the method 100 further comprises identifying the total number of viable species, which may be in a seed or spat form, per given length of string.
  • a given length of string is selected from the group consisting of 10 cm, 100 cm, 200 cm, 300 cm, 500 cm, and 1000 cm.
  • the retrieved apparatus 10 or apparatus group 18 is transferred onto a holding mechanism 30, such as a holding shaft of a transportation vehicle 20 to be transferred to a cultivation region.
  • the rod and/or holding shaft may each comprise an outer profile that is complementary to the periphery of the opening 16 of the spool 11.
  • the rod and/or shaft 30 may comprise an annular cross-sectional profile to complement the annular cross-section of the opening 16.
  • complementary nonannular cross-sectional profiles may be utilised for the rod and/or shaft 30 and corresponding spool opening 16 to substantially inhibit rotation of the spool about the rod and/or shaft.
  • the rod may be directly mountable on the vehicle/vessel so as to form the shaft 30 in situ.
  • the holding mechanism of the vehicle/vessel 20 preferably suspends the apparatus such that there is space about the entire periphery of the spool 11.
  • the apparatus is protected from any contact between the string and another surface during transport to preserve and prevent damage of the species that has accumulated thereon.
  • the shaft 30 may be substantially vertically oriented so that the apparatus 10 is held in a substantially vertical manner and suitably spaced from other adjacent apparatuses to avoid pressure and damage to the spat. Multiple apparatuses 10 may be vertically supported on a single shaft 30.
  • the vehicle/vessel 20 may comprise a couple mechanism for coupling the frame 19 of an apparatus group 18 to the vehicle/vessel in a manner that preserves and prevents damage to the caught species during transport.
  • This method of transferring the submerged apparatus 10 onto a transportation vehicle/vessel causes minimal disruption to the species that has accumulated on the outer string 12.
  • a user may further handle or manipulate the apparatus 10 during stage 130 by grabbing ends 14, 15 which also helps to avoid disturbing the species on the outer string 12.
  • the weight of the apparatus 10 allows for such handling and control to avoid damaging the species.
  • each apparatus 10 is removed from the vehicle/vessel by an operator, and then the string 12 with the accumulated species, is transferred from the spool 11 onto a culture line 40 (stage 140).
  • an apparatus group 18 may be disassembled to release each apparatus 10 within the group 18.
  • a preferred method for achieving the transfer of species is outlined in Fig. 6 and exemplified in Figs. 7A-7D. Note that in Figs. 7A-7D the caught species is not shown on the string 12 of the apparatus 10 so not to occlude the string in the Figures and aid with visualization and understanding of the invention. It will be appreciated that a species will collect on the string 12 and stages 141-145 of Fig. 6 are to be performed with the collected species on the string transferring from the spool 11 onto the culture line 40.
  • the culture line is preferably a flexible line, such as rope 40.
  • one end of the string 12 is detached from the spool 11 and attached to an end 41 of the culture line 40 instead (step 141).
  • the culture line 40 is inserted in the opening 16 of the spool 11 and the spool 11 and line 40 are moved axially relative to one another, along the length of the culture line 40 and toward an opposing end 42 (step 142).
  • the string will unwind from the spool 11 and about the culture line 40.
  • the rate of relative movement between the spool and culture line may be controlled in this stage to achieve a desired pitch for the turns of the string about the culture line.
  • the spool 11 When the spool 11 reaches the opposing end 42, the other end of the string 12 is detached from the spool and attached to the end 42 of the culture line 40 instead, to thereby fix the string 12 about the culture line 40 (step 143). At this stage, the spool 11 may be removed and reused for another capturing stage.
  • the culture line 40 is submerged in the cultivation water environment (step 144).
  • a netting or stocking 43 may be then coupled about each culture line 40 to minimise detachment of and protect the species during growth.
  • a biodegradable material may be utilised for the netting. Steps 141-144 may be repeated for multiple culture lines and corresponding apparatuses 10 (step 145) within an aquafarm.
  • a rope of other flexible length of supporting material is used as the culture line 40 and is dropped through the central opening 16 of the spool 11 (at step 142) to unravel the string 12 from the spool 11 and simultaneously wrap it around the line, as the line 40 drops directly into the cultivation water.
  • the culture line 40 may be pulled through by an operator or device at a controlled rate.
  • the spool may be moved over a pillar or other more rigid culture line 40, which may be already affixed to the culturing environment. This method of transferring the caught species from the spool onto the culture line 40 results in minimal disturbance to the species and maximises yield during harvest.
  • a cross-sectional width and/or diameter of the culture line 40 is substantially less than the cross-sectional width and/or diameter of opening 16 of the spool 11.
  • the culture line 40 may comprise a cross-sectional width and/or diameter of between approximately 10mm to 100mm, or between approximately 30mm to 80mm, or between approximately 40mm to 60mm.
  • the spool opening 16 may comprise a relatively greater cross-sectional width and/or diameter of between approximately 20mm to 200mm, or between approximately 50mm to 150mm, or between approximately 90mm to 130mm.
  • the cross-sectional width and/or diameter of the culture line 40 is preferably also substantially greater than the cross-sectional width and/or diameter of string 12. In this manner, the number of windings of the string 12 about the culture line 40 is maximised.
  • the string 12 may comprise a cross-sectional width and/or diameter of approximately 1mm to 1mm for instance.
  • the cross-sectional width and/or diameter of the string 12 is also selected to maximise the length and number of windings of the string 12 for a given spool surface area, while maintaining a sufficient surface area for catching and initially growing the target marine species.
  • the length of the string may be, for example, between Im to 20m.
  • the length of the spool may be, for example, 30cm to 200cm.
  • multiple spools may be unwound onto a single, common culture line.
  • each culture line 40 may be retrieved and the grown species, e.g., molluscs, scraped off or otherwise harvested using known harvesting techniques.
  • the method 100 further comprises identifying the number of developing viable juvenile animals present on a length of culture line that is in contact with a given length of string from which the total number of viable spat is known.
  • the method 100 further comprises determining the percentage of viable species transfer, which may be in the seed or spat from, from the string to the culture line based on the identified total number of viable species per given length of string and the identified number of developing viable juvenile animals present on a corresponding length of culture line.
  • length of culture line in this context refers to the length of culture line that has been wound around by a given length of viable spat containing string as described herein.
  • a given length of spat containing string may be 1000 cm, and a corresponding length of culture line would be determined by the length of culture line around which the 1000 cm of string was wound.
  • the absolute length of the corresponding length of culture line will vary depending on how the string is wound around the culture line. Accordingly, it is believed that it is well within the skill in the art to determine, based on a given length of viable spat containing string, the length of the corresponding length of culture line.
  • the percentage of viable spat transfer is at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% viable spat transfer, wherein viable spat transfer is determined by comparison of the number of identified viable spat per given length of string with the number of identified viable developing juvenile animals per corresponding length of culture line.
  • Each apparatus is operationally light and easy to manage/transport at and from sea and on land, making the entire process of handling simpler and less destructive to the accumulated species, resulting in higher yields;
  • the string, tightly wound on the associated spool can naturally unravel from/spiral off the spool and onto the culture line which ensures transfer of caught species onto the culture line with minimal disruption;
  • the string is preferably formed from a natural and biodegradable material, and the spool is recyclable/reusable meaning the system 1 is more environmentally friendly;
  • a system as per Fig. 4A-4D can be transported and set approximately 2-3 Km offshore, via anchor, at defined way points.
  • the system when left out for approximately 4-5 weeks, allows spat to recruit to the coir spools.
  • coir has proven itself to be a natural fibre extremely well suited to hosting larval/early-stage mussel spat.
  • Deployment of the system 1 causes microscopic hydroids to attach to the coir string of each apparatus 10. The hydroids catch the larval spat, who in turn, attach to the coir string.
  • the coir string acts as a natural surrogate for the spat and at around 4 - 5 weeks, the spat can be seen on the coir string spool.
  • Figs. 9A and 9B respectively show photographed images of spat deposited on the outer string and inner wall of a coir spool retrieved after this period. Spat deposited on the inner wall (Fig. 9B) of the spool is additional to that collected on the coir string (Fig. 9A).
  • the coir spools can be brought ashore and then transported by land in a vertical orientation to a mussel farm. At the mussel farm, one end of the coir string is tied to the dropper culture line. As the coir string (with spat attached) spools off the spool, it naturally spirals onto the culture line. A biodegradable stocking can be used to further protect/ secure the mussel spat, allowing it to attach to the culture line.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Farming Of Fish And Shellfish (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des procédés, et des systèmes et des dispositifs associés pour recruter et élever une espèce marine, telle qu'une espèce de crustacé ou une espèce de mollusque bivalve, comprenant l'utilisation d'un appareil de capture de naissain ayant une corde enroulée autour d'une bobine. L'appareil de capture de naissain peut être immergé dans un environnement aquatique pour collecter le naissain. Après recrutement d'une population viable sur la bobine, l'appareil peut être manipulé hors de l'environnement aquatique et transporté vers un autre environnement aquatique pour l'élevage avec une perturbation minimale du naissain recruté. Le transfert du naissain de la bobine vers une ligne d'élevage peut également être obtenu avec une perturbation minimale du naissain recruté, par déplacement de la ligne d'élevage le long de la bobine pour dérouler la corde de la bobine sur la ligne élevage. Les avantages comprennent un rendement et des taux de mortalité améliorés, et moins de perturbation de l'environnement par rapport aux techniques classiques de capture, de transport et élevage d'espèces marines.
PCT/IB2023/053439 2022-04-07 2023-04-05 Système, procédé et dispositifs de capture et/ou d'élevage d'une espèce marine WO2023194916A1 (fr)

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Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3029785A (en) * 1957-07-01 1962-04-17 Maheo Henri Device for collecting oyster seed
JPH0970235A (ja) * 1995-09-05 1997-03-18 Kazuhiro Toyama 付着性二枚貝種苗のロープ巻付式沖出し法
FR2850530A1 (fr) * 2003-02-05 2004-08-06 Patrick Costentin Procede d'enveloppement des cordes a naissains utilisees pour la culture des moules et machine permettant la mise en oeuvre de ce procede
EP1588610A1 (fr) * 2004-04-23 2005-10-26 Simon August Lenger Système de ramassage de naissains de moules
AU2005225144A1 (en) * 2004-10-27 2006-05-11 Kenneth Andrew Joines Improvements in or relating to mussel seeding
EP1852015A1 (fr) * 2006-05-05 2007-11-07 Simon August Lenger Système d'élevage et ramassage de naissains de moules ainsi que corps flottant utillisé dans ce système
NZ556110A (en) * 2007-06-22 2009-06-26 Christopher Allen Hensley Spat cultivation with warp carrying looms sandwiching weed spat as a substitute carrier
FR2964827A1 (fr) * 2010-09-16 2012-03-23 B M T S Dispositif pour la reception et la mise en place d'une corde a moules sur un pieu mytilicole, et procede correspondant
WO2021255714A1 (fr) * 2020-06-19 2021-12-23 The Cawthron Institute Trust Board Appareil, ensemble et procédé destinés à être utilisés dans des environnements marins à haute énergie

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3029785A (en) * 1957-07-01 1962-04-17 Maheo Henri Device for collecting oyster seed
JPH0970235A (ja) * 1995-09-05 1997-03-18 Kazuhiro Toyama 付着性二枚貝種苗のロープ巻付式沖出し法
FR2850530A1 (fr) * 2003-02-05 2004-08-06 Patrick Costentin Procede d'enveloppement des cordes a naissains utilisees pour la culture des moules et machine permettant la mise en oeuvre de ce procede
EP1588610A1 (fr) * 2004-04-23 2005-10-26 Simon August Lenger Système de ramassage de naissains de moules
AU2005225144A1 (en) * 2004-10-27 2006-05-11 Kenneth Andrew Joines Improvements in or relating to mussel seeding
EP1852015A1 (fr) * 2006-05-05 2007-11-07 Simon August Lenger Système d'élevage et ramassage de naissains de moules ainsi que corps flottant utillisé dans ce système
NZ556110A (en) * 2007-06-22 2009-06-26 Christopher Allen Hensley Spat cultivation with warp carrying looms sandwiching weed spat as a substitute carrier
FR2964827A1 (fr) * 2010-09-16 2012-03-23 B M T S Dispositif pour la reception et la mise en place d'une corde a moules sur un pieu mytilicole, et procede correspondant
WO2021255714A1 (fr) * 2020-06-19 2021-12-23 The Cawthron Institute Trust Board Appareil, ensemble et procédé destinés à être utilisés dans des environnements marins à haute énergie

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