Abstract: An “implant and forget” device for interacting with biota after a pre-established time period. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In select embodiments, the device comprises packaging enclosing an apparatus for timing interaction via opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the device is a sealed capsule inserted in fish. Embodiments of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-established approximate period of time, toxins in the device are dispensed via long term bioerosion of the sealed opening in the packaging. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life. Several alternative bioerodible seal configurations are provided as embodiments.

Abstract: A system related to inland farming of seafood products within an environmentally-controlled seafood-farming environment. The seafood-farming environment is preferably established within at least one substantially buried space. The associated apparatus preferably comprises at least one nutrient supplier to supply adequate nutrients to at least one aqueous medium supporting the farming of the seafood, and at least one waste remover to remove unwanted waste from the aqueous medium. Surface crops are grown above and around the seafood-farming environment to maximize production within the farming site. A kit and methods of implementation are also discussed.

Abstract: A fish cage formed from a molecularly oriented single strand filament that is crossed and welded at the intersections to make a net or screen configuration. The filament being molecularly oriented by stretching ratio of about 3:1 and has a cross section of the filament being at least 2 mm2. The filament is an extruded thermoplastic material made from nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane or polypropylene having a preferred cross section in a D or oval shape to better facilitate welding the intersections. An antimicrobial or biocide may be added to the filament. The screen or net is preferably of a bright color such as yellow, green, white or a translucent white. The screen can also be formed by connecting small injection molded segments together thereby producing a larger screen.

Abstract: An open-ocean fish-growing platform has a submersible cage structure for growing fish, an antenna for receiving positioning signals transmitted from an external source, a position-correction apparatus for calculating a position error signal from a target geostationary position, and an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system for generating electric power for thruster units to maintain the cage structure in the target geostationary position. The OTEC system inducts colder ocean water from a deeper ocean depth for driving its heat exchange cycle, and is also of hybrid type using a fuel-fired unit as a heat source. The cold water effluent from the OTEC system is directed into the cage for flushing wastes generated by the growing fish. The self-positioning, self-powered open-ocean platform enables unmanned, extended marine deployment in deeper ocean waters without the need for tethering or anchoring to the ocean floor.

Abstract: An adjustable apparatus for fish spawning that is suspended below a buoyant float system at a predetermined depth. The apparatus is resistant to vertical motion by surface waves, and may provide additional aeration for egg species that require a high level of dissolved oxygen in order to incubate successfully. The apparatus may be constructed so as to provide maximum or minimum sunlight exposure to spawning bed nests and to accommodate the spawning depth and/or preferred bed slopes of certain fish species.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of sequestering carbon dioxide in aqueous environments. In a first step, an area is assessed to determine whether the area is capable of supporting the addition of organisms of higher trophic level (OHTL). Next, OHTL are added to the area in order to produce enough rapidly sinking and refractory particulate matter (PM) to sequester carbon dioxide above the level of carbon dioxide sequestration that exists before the addition of OHTL. Preferably, the PM produced by the OHTL sinks at rates significantly greater than and/or is significantly less biodegradable than that produced by other components of the biological carbon pump. Finally, this increase in the level of carbon dioxide sequestration is quantified. The method of the present invention may also include the step of reporting the quantified increase in the level of carbon dioxide sequestration.

Abstract: A method for artificial breeding of farmed sturgeon is disclosed. The method comprises of growing a plurality of fingerling sturgeon; obtaining a plurality of juvenile sturgeon; identifying at least one male juvenile sturgeon and at least one female juvenile sturgeon; Feeding a predetermined amount of a preselected food material to the male and female sturgeon; Determining maturity based on at least controlling sex hormones and stress hormones of the male and female sturgeon; identifying at least one male matured sturgeon and at least one female matured sturgeon; and Selecting male matured sturgeon and female matured sturgeon, wherein said female matured sturgeon carries a predetermined amount of ovule and wherein said predetermined amount of ovule is processed to obtain a predetermined amount of caviar.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aquaponic facility with closed water circulation, including at least one aquaculture unit and at least one hydroponic unit, characterized in that the aquaculture unit has at least one water outlet which is functionally connected with the hydroponic unit by a one-way valve such that water from the aquaculture unit can be supplied to the hydroponic unit, and the hydroponic unit has at least one cold trap, wherein the at least one cold trap is functionally connected with the aquaculture unit in such a way that the water obtained from the at least one cold trap can be supplied to the aquaculture unit, as well as its use.

Abstract: An aquatic-animal counting system is provided. The system includes a channel, a linear photographing device, and an operation processing device. A channel is used for a plurality of aquatic animals to pass through. The linear photographing device is used for photographing the aquatic animals passing through the channel to generate at least one image. The operation processing device is electrically connected to the linear photographing device and the operation processing device includes an image processing module. The image processing module utilizes at least one operation rule to analyze the at least one image, so as to calculate a number of the aquatic animals in the at least one image. An aquatic-animal counting method and a recording medium are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pumping deeper water from a large body of water to an upper portion thereof using wave energy, thereby increasing nutrients at said upper portion and thus the fish populations thereof.

Abstract: A process for treatment of sludge made up of saline organic solids or organic waste produced in a saltwater or brackish aquaculture system is described. The process includes use of a modified reactor, operating under anaerobic conditions, which yields methane from the digestion of the saline organic solids. Modification of a traditional reactor to include a packing substrate provides for saline waste digestion not previously known. Additionally provided is a process for producing methane from the digestion of organic solids. Inclusion of and use of modified reactors in aquaculture systems is also provided.

Abstract: An amphidiploid aquatic animal according to the present invention has genomes AB of different species and carries fertile XXXY sex chromosomes. Among a large number of aquatic animals of the first filial generation kept in a closed system, a nonreductive sperm of a male and a nonreductive egg of a female are selected. Then the nonreductive egg is fertilized with the nonreductive sperm to create an amphidiploid aquatic animal having fertile XXXY sex chromosomes. Since this amphidiploid has the XXXY sex chromosomes, it can be crossed with an egg AXBX of an F1 hybrid that produces nonreductive eggs, thus ensuring a stable creation of amphidiploids in the subsequent generations by natural crossbreeding. In the meiotic division, one set of the chromosomes of each species is assuredly distributed to each gamete. Therefore, the trait of the first generation (F1) will be perpetually maintained.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a spawning cycle of perch across multiple generations that includes identifying a desired out-of-cycle spawning period for perch, selecting a geographic strain of perch having a natural spawning period in proximity to the desired out-of-cycle spawning period, developing a first generation broodstock from the geographic strain, where the broodstock's natural spawning period has been shifted to the desired spawning period using at least one of temperature and photoperiod manipulation, identifying a second desired out-of-cycle spawning period, developing a second generation broodstock from the first generation broodstock, where the second generation broodstock's spawning period has been shifted from the desired out-of-cycle spawning period to the second desired out-of-cycle spawning period using at least one of temperature and photoperiod manipulation.

Abstract: A boat holding tank for anesthetizing fish is described having a pulsator, with the pulsator having an anode output and a cathode output; a holding tank capable of receiving an aquatic animal, the holding tank further comprising an anode probe and a cathode probe, with the anode cathode probe of the holding tank switchably connected to the anode and cathode output of the pulsator, such that when the pulsator is activated the aquatic animal in the holding tank is anesthetized.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for producing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and/or derivatives and/or mixtures thereof by growing algae that produce the oils containing EPA and/or DHA and/or derivatives and/or mixtures thereof, harvesting the algae with fish in one or more enclosed systems, and then processing fish to separate and purify the EPA and/or DHA. The multi-trophic systems provided herein comprise at least one enclosure that contains the algae and the fishes, and means for controllably feeding the algae to the fishes. Also provided herein are the lipid compositions extracted from the fishes.

Abstract: The invention provides for an apparatus (1) for growing aquatic animals comprising at least two securing members (3, 6) adapted to be removably fixed together such that a feed substrate (7) can be reversibly sandwiched between the securing members. The invention also provides for modular assemblies of the apparatus, and further provides methods of culturing aquatic animals and methods of increasing roe content of aquatic animals.

Abstract: A recirculated marine aquaculture system and process for growing crustaceans or other fish within a body of water. Water from the body of water is treated by stripping carbon dioxide and biological byproducts and by oxygenating the water. A water treatment unit may be provided to treat the water and provide movement to the body water. The water treatment unit can be configured to provide cavitation to the water, which aids in the removal of carbon dioxide and biological byproducts. Water may also be cycled through a deflocculation tank to reduce the floc of bacteria within the body of water to acceptable levels for optimal growth of crustaceans or other fish within a body of water. Using the system and the deflocculation tank has the advantage of significantly reducing the water exchange rates and even the water effluent, while maintaining acceptable water quality for growing crustaceans or other fish.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel methods that enhance aquaculture of valuable crops. The invention is exemplified by co-culture of Panaeus vannamei and Enteromorpha clathrata, which produced superior P. vannamei and protected the animals against pathogen infection.

Abstract: A vaccine based on live Arthrobacter cells is useful in preventing piscirickettsiosis in fish.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for inducing artificial hibernation of marine animal, wherein the temperature of sea water with marine animals is gradually lowered in stepwise process, while the sea water temperature is kept as is for a predetermined period of time at each step of lowering temperature, whereby the predetermined period of time maintained for each step of the lowered temperature is gradually increased to a point where changes of oxygen consumption by the marine animals greatly decreased or the changes of oxygen consumption is reached almost zero, and starting from this point, the time of constantly maintaining the sea water temperature at each step is gradually reduced to thereby ensuring a long survival rate (viability) of marine animals.

Abstract: A buoyancy control system for a fish cage used in fish farming. The buoyancy system comprises spars having first and second sections separated by a bulkhead. The first section is filled with air and hermetically sealed from the second section and from the surrounding environment. The second section is sealable and may be filled with air or water to adjust the buoyancy of the spar. A fish cage having the buoyancy control system can be raised or lowered in accordance to the amount of air and water in the second sections of the spars. A segmented anchor can connected at each spar.

Abstract: A submergible and floating device for the on-site biological cleansing of nets or meshes used in fish breeding operations, more specifically, the device includes a filtrating means that allow the retaining of the particles, and also includes sources of radiation (UV) that permit the destruction of the microorganisms in the water and at the same time disinfect and destroy bacteria, fungi, viruses and fish diseases that might otherwise spread to the breeding medium.

Abstract: A method for reducing ammonia concentration in an aqueous medium caused by the presence of fish gill/urine discharge, fish faeces and uneaten organic fish-feed particulate matter in recirculating aquaculture tanks. Fish in fish tank water are remotely located or partially isolated from the fish tank water utilized by the sono-molecular-conversion apparatus. Transient cavitation-created, collapsing microsized bubbles generated in the fishless portion of the fish tank water completes ammonia nitrification, mineralization and denitrification therein.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing edible aquatic animals for storage by placing a living aquatic animal into a medium containing trehalose, allowing the live animal to remain in the trehalose solution for a period of time, and removing and processing the animal for storage and/or use for human consumption. The medium may contain a sugar alcohol, such as maltitol. Also, the living aquatic animal may be placed in a medium containing an acid, such as citric acid.

Abstract: An enclosure, method and apparatus for influencing the swimming behaviour of fish is disclosed. The enclosure defining a space within which the fish can swim, said enclosure having a series of light output members disposed along a path, said light output members being operable to provide a moving visual stimulus along the path by output of light in sequence from the series of light output members thereby to influence the swimming behaviour of the fish.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a corrosion-compensated net. A preferred embodiment has upper and lower net regions associated with each other to provide a wall. Each of the upper and lower net regions has an outer portion of a corrodible material. The respective outer portions of the upper and lower net regions are differently configured to compensate for a difference between corrosiveness levels of the environments at the upper and lower portions. The upper net portion can be configured to withstand a higher corrosiveness level than that of the lower net portion when exposed to the environment for equal amounts of time. In such an embodiment, the respective outer portions of the upper and lower net regions can have different thicknesses to compensate for the difference between corrosiveness levels of the environments at the upper and lower portions.

Abstract: A system and method provide an intensive aquaculture system for producing caviar or other goods. The system has a photosynthetic subsystem to consume waste from a production species, a food production subsystem to consume the photosynthetic species and be eaten by the production species. Optionally, the food production species may be pelletized or otherwise refined before being consumed by the production species. While each subsystem may have its own water chemistry, gas scrubbers may be used to control gas levels among the subsystems. In one implementation, an enclosure is used with a sensor to measure the gas above the water in the photosynthetic species. Water and species may be transferred among the subsystems as desired. Multiple aquaculture systems may be used in combination to provide age-specific systems operating in conjunction with one another and distribute risk of disease or failure across multiple systems.

Abstract: A method for acquiring a gel-forming polymer and an absorbent article containing the gel-forming polymer. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a Hagfish, stimulating the Hagfish to excrete a gel-forming polymer, and drying the gel-forming polymer. In another embodiment, the method for acquiring a gel-forming polymer includes the steps of providing a Hagfish, placing the Hagfish in a container of water, stimulating the Hagfish to excrete a gel-forming polymer into the water, and drying the gel-forming polymer.

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: The present invention provides an animal feed consisting of photosynthetic bacteria which is useful for imparting desired color to an animal and for increasing the growth rate of the animal. Specifically, the feed is given to farm raised aquatic animals such as salmon so that they develop a more palatable pink flesh.

Abstract: An “implant and forget” device for interacting with biota after a pre-established time period. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In select embodiments, the device comprises packaging enclosing apparatus for timing interaction via opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the device is a sealed capsule inserted in fish. Embodiments of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-established approximate period of time, toxins in the device are dispensed via long term bioerosion of the sealed opening in the packaging. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life. Several alternative bioerodible seal configurations are provided as embodiments.

Abstract: A vaccine based on live Arthrobacter cells is useful in preventing piscirickettsiosis in fish.

Abstract: A method for selecting a freshwater fish able to tolerate conditions of varying salinity is disclosed. Fish are first selected by pre-screening for salt-tolerance. The selected fish are bred using techniques essentially described herein. The offspring of the selected fish may then be subjected to additional factors to increase salt-tolerance. Thereafter, the offspring are reared in normal freshwater conditions resulting in a freshwater fish suitable for brief exposures to saltwater conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for inducing sterility in fish by administering at least one compound that disrupts the establishment of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone system during early development thereby inhibiting sexual maturity in the treated fish. Effective compounds include GABA, GABA receptor agonists, or GABA receptor antagonists.

Abstract: A device for interacting with biota either on a pre-specified schedule or via actuation by remote signal. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In selected embodiments, it comprises frangible packaging enclosing means for timing interaction, at least part of the means for programming the device and means for opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus is inserted in fish. Specific examples of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-specified period or, alternatively, long enough to effectively control the target aquatic plants, toxins in the device are dispensed to kill them. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life.

Abstract: The invention is a method and kit for conducting a rapid toxicity test. Methods and kits according to the invention include an animal or plant species in diapause.

Abstract: A large low cost vessel for holding flowable materials is disclosed. The vessel has a body formed of elongate rollable sheets of buoyant material that when assembled into an upwardly concave vessel having bulkheads at its ends, the vessel is self-supporting in both water and land and does not require additional forms or supports to maintain its shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism for studies of apoptosis in aquatic organisms by infecting the aquatic organisms with aquabirnavirus, especially infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV). The infection of IPNV in an aquatic cell such as a Chinook salmon embryo cell (CHSE-214) converts the cell into an apoptotic cell. The present invention also provides a method for monitoring the morphological changes during apoptosis by cloning EGFP (a variant type of GFP) to an aquatic cell and monitoring the fluorescence using microscopic techniques. The intensity of the fluorescence reflects the expression of EGFP in cells. Finally, the present invention provides means for inducing or preventing/rescuing apoptosis in a host, which include aquatic and vertebrate. The apoptosis can be induced by IPNV infection or VP3 transfection that VP3 is a 32 kDa protein derived from IPNV segment A. The apoptosis can be prevented or rescued by an antisense VP3 RNA or a zfMcl-1a protein.

Abstract: A method of rearing aquatic species is provided, comprising feeding the aquatic species during at least part of the larval and/or post-larval state with prey organisms, such as Artemia or rotifers, having in their total lipid content a DHA content of at least 12 wt %. The method is suitable for the rearing of fish species such as halibut, turbot, bass, bream and flounder. The total lipid content of the prey organisms further including highly unsaturated fatty acids comprising 18:3, 18:4, 20:4, 20:5 (EPA) and 22:5 fatty acids. Also the prey organisms include 5 to 35 wt % phospholipids of the total lipid content, wherein the total lipid content is at least 20 wt % on a dry weight basis.

Abstract: A scalable fish rearing raceway system is provided, incorporating a fish containment structure having two semi-circular end sections, and two or more parallel fish raceways, surrounding a central zone for housing water treatment systems and a secondary fish crop. Heavy particulates are eliminated from the main fish rearing channels by use of conical areas located at either end of the parallel elongated raceways. Continuous removal of dead or dying fish from the raceway is accomplished by means of a floating mortality catcher consisting of a screened ramp at the surface of the cones which continuously collect moribund and dead fish. Grading bars separate and move fish underwater to an adjacent raceway through a common fish transfer channel. This larger scalable fish production system substantially reduces the direct labor and capital costs associated with the production of fish as compared with conventional circular fish rearing tanks.

Abstract: The system includes a capsule member made from a material which is not dissolvable in water but is dissolvable in the digestive fluids of a predator fish. The capsule contains a material which, following ingestion by a predator (game/sport) fish, results in death of the predator fish. A connecting member is secured to the capsule, and is adapted to be secured to a prey (bait) fish such that when the prey fish is released in a body of water, such as a lake, in the vicinity of the predator fish, the predator fish is likely to consume the prey fish along with the capsule and shortly thereafter dies, thereby reducing the number of predator fish relative to the number of prey fish.

Abstract: The method according to the invention consists in providing two containers fed by the water source whose pollution is desired to be measured, each of the containers containing fish and being equipped with a detector able detect any abnormal behaviour of the fish, alternate the lighting and obscurity periods for said two containers, carry out the detection of the behaviour of the fish in the two containers and trigger an alarm signal when the detection shows an abnormal behaviour of the fish.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for raising marine fish in freshwater. The methods involve adding at least one Polyvalent Cation Sensing Receptor (PVCR) modulator to the freshwater in an amount sufficient to increase expression and/or sensitivity of at least one PVCR; and adding feed for fish consumption to the freshwater, wherein the feed comprises an amount of NaCl sufficient to contribute to a significant increased level of the PVCR modulator in serum of the marine fish.

Abstract: A bio-hydraulic testing system is provided for simulating the effect on fish of at least one hydraulic system component. A water flow introduction device introduces a flow of water into the testing system, and a fish introduction means introduces a plurality of fish into the testing system. A flow introduction conduit receives a flow containing water from the flow introduction device and fish from the fish introduction device. A testing module receives the flow from the flow introduction conduit. Monitoring device monitor and record fish activity in the water flow in the testing module. Fish exit the testing module into a flow exit conduit, and are collected by fish collection device located downstream of the exit conduit. Finally, discharge device discharge the water from the testing system.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for producing aquatic specie for consumer consumption within a closed aquaculture system. It provides for growing algae in artificial saltwater under controlled conditions in an algae subsystem, feeding the algae to adult artemia for producing small artemia in an artemia subsystem, feeding the algae and small artemia to immature aquatic specie for producing adolescent aquatic specie in an aquatic specie nursery subsystem, and feeding the algae and small artemia to the adolescent aquatic specie to for producing adult aquatic specie in an aquatic specie growout subsystem, which are then harvested. The invention also includes a data acquisition and control subsystem for automated control of the aquaculture system. A unique filtration subsystem accepts waste from the aquatic specie subsystem, pumps the waste through a series of filters, and returns the filtered saltwater to the algae subsystem, the artemia subsystem and the aquatic specie subsystem.

Abstract: Methods of selecting fish for breeding and optimum growth in conditions of various salinity are disclosed. Fish are selected for growth in specific salinity based on their prolactin 1 genotype. A simple sequence repeat polymorphism (microsatellite) in the tilapia prolactin (prl 1) promoter is associated with differences in prl 1 expression and differences in growth in “salt-challenged” or “salt-effected” fishes. This discovery suggests that dinucleotide microsatellites may represent an under-appreciated source of genetic variation for regulatory evolution, and belie the textbook interpretation that non-coding microsatellite length variation lacks functional consequences.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for producing aquatic specie for consumer consumption within a closed aquaculture system. It provides for growing algae in artificial saltwater under controlled conditions in an algae subsystem, flowing the algae to an artemia subsystem containing adult artemia for feeding the adult artemia which produce smaller artemia, and flowing the algae and artemia to an aquatic specie subsystem containing an immature adult specie. As the immature aquatic specie consumes the algae and artemia, they mature into adult aquatic specie for harvesting. The invention also includes a data acquisition and control subsystem for automated control of the aquaculture system. A unique filtration subsystem accepts waste from the aquatic specie subsystem, pumps the waste through a series of filters, and returns the filtered saltwater to the algae subsystem, the artemia subsystem and the aquatic specie subsystem.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for producing aquatic specie for consumer consumption within a closed aquaculture system. It provides for growing algae in artificial saltwater under controlled conditions in an algae subsystem, flowing the algae to an artemia subsystem containing adult artemia for feeding the adult artemia which produce smaller artemia, and flowing the algae and artemia to an aquatic specie subsystem containing an immature adult specie. As the immature aquatic specie consumes the algae and artemia, they mature into adult aquatic specie for harvesting. The invention also includes a data acquisition and control subsystem for automated control of the aquaculture system. A unique filtration subsystem accepts waste from the aquatic specie subsystem, pumps the waste through a series of filters, and returns the filtered saltwater to the algae subsystem, the artemia subsystem and the aquatic specie subsystem.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recirculating marine aquaculture process for production of a crab species, including (i) a broodstock conditioning, (ii) spawning, (iii) egg incubation, (iv) larval growth, (v) nursery post-larval growth, and (vi) grow-out of the crab to a final product weight, in which each stage (i)-(vi) of the process involves operation in an aqueous medium that is coupled in liquid recirculation relationship with waste component removal from the aqueous medium and returning purified aqueous medium to the external environment. The process involves operation in a closed, recirculating aquaculture system in which photoperiod, water temperature, water chemistry, and diet are optimized and then continuously monitored and controlled to obtain optimal production at each of the six phases (i)-(vi) of the life cycle.

Abstract: A method of mitigating plankton from fish pens moves denser cleaning water from a selected depth into the pen and discharges it to flow horizontally across the pen, but with a downward component and at a sufficient velocity so that the cleaning water sweeps (carries) the plankton from the pen.