Abstract: Open-sea aquaculture systems and methods are provided, which employ a semisubmersible platform with vertical columns, having storage and maintenance facilities for supporting aquaculture. Systems comprise a rigid assembly of aquaculture cages, with vertical cavities having forms configured to receive the corresponding vertical columns of the semisubmersible platform. The rigid assembly is mechanically connected to the semisubmersible platform in operational positions: (i) a raised position in which the rigid assembly encloses the corresponding vertical columns in the vertical cavities to limit a horizontal movement of the rigid assembly, and (ii) a lowered position in which the rigid assembly is below the corresponding vertical columns. Systems further comprise a control unit configured to control the mechanical position control mechanism to lower the rigid assembly upon occurrence of specified rough sea conditions, or whenever needed, and to raise the rigid assembly upon specified conditions.

Abstract: A hunting and fishing gear includes a haft (1), a harpoon body (2) extending in a longitudinal direction of the haft (1) from one end of the haft (1), and a plurality of harpoon tips (3) extending in a lateral direction Y from one side portion of the harpoon body (2) in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction X of the harpoon body (2), and a barb (5) or a come-off prevention section (11; 12) provided to protrude into a space part (4) from at least one of the harpoon tips (3) located in the space part (4). Therefore, when a person grips a handle (7) with the person's hand (17) to use the hunting and fishing gear by swinging it in the direction of an arrow Z, the plurality of harpoon tips easily pierce a prey.

Abstract: For oyster aquaculture, oysters are housed in cylindrical containers. The containers have open (e.g. mesh) sides allowing water and nutrient flow. Containers are attached at each end to a horizontal anchoring system, such as a pair of lines running near the water surface. The attachment involves rotatable connection, allowing the containers to roll. The containers include a traction surface, such as a ridged or toothed surface for traction, or another roughened or corrugated surface. This allows the containers to be rolled without disconnection from the anchoring system, for tumbling and transport. A container handling device mounted on a boat includes a ramp descending into the water and an operating area. The operating area includes a de-fouling bath and a surface on which the containers roll, facilitating tumbling. The container handling device travels along a line of containers with the anchor lines running overtop, lifting each container up and through the operating area in turn.

Abstract: The system, apparatus and method of the present invention provides for the cultivation of shellfish in subtidal environments. A key aspect of the invention is the use of specially configured baskets, into which the shellfish to be grown is seeded. In particular, the baskets are configured with a support bracket through which a cable passes. The mounting of the support bracket permits the rotation of the basket and allows a shellfish cultivator to replicate the growing conditions of intertidal ecosystems despite the invention being used in a subtidal environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for sorting undesired marine species during trawling, provides a pliable grid when the trawl net is pulled from the water and wound tightly on the net reel, and when the trawl is deployed in the water, the apparatus is fixed into place inside the trawl and holding its shape with consistent grid spacing. Marine species sorting apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes grid, back straps, and lead ring. Grid includes a plurality of bars surrounded by grid frame. Grid frame is attached to lead ring at an angle using terminal couplers. Lead ring supports grid and secures marine species sorting apparatus in trawl webbing referred to as the extension.

Abstract: A continuous trawl fishing method includes: by dragging a fishing net in water through a vessel, carrying out trawling operation so that catches to be fished enter a cod-end of a fishing net tail; then tractioning and moving the cod-end so that a sucking fish tube of a vacuum sucking fish pump reaches into the cod-end; and a tube mouth of the sucking fish tube contacting the catches in the cod-end to run the vacuum sucking fish pump to suck the catches from the cod-end into the collection tank through the sucking fish tube, and the catches in the collection tank being then transferred and frozen or directly processed. The fished catches of the present invention are obviously improved in indicators such as the stiffness time and the number of the first-grade fresh fish and so on. The histamine content is obviously reduced and the catch quality is improved.

Abstract: An autonomous open-ocean fish-farming structure has a submersible cage enclosure tethered to a topside buoy. The topside buoy stores feed, is equipped with radio telemetry to communicate positioning signals transmitted from external sources, and generates electrical power using, for example, a hybrid solar OTEC heat engine. The structure is navigated and maintained in a geostationary position within the ocean environment by means of position-correction technology and is propelled by thrusters attached to the cage enclosure and, optionally, to the underside of the topside buoy. The self-positioning, self-powered fish-farming structure enables unmanned, extended marine deployment in deeper ocean waters without the need for tethering or anchoring to the ocean floor. Multiple structures can be maintained in a spaced apart configuration to comprise a flotilla of fish farming structures attended by a tender ship that is autonomous, easily serviced and conveniently relocated.

Abstract: The seawater surface sampling device is a buoyant device for sampling the topmost layer of water in a body of water in order to study water properties specific to depths of only about 0.5 cm. The seawater sampling device includes a buoyant housing having an open upper end, a lower wall and at least one sidewall. The lower wall has a concave contour, and an aperture is formed through the lower wall at an apex of the concave contour. A pump is mounted on an upper surface of the lower wall, within the buoyant housing, and is in fluid communication with the aperture for extracting the water sample therethrough. A sample holder is also mounted on the upper surface of the lower wall, within the buoyant housing, for removably receiving a sample collection bottle.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for trawling wherein trawl are bags positioned one above the other and towed by a single trawl vessel is disclosed. The bag(s) are continuously emptied of caught seafood/biomass via an injector assisted suction hose connected to a bottom end of the bag(s), and leading to the trawler vessel. In the case of two trawl bags, one above the other, the uppermost trawl bag is along the upper trawl opening portion equipped with a plurality of buoyancy bodies, and the lower trawl bag's lower trawl opening portion, at the outer ends, is equipped with weights or sinkers. Spreading of trawl opening(s) is effected either by otter boards, or a spreading member linked to the trawl opening portions. Tension lines pass from the outer ends of the upper trawl opening portion to the outermost positioned joining points for the trawl bags, and to the weights or sinkers.

Abstract: A harvesting device for zooplankton (1) or other micro organisms in a body of water (2). The new and inventive in the harvesting method is amongst others a bubble diffuser (3) arranged for being submerged in the body of water (2) and arranged for releasing gas bubbles (4) preferably air, in the body of water so as for said bubbles (4) may attach to zooplankton (1) and bring them closer to the surface (21) of said body of water (2) for collection by means of a skimmer or trawl (5). Said trawl is further arranged as a skimmer with a transportation tube from the aft of said skimmer to a vessel which both tows the trawl and processes the harvested zooplankton at the same time.

Abstract: A method and device for collecting animals living on or in a water bottom such as crustaceans and shellfish and fish, wherein a collecting device (5) is moved over the bottom, which collecting device is provided with a device for moving the animals from or off the water bottom, in particular at least one tine (14) that can penetrate into the bottom and with which said animals can be taken or forced from or off the bottom, while said at least one tine is provided with a fluid outlet through which under pressure, a fluid, in particular water, is forced into the bottom, such that a top layer of the bottom is stirred up and animals living therein or thereon are dislodged, which animals are captured in the collecting device.

Abstract: A harvesting device for zooplankton (1) or other micro organisms in a body of water (2). The new and inventive in the harvesting method is amongst others a bubble diffuser (3) arranged for being submerged in the body of water (2) and arranged for releasing gas bubbles (4) preferably air, in the body of water so as for said bubbles (4) may attach to zooplankton (1) and bring them closer to the surface (21) of said body of water (2) for collection by means of a skimmer or trawl (5). Said trawl is further arranged as a skimmer with a transportation tube from the aft of said skimmer to a vessel which both tows the trawl and processes the harvested zooplankton at the same time.

Abstract: A motor-driven mechanical netting device includes a net assembly, a slide assembly, a bracket, and a mount. The slide assembly is structured to support the net assembly and includes a guide bar. The bracket is structured to support the net assembly, the slide assembly, and a motor. The mount is structured to support the bracket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foot operated fishing net tipping apparatus releasably attached to a fishing boat comprising: a boat-attaching portion, a net-holding portion, a lock portion, a foot pedal portion and connecting members. A conventional fishing net is therefore frictionally attached within an opening of the net-attaching portion, which rotably pivots atop the boat-attaching portion. A foot pedal is linked to the net-attaching portion as such to allow the pedal's motion to be transferred to the net-attaching portion. A fisherman can raise and lower the fishing net with one foot, thereby freeing both hands for the fishing rod.

Abstract: A longline fishing system which is attached to a fishing boat for the purpose of lessening wear and ear on the fishing line has an improved reel and an auxiliary hauler. The reel is made from a plurality of arcuate sections forming a core. End plates are attached to each end of the core. The diameter of the core and the diameter of the end plates are related to prevent over stressing the line. The auxiliary hauler is placed between the stern and the reel to accept a portion of the hauling load.

Abstract: A longline fishing system which is attached to a fishing boat for the purpose of lessening wear and tear on the fishing line has an improved reel and an auxiliary hauler. The reel is made from a plurality of arcuate sections forming a core. End plates are attached to each end of the core. The diameter of the core and the diameter of the end plates are related to prevent over stressing the line. The auxiliary hauler is placed between the stern and the reel to accept a portion of the hauling load.

Abstract: A fishing assembly comprising two elongated tunnel assemblies mounted to the sides of a watercraft and pivotally mounted at a point adjacent to the rear of the watercraft. A lifting mechanism is used to bring the forward end up and down selectively. When in the down position, the user is fishing for shrimp and scoops up the water in its path along with the shrimp forcing a rearward current that pushes the shrimp over a solid bottom backwards and upwardly. The lateral walls are made out of a mesh of predetermined cooperative dimensions to let the water go through while keeping the shrimp. A U-shape tunnel assembly in the back connects to the elongated tunnel assemblies and routes the shrimp towards the center of the watercraft to a cooperatively positioned aperture through which the shrimp is unloaded.

Abstract: Procedure for electro-stunning and/or electro-sacrifice, for industrial application to marine ichthyological species in floating cages having a floating cage (12) with tuna fish (6) two divers are introduced, the hunter (1), who uses a rifle with a harpoon with a Teflon head and metallic tip (4), joined to equipment for transforming electric potential (3) on the boat (7) and also connected to a plate (5) submerged and the controller (2) that activates the equipment (3), which sends an electric stunning signal or a signal that kills the fish (6) to the two terminals of the plate (5) and tip (4), the fish is lifted from the water by the crane (10), and equipped with a collar or identifying plastic label (11), the rifle and the harpoon are recovered towards the boat (7).

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique boom assembly for a brine shrimp harvesting device. More specifically, a novel boom assembly with replaceable modular panels is disclosed. The modular panels maybe water-permeable to trap brine shrimp eggs, while permitting water to pass out of the harvesting device. The modular panels may hang downward into a body of water from a boom, and may be weighted at the bottom end by an anchoring line. Each modular panel may be removably attached, through the use of suitable quick-release fastening mechanisms, to the boom, to the anchoring line, and to each adjacent modular panel. Thus, repair of the boom assembly may be rapidly carried out by replacing any damaged modular panel, without moving the boom assembly to any land-based facility. The boom assembly may therefore be used for continued harvesting while the damaged modular panel is repaired at a convenient location.

Abstract: The apparatus for separating target and non-target species harvested from a waterbody includes a catch boat towable behind a trawler for towing concomitantly with a trawl net towed behind the trawler. An elongate intake conduit having first and second ends extends between the catch boat and the rearmost, that is, downstream end of the trawl net. The first end of the intake conduit is mountable to, so as to be in fluid communication with, an aperture in the trawl net, when the trawl net is submerged in the waterbody. The second end of the intake conduit is opposite the first end of the intake conduit and is mounted to the catch boat in fluid communication with a first fluid reservoir in the catch boat. Fluid containing harvest species and by-catch is urged along the intake conduit from the first end to the second end of the intake conduit so as to discharge fluid from the second end of the intake conduit into the first fluid reservoir. Fluid and by-catch are discharged from the catch boat.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for harvesting aquaculture from a body of water. The apparatus includes a continuous belt which is partially submerged in the water. A flow of water is created which forces aquaculture against the moving belt and the belt then lifts the aquaculture into the vessel. The aquaculture is then deposited on a moving belt which initially filters out a selected species from the aquaculture and deposits the selected species in a settling compartment. The selected species is then pumped from the settling compartment to a second compartment. The selected species may then be passed through another filtering system comprised of a tube with a formed wire spirally wound thereabout. The spacing between the wound wire may be varied so that only the selected species having a specific size may pass therethrough.