Abstract: An autoclavable unicellular culture system comprising flexible, light transmitting walls, an internal oxygen diffuser and a head plate which has a plurality of apertures. The present invention also comprises a fish or shellfish rearing system incorporating the culture system.

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 means for removing waste components 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: 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: A bio-hydraulic testing system is provided for simulating the effect on fish of at least one hydraulic system component. A water flow introduction means 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 means and fish from the fish introduction means. A testing module receives the flow from the flow introduction conduit. Monitoring means 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 means located downstream of the exit conduit. Finally, discharge means discharge the water from the testing system.

Abstract: A method of improving conditions for breeding aquatic life in a breeding farm comprising the steps of injecting an ozonated gas into a stream of water to achieve a level of ozonation; adding a reducing chemical species to the stream of water in order to substantially remove a possible content of oxidizing by-products and/or ozone resulting from the step of injecting the ozonated gas; and feeding the stream of water to a breeding basin wherein the reducing chemical species is added to the stream of water in situ and continuously between the step of injecting the ozonated gas and the step of feeding the stream of water into the breeding basin.

Abstract: A fish feeding device for automatically feeding fish at predetermined intervals. The fish feeding device includes a housing adapted for mounting to a side of a fish tank towards an upper rim thereof. A feeding wheel is rotatably mounted to the housing adapted for dispensing food into the fish tank. A timer is mounted to the housing and in communication with the motor. The motor rotates the feeding wheel at a predetermined time or interval indicated by the timer.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for improving the raising of pre-adult anadromous fish, or preparing pre-adult anadromous fish for transfer to seawater. 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 significantly increased level of the PVCR modulator in serum of the pre-adult anadromous 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 high efficiency recirculating marine aquaculture process for producing fish at variable yield densities of up to 60 kg/meter3 of the aquaculture tank, including fish that spawn under short photoperiods such as gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) as well as fish that spawn under long photoperiods such as striped bass (Morone saxatilis). The process involves broodstock conditioning, spawning/reproduction, larval growth, nursery, and adult grow-out operations. The process is characterized by high-rate growth at optimal process conditions requiring less than 10% daily water exchange, thereby enabling effluent waste from the system to be discharged to a municipal sewer after disinfection treatment, which in turn permits siting of the aquaculture process facility in urban/suburban locations where aquaculture processes have been previously infeasible.

Abstract: Aquaculture apparatus comprises an elongate tube (2) of flexible translucent plastic material which extends longitudinally along level ground. The tube (2) is inflated and air supported. At least the lower section of the tube defines a water course. The tube (2) is closed at both ends to form a water enclosure. A number of such tubes are arranged in side-by-side relation and are covered by a plastic sheet cover layer (17). The cover (17) provides an air gap (19) to insulate the inner tubes (2) and restrict heat loss. The tubes (2) are used to form at least some of the modules of an aquaculture system for rearing fish and/or for effluent, waste or water treatment.

Abstract: The invention enhances the viewing experience of visitors to marine environments, a specimen is selected by pointing devices near viewing stations 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, having video displays. The specimen is optically scanned, and the video image compared to a database 16 stored within a computer network 2, to which each viewing station is connected. A number of different graphic identification techniques are used to compare the scanned image to the data within the database, including bulk size-shape filtering, color filtering, and pattern analysis. Once the specimen has been identified, the database provides name, habitat, size, habits, diet, history, and other such demographic information to an output device at the viewing station 14 including printers 32. The textual outputs are translated into different languages automatically by computer program methods, in the form of both text and sounds.

Abstract: A method of increasing seafood production in the oceans comprises testing the water at the surface of the ocean in order to determine the nutrients that are missing, applying to the surface of the ocean a first fertilizer that comprises an iron chelate, and harvesting the increased production of seafood that results. The method may further comprise applying a microorganism that fixes nitrogen such as phytoplankton, applying additional fertilizers, and seeding the ocean with fish. Each fertilizer releases the nutrient(s) over time in the photic zone and in a form that does not precipitate before use by the phytoplankton.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing herring roe on kelp is described. The method comprises sandwiching kelp between layers of uncured herring roe in a mold made of a mesh material. The mold containing the roe and kelp is submerged in salt water such that the eggs adhere to the kelp and to each other. The outer surface of the eggs on kelp is textured to yield a natural appearance by dipping the eggs on kelp in a brine containing uncured eggs or by directing a stream of uncured eggs on the cured eggs on kelp until the desired appearance is obtained. Alternatively, a stream of uncured eggs can be directed against a piece of kelp originally having no eggs adhering to it until a layer of eggs builds up on the sides of the kelp to a selected thickness. Eggs on kelp prepared in this manner avoid contaminants, and the quality and freshness of the product can be controlled.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for disease control in fish farming and more particularly, to a process whereby proliferative gill disease and other diseases and infections are eliminated by the treatment of a fish rearing pond or tank with low concentrations of Chloramine-T. The Chloramine-T is applied to the pond or tank and allowed to remain in the tank or pond until it breaks down. The concentration of the Chloramine-T can be from about 2 to about 3 PPM.

Abstract: A fish rearing system having a water circulation system comprising: a trapping section including a particle trap 2 for capturing residual feed and fish feces contained in the water, a sediment trap 6 for accumulating a sediment in a rearing tank and separating the sediment from the water, a residual feed detecting sensor 5 interposed in a pipe 4 communicating with the particle trap 2 and the sediment trap 6, and a micro-screen filter 7; a denitrification device 12 for denitrifying a nitrogen compound dissolved and contained in the water; a bubble surfacing device 11 for generating bubbles by supplying air and/or ozone and removing surface active substances contained in the water by capturing the bubbles; an ultraviolet disinfection device 13 for disinfecting the circulating rearing water; an ammonium treatment section consisting of a immersion treatment device 15 and a non-immersion treatment device 14 and having a function of decomposing ammonium contained in the water; and an aeration device 21 for dissolvi

Abstract: In a fish breeding facility, a disinfecting product is used which is suitable for eradicating microorganisms that affect fish fauna and that are present in said fish breeding facility; said disinfecting product comprises an aqueous solution of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, wherein said peracetic acid is comprised in a percentage by weight ranging between 2% and 15% and said hydrogen peroxide is comprised in a percentage by weight ranging between 4% and 21%

Abstract: Apparatus for producing an objective assessment of the size of fish in an aquaculture setting. The apparatus includes a sonic transducer (30) with a transmitter that is driven to generate time-spaced pulses that move along a sonic beam path (32) of small spread angle, and a sonic detector that detects echos of the transmitted pulses which result whenever a fish enters the sonic beam. An analyzing circuit analysis the echos to provide an estimate of the size of the fish that produced the echoes. The analyzing circuit detects the time between the leading and trailing edges of an echo, which indicates the thickness of the fish. A measurement of the peak amplitude of the echo and of the integral of echo energy also indicates the size of the fish.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for underwater self-contained and remotely controllable tagging of marine fauna involves emplacement of a tagging unit that can be used for example in a fishing trawl and establishment of communications with the unit through a cable wire that may be conventional. Numerous types of information can be recorded in relation to the tagging, including two- and/or three-dimensional images of the animal, to be used at a later date when the tagged animal is recovered. The method decreases tagging mortality and the biological effects of tagging on the animals, since they are not exposed to temperature and pressure changes, human handling and, at times, anesthesia. The embodiment makes it possible to tag deep-sea species that have never been tagged due to the fact that they would not survive the ambient changes of coming to the water's surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating water with fine bubbles using elastomeric members having fine openings is provided. The apparatus is provided with one or more lifting bodies in such a way that the apparatus, which is generally disposed at the base of a reservoir or tank, can be raised, by introducing air into the lifting bodies, to such an extent that the apparatus is accessible above the surface of the water.

Abstract: A novel method for eliminating or reducing, or otherwise treating, aquatic pests using juglone or juglone analogs is described. The methods are useful for removing zebra mussels and quagga mussels from water intake pipes and various other underwater hard surfaces. In addition, the methods are useful for treating dinoflaggellates, algae and amphipods, among other pests, from ballast water. A great advantage that these methods have over current protocols is that they have low environmental risk.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and discharging live marine animals, the apparatus having a collection chamber for holding the marine animals, an inlet conduit having one end extendible into a body of water containing the marine animals, and another end in fluid communication with the chamber, the conduit being sized to allow the marine animals to pass therethrough, a pump to suck water out of the chamber which also causes water to flow through the conduit and into the chamber thereby carrying the marine animals through the conduit and into the chamber, a screen to prevent the marine animals from being sucked into the pump, a discharge outlet through which the marine animals can pass out of the apparatus, and a mechanism the marine animals through the discharge outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact culture system to produce microalgae, live food animals and fish fry (new born fish) in a serial manner. The culture system is composed of three individual reactors of same size positioned in different levels on three shelves of a frame. In the top-level reactor, microalgae is grown symbiotically with fish. With so grown microalgae, live food animals in the middle-level reactor are fed. Finely, the live food animals are transferred into the bottom-level reactor to feed fry in it. Culture water in the system is self-cleaned by the metabolic activity of the photosynthetic microalgae, and is circulated through the reactors continuously or intermittently. Heaters, thermometers, aerators, illuminators, and water pumps are equipped in the system to offer optimal growth conditions for the organisms. Extra electric outlets are provided for the use of pH-meters, oxygen-meters, carbon dioxide-meters, ammonia-meters when needed to control the water quality.

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: Disclosed is a process for growing the microflora Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, which includes the growing of the microflora in fermentation medium containing non-chloride containing sodium salts, in particular sodium sulfate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the process produces microflora having a cell aggregate size useful for the production of food products for use in aquaculture. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, and a component selected from flaxseed, rapeseed, soybean and avocado meal. Such a food product includes a balance of long chain and short chain omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids. The lipids containing these fatty acids can also be extracted and used in nutritional, pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing or eliminating the contamination by algae or phytoplankton in a fish farm (100). A series of tarpaulins (112) are suspended from buoyant members (103) which support the netting (102) of the farm (100). The tarpaulins (112) are connected at their lowermost ends (115) to a movable series of horizontal booms (122) that may take on air for positive buoyancy or which may displace the air with water for negative buoyancy. The booms (122) reciprocate on generally vertically oriented spars (113) which are maintained in position using anchors (104) and stays (111). As the booms (122) are raised or lowered, the tarpaulins (112) are similarly raised or lowered to allow or prevent algae from entering the farm (100). A water pipe (200) is maintained in position within each cage (101). Air is injected into the water pipe (200) from a compressor (214). The injected air initiates water flow upwardly within the water pipe (200).

Abstract: An automated biomonitoring system for monitoring water quality includes an exposure chamber for housing an aquatic organism having ventilatory behavior and body movement sensitive to water quality. Electrodes sense electrical signals produced by the organism during its ventilatory behavior and body movement, and a controller responsive to signals from the electrodes determines a plurality of ventilatory parameters based on the signals. The ventilatory parameters are compared with corresponding thresholds to determine when the water to which the organism is exposed has caused physiological stress to the organism.

Abstract: Processing methods and compositions of matter are disclosed for lipid fractions of sea cucumber intestinal mass and body wall tissue suitable for the healthfood industry and aquaculture feed pigment industry. A process and composition of matter description for obtaining a high protein de-lipidized, de-odorized meal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for reliably and selectively releasing a data acquisition package from an animal for recovery. The data package comprises two parts: 1) an animal data acquisition device and 2) a co-located release apparatus. One embodiment, which is useful for land animals, the release apparatus includes two major components: 1) an electronics package, comprising a receiver; a decoder comparator, having at plurality of individually selectable codes; and an actuator circuit and 2) a release device, which can be a mechanical device, which acts to release the data package from the animal. To release a data package from a particular animal, a radio transmitter sends a coded signal which is decoded to determine if the code is valid for that animal data package. Having received a valid code, the release device is activated to release the data package from the animal for subsequent recovery.

Abstract: The invention generally provides an apparatus that aerates the aquatic environment and agitates the bottom of the aquatic environment. One aspect of the invention provides a variable buoyancy aerator which cycles between an agitation mode and an aeration mode. Another aspect of the invention provides a system for maintaining an aqua-culture environment including one or more variable buoyancy aerators, a power source connected to supply power to activate the aerators and a controller connected to the power source to regulate activation of each aerator. The invention also provides a method for maintaining an aqua-culture environment including positioning one or more variable buoyancy aerators within the aqua-culture environment and regulating activation of each aerator to provide aeration, bottom agitation and controlled circulation to the aquatic environment.

Abstract: A system for controlling a hydroelectric power production facility includes sensors for detecting the presence of fish adjacent to the facility. A controller linked to the sensors controls the orientation of control surfaces associated with a turbine/generator set to enhance the survivability of fish entrained into the facility when fish are detected to be present. The system may be adapted to control fish bypass and spillway structures within the facility to further enhance the survivability of fish populations. The system balances fish survivability with other parameters related to the operation of the facility, optimizing power production levels once estimates of fish survivability meet targets or optimum levels. The system may be adapted to coordinate control of several facilities along a water system to permit implementation of an overall water, fish and power management plan.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for acclimating a salt-water fish that is adaptable to acclimation to brackish or fresh water by initially placing the fish in water having about one half the salt content of its natural habitat, then slowly reducing the salt content to the desired concentration. The invention also provides a salt-water fish that can live in water that contains substantially less salt than its natural habitat. Further, the invention provides an aquarium that contains both a salt-water fish and a fresh-water fish.

Abstract: A sea water well source is used to supply cold sea water to a pair of serially connected thermal exchange systems. The sea water outflow from the second system is then supplied to an aquaculture preserve to provide nutrients in the sea water to marine life cultivated in the aquaculture preserve. The first of two heat exchange systems uses the cold sea water to cool a building or refrigeration unit. Alternatively, it may be used to condense fresh water from the air when the sea water is passed through coils. The second of the two heat exchange systems is a temperature-controlled agricultural system which uses the sea water output from the first heat exchange system to maintain the climate so as to grow agricultural products.

Abstract: A method of increasing seafood production in the oceans comprises testing the water at the surface of the ocean in order to determine the nutrients that are missing, applying to the surface of the ocean a first fertilizer that comprises an iron chelate, and harvesting the increased production of seafood that results. The method may further comprise applying a microorganism that fixes nitrogen such as phytoplankton, applying additional fertilizers, and seeding the ocean with fish. Each fertilizer releases the nutrient(s) over time in the photic zone and in a form that does not precipitate before use by the phytoplankton.

Abstract: A process for optimizing the growth of fish reared in a pond, comprising injecting oxygen into the pond in a controlled quantity according to different cycles.

Abstract: A gravity vacuum system for a fish tank which will fit onto any standard fish tank and will get rid of waste through a gravitational system. The top of the system is a false bottom for the upper portion of the fish tank. The false bottom features openings small enough to allow the waste to pass. A solid pyramid directly in the middle of the lower one third supports the false bottom. At the right and left foot of the pyramid are drainage valve areas enclosed in boxes. When the drainage valves are opened, the waste flows through the false bottom and into the triangular areas and left of the pyramid. The waste then flows down through the triangular spaces and into the drainage valve areas. The owner then hooks connective tubing to the drainage valves for easy drainage.

Abstract: A method of producing mature fish using an algal turf as feedstock. The method consists of first growing an algal turf in a growth reservoir while subjecting the turf to an oscillatory water surge; severing the algal turf from its growing surface and transferring the severed algal turf to a second vessel containing young fish. In an optional embodiment, water enriched in oxygen may be removed from the growth reservoir and recycled to the second vessel. Further, at least a portion of the metabolic and respiratory waste products of the fish may be transferred to a growth reservoir containing algal turf.

Abstract: A pond filtration device for filtering impurities from pond water and a backflush system for cleaning the filtration device. The illustrated embodiment includes a watertight body with a filter cage mounted longitudinally therein. A filter medium, such as burlap, encloses the filter cage and uses impurities filtered from the pond water as a natural filter to further filter the pond water. After the filter is full of impurities, the backflush system cleans the filter and removes the impurities from the watertight body. The backflush system includes a backflush member threadably mounted to a rotatable screw shaft. The backflush member projects water radially through the filter cage and filter medium to clean impurities therefrom.

Abstract: A synthetic habitat device providing for the enhancement of open estuary systems with regard to the survival potential of juvenile fish. The device is an assembly composed of a horizontal member with a plurality of cylindrical downward curving appendages. The device is permanently attached to existing bulkhead structures bordering an aquatic system and is located adjacent to and below the surface of the water at low tide elevation. The device provides substrate for colonization by marine organisms and sanctuary to juvenile fish in various developmental stages. The device is a substitute for indigenous plant structure and substrate which has been diminished or eliminated from a natural estuary system.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for using coal mine water effluent and for raising cold water fish. The method involves aerating coal mine water effluent having a water temperature of from 12 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius, and directing the water to a container having water and fish therein. The fish are preferably selected from rainbow trout, sturgeon, arctic char and Atlantic salmon. The system involves a coal mine having water effluent at a temperature of from 12 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius, an aeration device for aerating the water effluent to produce aerated water, means for carrying the water effluent from the mine to the aeration device, a container containing fish and water, and means for carrying the aerated water from the device to the container.

Abstract: A fish cage, comprising: a rigid hexagonal frame enclosed in a grating skin and including a feed tube extending through said grating skin for providing feed to the interior of the cage. The delivery of feed from the cage through the tube is controlled by a control module that may also control a water flush system for flushing feed through the tube. A novel fastener, comprising a back, a nut-supporting length of tubing, an internally threaded nut permanently mounted in the tubing, and a bolt that can be threaded into the nut. The back extends beyond the tubing, so that the back engages the grating skin when the fastener is in use.

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 fish rodeo game (10) enables a game participant to catch fish (52) floating within a water body (12) utilizing a lasso apparatus (50). The water body (12) is confined within an enclosure (14). A plurality of containers or baskets (48) are disposed around the periphery of the enclosure (14). Fish (52) are captured utilizing the lasso apparatus (50) and are released within the baskets (48) during a prescribed time period. The lasso apparatus (50) has a fishing line (54) with a closable noose (58). The noose (58) has a noose cord (63) which is of sufficient resiliency so that the noose (58) is maintained in an open position when substantially no pulling tension is exerted on the noose cord (63). Further, a weight (74) may be disposed to urge the noose (58) to a closed position when pulling tension is exerted on the fishing line (54) and thus the noose cord (63).

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying and activating water is provided. The apparatus comprises a drive shaft having a hollow inside, a capsule secured to a lower end of the drive shaft, a device for supporting the drive shaft for rotation so that an upper opening of the drive shaft is positioned above the surface of water and the capsule is positioned in the water, and a motor for rotationally driving the drive shaft, the capsule including a plurality of small apertures communicating with the hollow inside of the drive shaft.

Abstract: For the identification of macro-organisms, especially fish, visible implant tags having identification codes of fluorescent colorants are implanted into at least partially transparent tissue of the macro-organisms such that the visible implant tags are visible. The encoded information is obtained from the tags by measuring the spectrum of light emitted by the fluorescent colorants. The tagged fish need not be captured to read the tags. The information may be obtained through a significant depth of medium and also independently of the size of the tag or its orientation. Florescent dyes or, more preferably, fluorescent pigments may be used for the identification codes.

Abstract: Anode and cathode electrodes are placed at the upstream downstream ends of an elongated tank containing fish to be electroanesthetized by applying an electric signal to the electrodes to create an electric field within the tank sufficient to induce petit mal in the fish. By maintaining a flow of water in the tank from the end containing the anode electrode to this end containing the cathode electrode, the fish will tend to head toward the anode electrode and be subject to the largest voltage gradient induced by the electric field. A barrier at each of the anode and cathode electrodes prevents contact by the fish to protect the fish against injurious electrical shock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bio-amplifier in a water quality system. The bio-amplifier detects and amplifies a ventilatory behavior of a fish. The ventilatory behavior is converted to a signal. The signal is an instantaneous determination of the quality of water being tested.

Abstract: Anode and cathode electrodes are placed at the upstream and downstream ends of an elongated tank containing fish to be electroanesthetized by applying an electric signal to the electrodes to create an electric field within the tank sufficient to induce petit mal in the fish. By maintaining a flow of water in the tank from the end containing the anode electrode to this end containing the cathode electrode, the fish will tend to head toward the anode electrode and be subject to the largest voltage gradient induced by the electric field. A barrier at each of the anode and cathode electrodes prevents contact by the fish to protect the fish against injurious electrical shock.

Abstract: A submersible cage system for cultivating aquatic animals comprises a rigid frame defining a geodesic enclosure, a net supported by the rigid frame to define a water permeable enclosure for the aquatic animals, the rigid frame being rotatable about a horizontal axis, flotation chambers disposed at opposite sides of the rigid frame, the flotation chambers being alternately fillable with a gas or a liquid to increase or decrease, respectively, the cage system's buoyancy, and a mooring for anchoring the frame in a fixed position in a marine environment.