Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and transport system for conditioning micro algae grown in a commercial farm and transporting to a final destination while maintaining conditions that allow the microalgae to remain alive and healthy during transit.

Abstract: A packaging assembly includes first insulation blocks, second insulation blocks, and third insulation blocks, each insulation block arranged in contact with at least one other insulation block to define a void, the packaging assembly including at least one enclosure, the insulation blocks at least partially surrounded by the at least one enclosure.

Abstract: A packaging assembly includes first insulation blocks, second insulation blocks, and third insulation blocks, each insulation block arranged in contact with at least one other insulation block to define a void, the packaging assembly including at least one enclosure, the insulation blocks at least partially surrounded by the at least one enclosure.

Abstract: A moveable vehicle such as a truck, railway carriage, or the like is structured and dimensioned to enable the transportation of products including live aquatic species such as fish in a refrigerated condition. The vehicle includes insulating and heat exchange layers which when utilized to transport live aquatic species may maintain them in a dormant state by temperature controls within the refrigeration system. A water spraying assembly provides a humidity and oxygen level for disposing of waste and also enables the spraying of fog to provide effective humidity between spraying cycles. Any existing animal waste is treated in the water and a recirculation or closed loop system is provided. A product storage area facilitates loading and unloading and a separate storage room may be provided to house the systems equipment or optionally may be attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a beverage comprising: a bottle; a bladder for containing the beverage; and a spigot for dispensing the beverage, wherein the bladder is sealed to the base portion of the spigot. The spigot comprises: one or more air ports; and one or more vertical ridged elements. The beverage is entirely contained within the bladder. This bag-in-bottle beverage dispenser may be used as a container and dispenser of wine and other air and photosensitive consumables.

Abstract: A liner discharge structure, and associated liner and container system are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for counting animal traffic in an aquatic animal passage system includes chutes positioned across the aquatic animal passage system and a sensor positioned to sense an animal moving through or in the aquatic animal passage system. The chutes and the aquatic animal passage system are formed with precast concrete segments and may include a protective liner or coating coupled to their outer surface to protect animals from contacting the outer surface of the precast concrete segments. The sensors may be integrated with the precast concrete segments forming the chutes. Smart concrete segments may be employed as transducers to create an electric field in the chutes, with impedance sensors coupled to the transducers being responsive to changes to the electric field in the chutes caused by passing animals.

Abstract: A levitation system communicates fish mutually exclusively upstream and downstream, with minimal trauma to fish, in harmony with their homing instinct and natural levitation process, in discrete micro-steps aggregated in macro steps, with optimally adjusted water flows, through capsules of stations differing in elevation by 50 to 100 feet, connected through inclined conduits in series and in parallel. The process starts with electricity from a utility to pump water from the forebay to the dam crest. Water moves slowly in controlled cascades through stations from crest to the afterbay. Surplus electricity is generated as pressure is adjusted at each station. Cooler water drawn from below the surface of the forebay is blended at stations along the passageway and spent water is flushed. Energy losses are attributable mainly to attraction flow at the station a few feet above the afterbay and are mitigated by a moderate negative pressure to control flow.

Abstract: This invention is related to a portable and advanced intermodal for the transportation of “perishable products” and to a fan module and fan module pod assembly which may be used as a display stand disposable or reusable embodiment fabricated using virgin or recycled materials made of corrugated cardboard, natural or pressurized lumber, metal, FRP, or other reusable plastic to be used together with any ISO or GMA certified pallet.

Abstract: A lionfish containment unit or device used to secure a venomous or non-venomous marine species while diving. Certain embodiments of the device allow for the entry of the specimen into the containment unit without the diver coming in direct contact with the specimen. The invention includes for displacement of air and water through weep holes and other manners that prohibit the venomous spines from protruding through.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container equipped with a dry-type filtering apparatus for transporting live fish, wherein the dry-type filtering apparatus, which can be applied together with an existing wet-type filtering tank or independently, is installed on the upper, side portions of the fish tank to filter the water stored in the tank. The container according to the present invention also enables the culturing of filter microorganisms in a filter medium of the dry-type filtering apparatus to remove the ammonia content contained in the water, thereby enabling purification and improvement of the quality of the water without limitations on the weight of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conserving at least one biological deep-sea organism (1) comprising the steps of collecting the biological organism (1) in a deep-sea trapping device (110); cooling the biological organism (1) with a cooling device (120), wherein the biological organism (1) is put in a frozen condition; and moving the frozen biological organism (1), preferably with the trapping device (110), to a normal-pressure environment. The invention further relates to a conservation apparatus (100) for conserving at least one biological deep-sea organism (1).

Abstract: A method and technical arrangement for efficient bulk transport of live fish or shellfish in water in a storage container, wherein the transport of such live organisms may last several hours or days. The storage container and various pieces of other necessary technical equipment used to keep the organisms alive, are placed in physical connection to at least one transport module which is arranged in shape and size to fit together with, or into, a transport container, preferably a standardized container. The container is attached to and carried by means of an ordinary surface transport means, including boat, railway, lorry or car.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aquaculture net (10) comprising steel wires (12) having a steel core (14) and a tuneable metal coating (16) in the form of a strip to improve anti-corrosion and anti-fouling properties. In comparison with the prior art, the metal coating can be thicker and can have a composition that is homogeneous over its thickness.

Abstract: An integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system (multico) for a primary species, preferably a carnivorous marine species with high market value, secondary, preferably an omnivorous species of medium market value and tertiary species, preferably a detrivorous species with high market value, combined with an unfolding system for the primary species to an open semi-intensive or extensive system, the multico system for the primary species is an intensive closed or semi-closed system. The secondary species is stocked in an intensive closed or semi-closed system, while the tertiary species is stocked in a semi-intensive or closed extensive or semi-closed system. The multico system of the primary species is in communication with the system of the secondary species, while the system of the secondary species is in communication with the system of the tertiary species.

Abstract: An aquatic mammal rescue device and method includes an array of suction cup lifters that adapt to contact and adhere to the body of an aquatic mammal on land or at the surface of water. The array is lifted to raise the aquatic mammal from the ground or water for transport. The rescue device may be part of a vehicle capable of land, sea, and/or air travel or it may be movable by attachment to a separate vehicle of other lifting mechanism (e.g., crane). The device may be used to transport a beached mammal (e.g., a whale) back to the water or to a treatment facility. It may also be used to take an injured animal from the wild or a tank to a treatment facility.

Abstract: A cage allows fish to be moved under water in a river from a hatchery to a location at or near the river's mouth. The cage side walls contain openings which allow water to pass through the cage as it is towed downstream but prevent the fish from swimming out of the cage. A first flotation device supports the cage submerged where it is filled with fish and then towed downstream to where the fish are released. A second flotation device has passageways which allow filling it with either air or water. When filled with water it has no buoyancy effect on the cage. However, when filled with air the second flotation device raises the cage to where its bottom is at or near the water surface and it can be towed upstream with reduced drag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container equipped with a dry-type filtering apparatus for transporting live fish, wherein the dry-type filtering apparatus, which can be applied together with an existing wet-type filtering tank or independently, is installed on the upper, side portions of the fish tank to filter the water stored in the tank. The container according to the present invention also enables the culturing of filter microorganisms in a filter medium of the dry-type filtering apparatus to remove the ammonia content contained in the water, thereby enabling purification and improvement of the quality of the water without limitations on the weight of the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a geodesic aquaculture fish cage formed from an injection molded composite structure having adjustable buoyancy. The composition structure is component based made and constructed from standardized structural tube members that are coupled together to form independently sealable chambers. Junction nodes interconnect with the structural tube members and are constructed and arranged to provide a standardized support platform through hole that can be capped with an access port, harvester port, feeder port, tower support, or with individual tie-down brackets. A tower with a self contained power supply can be attached for use in navigation identification, communication, and automation.

Abstract: A submersible rotatable cage for fish farming comprises a central axle, a buoyant structure positioned about the central axle, and a netting attached to the buoyant structure. An actuator can be placed in operable communication with at least part of the buoyant structure to facilitate rotation of the buoyant structure about the central axle while the cage is in a submerged position. The cage can form part of a system, which includes a net cleaning apparatus, a tethering mechanism and sweep net, that forms the basis for underwater fish farming.

Abstract: An aquatic mammal rescue device and method includes an array of suction cup lifters that adapt to contact and adhere to the body of an aquatic mammal on land or at the surface of water. The array is lifted to raise the aquatic mammal from the ground or water for transport. The rescue device may be part of a vehicle capable of land, sea, and/or air travel or it may be movable by attachment to a separate vehicle of other lifting mechanism (e.g., crane). The device may be used to transport a beached mammal (e.g., a whale) back to the water or to a treatment facility. It may also be used to take an injured animal from the wild or a tank to a treatment facility.

Abstract: A netpen for breeding, storage or transport of fish in the sea, in particular completely or in part in open sea regions outside the skerries is provided. The netpen may be lowered in the sea to a desired depth. The netpen may be elevated to a half or approximately half submerged state for various work operations, such as maintenance and inspection of the netpen or harvesting. The netpen has a substantially spherical geometry. The netpen consists of a framework of stays, a horizontal through center pole also serving as a buoyancy adjusting element for elevation and lowering of the netpen, a horseshoe-shaped working platform having an integrated dock for working vessels. The entire working platform including dock is liftable and lowerable through buoyancy adjustment using a designated element. The working deck is mounted on an extended axle on the center pole. The netpen may be rotated inside said working deck.

Abstract: A retrieval device for retrieving creatures comprises an elongate member having first and second ends in fluid communication via a conduit defined through the elongate member and a capturing element at the first end of the elongate member. The capturing element defines an interior volume, and has an entrance aperture opening into the interior volume and an exit aperture by which the interior volume is in fluid communication with the first end of the elongate member. The capturing element is configured so that when a suitably sized creature is within the interior volume and the retrieval device is oriented with the first end of the elongate member above the second end with the entrance aperture facing generally upward, the capturing element guides the creature under gravity from the interior volume through the exit aperture into the first end of the elongate member and along the conduit to the second end.

Abstract: A formula and method for treating water used to hold captive fish in tanks includes isoeugenol, sodium chloride, potassium chloride and soluble dextrose. Also included are an ammonia remover, a chlorine remover, a bacterial and fungal spore remover, an anti-columnaris and saprolegnia agent, a disinfectant, a slime-coating protecting agent, a chelating agent and a surface foam remover.

Abstract: A device for the transport, introduction, and acclimation of fish. The device, a bag comprising a window of dialysis membrane, allows fish to be transported within the bag and acclimated to new saline environments by allowing solutes, mainly salt and hydrogen ions, to slowly equilibrate between water within the bag and water in the source environment so as to avoid shock to the fish. Although the majority of the bag is impermeable to solutes, the dialysis membrane window is not, and is size dependent based on the characteristics of the fish to be acclimated. In use, the fish is placed in the bag along with source water from the source of the organism. The bag is then immersed in the destination aquarium, and passive diffusion allows the slow transport of solutes across the semi-permeable dialysis membrane, slowly equalizing the water parameters inside and outside the bag. After an appropriate amount of time has passed, the occupants of the container are removed and placed in the new environment.

Abstract: A system for transporting live aquatic animals between shipping points, said system comprising water filled tank units 300 for containing the live animals in a life supporting aquatic environment during the transport; and a refrigerated marine container 200 provided with means 240, 250, 260 for cooling, aerating and circulating the water in said tank units at least during the transport; said system further comprising docking stations 100 situated at said shipping points, said docking stations comprising docking means for receiving said refrigerated marine container 200 containing said tank units 300; and means 120, 130, 140 for providing a life supporting aquatic environment for the live aquatic animals in said tank units 300 placed in said refrigerated marine container 200 while the refrigerated marine container 200 is attached to the docking station 100.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method and use of reef coral fluorescent proteins in making transgenic red, green and yellow fluorescent zebrafish. Preferably, such fluorescent zebrafish are fertile and used to establish a population of transgenic zebrafish and to provide to the ornamental fish industry for the purpose of marketing. Thus, new varieties of ornamental fish of different fluorescence colors from a novel source are developed.

Abstract: A method of emptying a large container of e.g. 12000 litres for the storage of fish, such as shellfish, e.g. shrimps, said container being emptied through a pipe in the container, air being supplied simultaneously with the emptying. The air is expediently supplied through/near the bottom of the container via holes which are provided in a pattern, or via a pipe distribution system which is lowered into the container. By supplying the air to the container during emptying it is ensured that the pipe, through which the fish are discharged from the container, does not clog, and that the contents are discharged as a uniformly distributed mass.

Abstract: A transport tank for use in live haul truck transport of aquatic species such as catfish is formed of rotomolded plastic. The tank has a grooved floor which is covered with a perforated plate. The grooves contain aeration lines which run along the length of the floor. The aeration lines have threaded end fittings which engage a doubly threaded nut which is received in a sidewall opening of the tank. The hoses can be removed for servicing by simply unthreading the doubly threaded nut and pulling the aeration lines out of the sidewall openings.

Abstract: Process for reconditioning a hermetic package (12) containing water (14P) and at least one alive aquatic animal (16), in particular intended for aquariums, the aim being to extend the maximum duration of transportation while keeping the animal alive, which includes the following steps: (a) opening the package (12) to access the water (14P) contained in it since the initial packing; (b) replacing all or some of the polluted transportation water (14P) with an unpolluted reconditioning water (26) prepared in such a way as to present physical and chemical parameters analogous to those of the polluted water (14P), and in particular at least a substantially identical pH value; (c) re-closing the package (12) in a leaktight manner in order to permit a further stage of transportation.

Abstract: Process for reconditioning a hermetic package (12) containing water (14P) and at least one alive aquatic animal (16), in particular intended for aquariums, the aim being to extend the maximum duration of transportation while keeping the animal alive, which includes the following steps:

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for obtaining and maintaining life-sustaining water conditions in tanks carried on trucks to keep fish alive for relatively long periods during transport. A flow of air from a blower is cooled in a heat exchanger by a stream of air from a refrigeration unit used also to cool a space enclosing the tanks, and the flow of air thus chilled in the heat exchanger is released into the water in the tanks through diffusers, cooling and aerating the water. Rising air from a diffuser can also be used instead of a pump to circulate water from a tank through purifiers. The blower used to provide the flow of air to the diffusers is driven by the engine associated with the refrigeration unit, providing a highly reliable, simple, system.

Abstract: A method and system allowing fish to migrate upstream and downstream, bypassing dams, obstructions, either man-made or natural, safely, freely and in a natural manner. The system consists of a meandering “nature-like” channel constructed of pneumatically placed concrete, shotcrete or gunite that simulates a waterway bed condition. The construction of riffles, ledges, undercut banks and other natural-like features to provide a foundation for the placement of fish habitat, such as gravel beds, boulders, logs, and the like. The placement of sand, gravel, cobbles and such to create and provide an aquatic environment to sustain plant and aquatic life. The introduction of plants and other aquatic life to provide forage, cover and a year around natural-like environment within a river or stream-like migratory bypass channel.

Abstract: A process for preparing, transporting and acclimatizing exotic fish or aquatic plants, employing a tank of rigid plastic material and a transparent plastic foil, includes: prefilling the tank with water to between 50% and 80% of capacity; placing the fish or plants in the tank; purging the tank of air; sealing the tank with the foil; transporting the fish or aquatic plants; leveling the tank; punching two apertures in the foil; introducing water from an aquarium drop-by-drop into the first aperture; removing any excess water from the tank via the second aperture; after an acclimatization period, removing the foil from the tank; and transferring the fish or plants to the aquarium.

Abstract: A live fish transport system is described herein. In particular, a modular live fish transport tote, an oxygen delivery system, an automated water treatment and delivery apparatus, and a chemically and biologically balanced aquaculture solution are described. Methods of making and using these components, either alone or in combination with each other, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an effective oxygen generating materials, carbon dioxide absorbing materials, and transport system and transport method of live fishery products for use upon transporting live fishery products. An oxygen generating materials of the present invention is prepared by packaging solid peroxide and peroxide decomposition catalyst with a moisture-permeable material having a cup method moisture permeability (40° C., 90% RH) of more than 20 g/m2/24 hr and being impervious to water at normal pressure. Furthermore, a carbon dioxide absorbing materials are prepared by packaging alkaline earth metal hydroxide and/or oxide with a gas-permeable material having a Gurley method gas permeability (JIS P8117) of 0.1˜3000 sec./100 ml of gas and being impervious to water at normal pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging live fish in sealed containers. A plastic container is partially filled with water, before receipt of fish, with at least some of the air evacuated from the container and replaced with a gas. An air-tight lid is sealed to the container capturing a layer of gas, such as oxygen, in a void over the water. The use of a clear or transparent container and lid, allows the container to operate as a miniature aquarium allowing storage of the fish for an extended period of time. The fish are acclimated to a point-of-use aquarium by weighting of the container for placement in the aquarium. The container includes printed marks for puncture holes to allow the exchange of water between the container and the receiving aquatic environment. The puncture holes permit a predetermined amount of air to escape the container while slowing being displaced by the water of the aquatic environment. The container is designed to sink providing an absolute indicator that fluid admixing is complete.

Abstract: An idealistic preservation method of aquatic animals capable of reliably suppressing motion functions of large quantities of living fish, etc., and transporting fish while keeping freshness and quality for a long time during transportation so that large quantities of living fish, etc., can be transported in a small space. Fish (10) is scooped with a landing net from a tank and is laid down on a table. An operator preferably wears wet gloves lest his body temperature damages fish. While being held down by one hand, fish (10) is pierced from inside an operculum (21) through the spinal cord (1) by a tool (100). The piercing position is near the medulla oblongata (11) and is extremely effective for lowering the motion function. If the medulla oblongata (11) itself is damaged, fish (10) will die completely. Therefore, caution should be taken not to damage it.

Abstract: A live fish transport system is described herein. In particular, a modular live fish transport tote, an oxygen delivery system, an automated water treatment and delivery apparatus, and a chemically and biologically balanced aquaculture solution are described. Methods of making and using these components, either alone or in combination with each other, are also described.

Abstract: A packaging for transporting in emergence living fish the pleuronectiform species, includes at least one box (1) opening from above and whose bottom is provided with an active surface (2) for receiving the fish to be packaged in flat position. The support active surface (2) for the fish consisting of ventilated solid (3) and void (4), the solid (3)/void (4) ratio of the active support surface (2) ranging between 0.25 and 9 to provide an efficient cutaneous respiration to the fish support surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an effective oxygen generating materials, carbon dioxide absorbing materials, and transport system and transport method of live fishery products for use upon transporting live fishery products. An oxygen generating materials of the present invention is prepared by packaging solid peroxide and peroxide decomposition catalyst with a moisture-permeable material having a cup method moisture permeability (40° C., 90% RH) of more than 20 g/m2/24 hr and being impervious to water at normal pressure. Furthermore, a carbon dioxide absorbing materials are prepared by packaging alkaline earth metal hydroxide and/or oxide with a gas-permeable material having a Gurley method gas permeability (JIS P8117) of 0.1˜3000 sec./100 ml of gas and being impervious to water at normal pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an effective oxygen generating materials, carbon dioxide absorbing materials, and transport system and transport method of live fishery products for use upon transporting live fishery products. An oxygen generating materials of the present invention is prepared by packaging solid peroxide and peroxide decomposition catalyst with a moisture-permeable material having a cup method moisture permeability (40° C., 90% RH) of more than 20 g/m2/24 hr and being impervious to water at normal pressure. Furthermore, a carbon dioxide absorbing materials are prepared by packaging alkaline earth metal hydroxide and/or oxide with a gas-permeable material having a Gurley method gas permeability (JIS P8117) of 0.1˜3000 sec./100 ml of gas and being impervious to water at normal pressure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fish migration past dams and other water barriers. A preferred embodiment 100 comprises a conduit 101 passing from downstream side 22 of water barrier 10 to upstream side 21 of the barrier, flow-controlling valves 102 and 105 disposed in series within conduit 101, and actuators 103 for opening valves 102 and 105 in the presence of fish. Fish 30 are attracted by flow 130 passing through conduit 101 at controlled rates by means of flow-through devices in valves 102 and 105. On entering forechamber 104 and swimming upstream the fish pass actuators 103, which cause first valve 102 to open. As first valve 102 opens, water flow through conduit 101 remains controlled and substantially uniformly turbulent under action of second valve 105. With valve 102 open fish 30 may swim to mid-span section 140 of the conduit. When no further fish are present in forechamber 104 or passing actuators 103, or enough fish are present in section 140, the first valve closes.

Abstract: Aquaculture pen 10 includes a frame 12 suspending a net 14. The frame 12 is sufficiently buoyant to suspend the net 14 without sinking below the level of the water in which it floats. The net 14 is formed with a cylindrical side wall 14 and a bottom submerged wall 18 that closes the side wall 16 at an end opposite the frame 12. The pen 10 includes a lifting system 20 for selectively reducing the volume of the pen 10. The lifting system 20 has an annular ring shaped body 22 with the profile of an inverted U located below the bottom wall 18 the body 22 and can be supplied with air via a hose 24 and manifold 26. When air is pumped into the body 22, it causes it to rise. As it rises, the body 22 lifts a part of the bottom wall 18 beneath which it is located to effectively reduce the volume of the pen 10. By centering the body 22 within the pen 10, a channel or race 42 is created between the frame 12 and the ring 22. This allows the efficient herding and/or capture of the marine animals.

Abstract: An holding apparatus immobilizes a fish of a known and fixed orientation. The holding apparatus includes a vessel having a set of walls defining an interior chamber into which the fish and water can be located. The walls of the vessel have a restraining configuration and a non-restraining configuration. The walls of vessel, when in a restraining configuration, are at least partially conforming to a shape of a fish located within the interior chamber of the vessel.

Abstract: A method transporting live fish including shellfish for a long period of time and with less damage to the fish bodies includes immobilizing the fish prior to transportation. One electrode is provided at the head portion of the fish, and another electrode is provided at the tail portion of the fish, whereby a current is allowed to flow between the electrodes to place the fish in an anesthetized condition, after which the spinal cord of the fish is cut. By this method, the live fish are immobilized. Then, only the fish are inserted through a fish insertion opening of a bag for transporting the fish, wherein at the upper portion of the bag formed of a material having water resistance and being thermally fused is formed, integral with the material, a web-like pouring tube for liquid with air or oxygen.

Abstract: A holding tank system suitable for storage of live fish, crustacea and other aquatic animals includes a holding tank assembly and a transportable support, such as a skid or base for supporting the holding tank assembly during transportation as well as installation. At an installation site, the holding tank assembly is installed with the base forming part of the holding tank system. The holding tank system also includes a filter tank assembly and a housing for water conditioning apparatus which may also be supported on the base. Optionally the filter tank assembly may be supported on a separate base both for transportation and installation.

Abstract: A method for transporting live fish comprising the steps of cooling live fish placed in water to bring the fish into a dormant state, and transporting the life fish in a dormant state with an ambient temperature thereof maintained at -1.degree. to 10.degree. C. This method may further comprise the step of removing the water after the step of cooling live fish.By the method of the present invention, live fish can be successfully transported even when the transportation takes many hours. Moreover, transportation can be made at low cost.

Abstract: In a method capable of transporting live fish including shellfish for a long period of time and with less damage to the fish bodies, in order to immobilize the fish prior to transportation, one electrode is provided at the head portion of the fish, and another electrode is provided at the tail portion of the fish, whereby a current is allowed to flow between the electrodes to place the fish in an anesthetized condition, after which the spinal cord of the fish is cut. By this method, the live fish are immobilized.

Abstract: A cylinder is made of opaque material with a diameter slightly larger than the largest cross-section of the fish to be stored. Water is introduced directly into the cylinder or into a chamber which can either be attached to the outside of the cylinder or is created by placing the cylinder inside a larger diameter outer cylinder. The water enters the cylinder through perforations at a first end. The chamber may be positioned to stand vertically or horizontally with a water inlet tube and a water outlet tube through the side wall at its second end. A funnel or cone, which may have one or more perforations, is suspended pointing toward the second end within the cylinder a short distance from its second end. The incoming water flows through the perforations in the second end of the cylinder and up through the funnel perforations. As the cylinder fills, water will exit the cylinder through an outlet tube located near the first end of the cylinder.