Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for sustainable aquaculture. The methods provided herein allows recovery and/or recycling of autochthonous nutrients in fish farming, and recovery of allochthonous nutrients present in eutrophic water. The systems provided herein comprises two closely spaced cages, an array of rotary panels that regulates the flow of matters between the two cages; and a means for producing a directional water current.

Abstract: An aquatic animal such as coral is propagated on a base. The base has a top portion with a groove located therein. The groove has converging side walls. The groove intersects a depression that extends from the top portion to a bottom portion of the base. The depression has converging sides. An animal fragment is secured to the base by locating it in the groove, or alternatively in the groove and the depression. Water flow across the base may cause the fragment to move inside of the groove, wherein the fragment will sink down and become wedged in place, further securing or coupling the fragment to the base. The coral then grows and adheres itself to the base.

Abstract: The disclosure provides processes that maintain or adjust levels of ammonia and nitrite in a liquid. The processes utilize a bacterial composition capable of oxidizing ammonia and nitrite. The processes are useful in the rescue or preservation of aquatic organisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for regulating algal biomass in offshore waters near an oil and gas production platform. The systems of the invention encompasses a plurality of modules for managing nutrients, algae, and aquaculture, including enclosures for containing aquatic organisms, and various operating subsystems that are operably associated with surface and underwater structures of the platform. In one embodiment of the invention, aquatic organisms are cultured in eutrophic water to feed on algae, thereby reducing the algal biomass. In other embodiments, the diversity of algae in an algal bloom is modified and the productivity of oligotrophic water is increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for reducing algal biomass in eutrophic water, wherein organism that feed on algae are introduced into the eutrophic water and cultured in the eutrophic water, until the algal biomass is reduced or the organisms have reach desirable size. The body of eutrophic water can be restocked with juveniles after harvesting. The organisms can be fishes and/or shellfishes. The methods further comprising producing biofuel, specialty chemicals, nutraceuticals, food, and/or fish meal from the harvested fish.

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: Devices and methods are disclosed for the containment, hatching, and culture of aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms. Methods and device can be applied widely in the care and culture of aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms important in the aquaculture industry, aquarium and pet hobby, science instruction and education, environmental screening and toxicity testing, and the education-entertainment field.

Abstract: A modular aquaculture system and method of use for providing a flexible cost effective system and method for producing aquaculture. The modular aquaculture system and method of use includes aquaculture holding tank for at least facilitating the grow-out of the aquaculture species, at least one oxygenation apparatus operationally couples to each one of the aquaculture holding tanks, and a filter apparatus operationally coupled to the aquaculture holding tanks.

Abstract: A coral cultivation method includes: an electrodeposited-mineral precipitating procedure for precipitating electrodeposited minerals on a coral-growth substrate for growing coral, which is placed in seawater, by applying an electric current between the coral-growth substrate and a first anode that is electrically connected to the coral-growth substrate and placed in the seawater; a coral-larvae growing procedure for growing coral larvae on the coral-growth substrate precipitated with the electrodeposited minerals; a coral-cultivation-structure configuring procedure for configuring a coral cultivation structure from a plurality of the coral-growth substrates on which the coral larvae are grown; and a coral cultivating procedure for cultivating coral by applying an electric current between the coral-growth substrate on which the coral larvae are grown and a second anode.

Abstract: A device for colonizing and harvesting marine hardground animals in an underwater region of a ground-based offshore edifice includes at least one rail device configured to extend vertically on the offshore edifice along a height of the underwater region to above a waterline. The device also includes a netting array including a habitat carriage having a habitat and trapping basket that is adapted to contain the hardground animals. A lifting device is configured to move the netting array along the at least one rail device. Additionally, the device includes a scavenging carriage including a basic unit and a running unit that is configured to detachably couple the scavenging carriage with the at least one rail device so as to be movable thereon. The scavenging carriage is configured to detachably couple with the habitat carriage and the lifting device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing an aquaculture feed composition which method comprises causing water, optionally together with a lipid, to be taken up by protein-containing feed pellets, characterised in that said pellets contain as a binder a plant seed flour.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of sustainable economic development, such as development through an integrated production of renewable energy, material resources, and nutrient regimes. In some embodiments, the system utilizes resources extracted from renewable energy sources to assist in the capture of energy from other renewable energy sources. In some embodiments, the system utilizes energy from renewable energy sources to extract resources from other renewable energy sources.

Abstract: A multi-tier marine nursery habitat, comprised of a plurality of fiberglass or other non-degrading tier panels, secured in vertically spaced relation by vertical tie rod elements passing through spacer elements of plastic (inserted “plastic, deleted “PVC”) pipe sections, with flotation elements attached at the top. The surfaces of the panels are covered with crushed shells. Sections of polypropylene or other non-degrading rope extend vertically through the assembled tier panels in a predetermined closely spaced-apart relation to provide simulated prop roots providing high surface area for attachment of marine organisms. The habitat is comprised of inexpensive components and is particularly suitable for manual assembly at low cost with relatively unskilled labor.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods of monitoring a target aquatic organism are disclosed herein. In various aspects, the apparatus may include support media that supports the growth of a target aquatic organism, and a buoy adapted to float upon a water surface. The water surface may define a waterline with respect to the buoy, and the buoy may cooperate with the support media such that a waterline position of the waterline is generally indicative of a weight of the support media. The methods, in various aspects, may include the steps of positioning a support media in an aqueous environment, the support media supports the growth of a target aquatic organism, and determining a waterline position defined by a water surface with respect to a buoy, the waterline indicating a weight of the support media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor apparatus (1) for growing of biological species (2), comprising at least one basin device (3) defining a first habitat (4a) for a first species (2a), and a first lighting device (5a) having one light emitting solid-state lighting source (6), adapted for the first species (2a) by emitting light (L), wherein the solid-state lighting source (6) illuminates said habitat (4) using light energy emitted from the solid-state lighting source (6), wherein the bioreactor apparatus (1) comprises a second habitat (4b), adapted for a second species (2b).

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: Devices and methods are disclosed for the containment, hatching, and culture of aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms. Methods and device can be applied widely in the care and culture of aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms important in the aquaculture industry, aquarium and pet hobby, science instruction and education, environmental screening and toxicity testing, and the education-entertainment field.

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 low-cost aquatic structure optimized for water quality enhancement and wave mitigation. The structure is preferably comprised predominantly of recycled polymer scrap or other low-cost, high-surface-area materials, such as jute. The structure may be either buoyant or non-buoyant. Buoyant embodiments of the structure are preferably tip resistant. All embodiments are preferably wave damping. The structure is preferably porous and permeable, and has a large internal surface area for colonization by nutrient-removing microbes. The structure may alternately be used to add nutrients to a water body to promote fish growth for aquaculture applications.

Abstract: A marine habitat system comprising one or more assembled units, each formed of a flotation element and a plurality of habitat tiers fixed to and spaced below the flotation element. The habitat tiers are comprised of frame assemblies formed of upper and lower open frame elements and side walls, forming a space. The space is filled with a mesh matrix of plastic fibers which forms an ideal environment in which various desirable juvenile marine creatures (crabs, lobsters, oysters, etc.) can thrive. Upwardly projecting, simulated prop roots can be provided on the habitat tiers to provide additional anchorage area for marine life to attach.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for aquaculturing marine life forms such as coral utilizing a rotating tray that exposes the marine life forms to variable water flow conditions during each revolution of the tray.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for administration of animal venting therapy in which relieves excess bodily gases (Barotraumas) from the body cavity. The apparatus includes a spring loaded device for making the puncture; this in turn acts as a safety sheath when not in use. A non slip surface is on the front of the device. A main locking device is incorporated for additional safety when the unit is not in use. A soft touch cover for users comfort and with the use of a waist lanyard is additional items added for safety.

Abstract: The present invention is draft to corrosion resistant aquatic plant stands, planters, and aquatic animal stands comprising a platform assembly, for use in a shallow body of water. In a preferred embodiment, the legs of the stands of the present invention are adjustable, particularly preferably independently adjustable to permit the platform assembly to be stably and substantially horizontally oriented in use, despite irregularities on the bottom of the body of water.

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: An agitator is provided including an open system having a base holding a plurality of culturing beakers as well as a lid holding a tube transporting fresh seawater into each beaker, gently stirring the water within and eliminating any decaying embryos. Each beaker has at least a bottom made of mesh allowing water to flow through. The agitator can be used to culture any fragile planktonic organisms that require an extended rearing time.

Abstract: Methods of treating aquatic or marine animal water bodies including contacting the water body with one or more sulfur oxidizing bacteria such as those selected from the genus Paracoccus in an amount sufficient to control, reduce, or eliminate the H2S in the water body is disclosed. One or more sulfur oxidizing bacteria selected from the genus Paracoccus are applied to H2S contaminated environments in a predetermined amount effective in improving the yield and quality of aquatic or marine animals therein. Compositions useful for treating aquatic or marine animal water bodies are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and apparatuses for raising aquatic animals in controlled environments in order to avoid disease and pollution, and for increasing the number of shrimp that can be raised in controlled environments. More particularly, the present invention generally relates to a shelving unit for raising aquatic animals in a controlled environment comprising a plurality of shelves having a top and bottom surface, wherein at least one surface is substantially solid to support the aquatic animals thereon and to allow feeding thereon by the aquatic animals. Also provided are systems comprising closed environments for containing water, at least one shelving unit, a feeding system for dispensing food onto the shelving unit, and a waste disposal system.

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: 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 aquaculture or wastewater effluent water quality device to improve water quality and food supply in an aquaculture pond or body of water by incubating beneficial microbes in a temperature controlled environment and systematically releasing them to the surrounding water, allowing the beneficial microbes to perform sanitation functions and to help such systems or water bodies overcome the natural production of harmful microbial species without substantially heating or cooling the entire system any more than is required by the present state of the system or body of water or the inhabitants thereof.

Abstract: A method for recording and estimation of the weight of fish. A number of cameras, especially CCD-cameras, record pictures of fish moving by the cameras in a transfer conduit. The fish is illuminated from different sides in the transfer conduit and pictures of different parts of the fish are recorded by a sequence control, in such a way that a compound image recording is made, which is used as a base for an estimation of the weight of fish. A device to make measurements on fish 11, moving in a transfer conduit 12, that has at least two light sources 14 at the wall of the transfer conduit, for illumination of fish, and two or several cameras 10, especially CCD-cameras, arranged in a cross plane evenly around the circumferences, to record reflections from the fish or shadow pictures of the fish.

Abstract: A small protein skimmer for aquiculture includes a sealed body, a liquid-gas mixed pump motor, a protein foam collection device and a suspensory support. The sealed body is divided into foam generated grooves and flow gathered grooves by partitions, and the generated grooves connect with the flow gathered grooves at ends thereof. The liquid-gas mixed pump motor is mounted on bottoms of the foam generated grooves for pumping water and forming a liquid-gas mixed water flow in the foam generated grooves. The foam generated grooves define apertures in tops thereof which a protein foam collection device can insert into. A flow gathered groove defines a water outlet in a forward sidewall near a top thereof and an adjusting sluice on the water outlet for adjusting water output.

Abstract: A floatable raceway (1) for cultivating fish comprising a partially submersible tank (2) for containing fish having a base (5), opposing sidewalls (6), a gate assembly (8) having removable gates (10, 11) at a water discharge end of the tank (2), and an end wall assembly (7) at a water intake end of the tank (2) having a ramp (9) extending downwardly to the base (5) and towards the gate assembly (8). The raceway (1) also includes floats (3) extending the lengths of the sidewalls (6) for keeping a top of the tank (2) above water level, an airlift assembly (4) connectable to an air supply for introducing oxygenated water to the tank (2) at the water intake end, and a baffle (14) for directing the flow of water through the tank (2) along the base (5). The raceway (1) has a pair of screen gates (10) allowing the movement of fish wastes therethrough and a pair of stop gates (11) for substantially preventing water from discharging from the tank (2).

Abstract: A control device for marine animals comprises an electrical device that applies an electrical voltage directly to a marine animal in order to shock the marine animal, for control thereof. The device preferably comprises a pole or rod having electrical prongs at one end which my be applied to the marine animal, thereby applying and electrical signal having a voltage, amperage and frequency that stuns and/or shocks the animal. The character of the electrical signal is such that the animal is temporarily paralyzed, so that it may be safely handled by humans for bringing it into a watercraft without otherwise damaging the animal.

Abstract: A method of reducing the level of bacteria and viruses in a volume of water during aquaculture comprises:—(a) providing the volume of water to be stocked with farmed aquatic organisms or eggs thereof; (b) prior to the stocking, introducing into the water an aqueous solution of glutaraldehyde in an amount such as to provide in the water from 0.1 to 2 ppm of glutaraldehyde; (c) stocking the water with the farmed aquatic organisms or eggs thereof at a time when the concentration of glutaraldehyde is 0.1 to 2 ppm. (d) allowing the farmed aquatic organisms or eggs thereof to grow; and (e) optionally during a period of the growth, introducing into the water at least one further portion of an aqueous solution of glutaraldehyde in an amount such as to maintain the concentration of the glutaraldehyde at 0.1 to 2 ppm.

Abstract: A method of culturing aquatic animals utilizes a habitat including at least one habitat unit, each habitat unit being constructed of a plurality of concentric tubes with a fixed radial spacing. The habitat is immersed in an aquatic environment containing larvae of aquatic animals to be raised so that the larvae settle on the habitat, the aquatic animals are fed until the animals grow to a desired size, and the cultured animals are then harvested.

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 method of lighting to protect sea turtles comprises providing in a housing both a white light source, for example a low-voltage incandescent source, and a red LED source that is visible to humans but that does not interfere with the normal nesting and hatching behavior of sea turtles, and selectively energizing the latter source during turtle nesting season.

Abstract: A composition is for feeding aquacultural prey organisms such as Artemia and rotifiers, comprising a lipid component comprising at least 25 wt % of phospholipids and providing a DHA content of at least 30 wt %. The lipid component is preferably derived from marine organisms such as fishmeal, phytoplankton or zoo plankton biomass. The composition is used for providing prey organisms having a high content of highly-unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) suitable for aquaculture of fish including halibut, turbot, bass and crustaceans and molluses.

Abstract: A method and system for the inland aquaculture of marine species using water from a saline aquifer having a heavy metals content within the acceptable limits of the EPA guidelines for drinking water. The aquifer is preferably the Coconino aquifer located in Arizona and New Mexico. The system can be used to culture microalgae, macroalgae, fish, shrimp and many other marine species. Nutrients and fertilizers can be added to the water to optimize culture conditions for particular species. Useful products can be isolated from the marine species or the cultured marine species can be harvested as useful products themselves.

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: Aquaculture apparatus includes an elongate tube of flexible translucent plastic material which extends longitudinally along level ground. The tube is inflated and air supported. At least the lower section of the tube defines a water course. The tube 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. The cover provides an air gap to insulate the inner tubes and restrict heat loss. The tubes 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: A method and system for the inland aquaculture of marine species using water from a saline aquifer having a heavy metals content within the acceptable limits of the EPA guidelines for drinking water. The aquifer is preferably the Coconino aquifer located in Arizona and New Mexico. The system can be used to culture microalgae, macroalgae, fish, shrimp and many other marine species. Nutrients and fertilizers can be added to the water to optimize culture conditions for particular species. Useful products can be isolated from the marine species or the cultured marine species can be harvested as useful products themselves.

Abstract: A fish test circuit for the evaluation of waterway barrier bypass systems with a conduit having at least one bypass system test station, water flow within the conduit, fish introduced into the conduit, and measurement of the effectiveness of the bypass system under test. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the measurement of the effectiveness of the bypass system under test includes determining the survival or mortality rate of the fish as they pass through each bypass system undergoing test. The test circuit may be a closed loop or a side channel of another waterway. An important benefit and feature of this invention is the capability to evaluate multiple and differing bypass systems under similar water flow, water conditions and water quality conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving conditions in closed circuit seafood and fish farming, comprising the following steps: a) at least part of the water from at least one of the rearing ponds (1) is recycled, whereby said water is treated one or more times and purified (3, 4, 5) before it is re-injected into said pond; b) the water recycled during the recycling path indicated in step a) is mixed with a new supply of water (10); c) all or part of the recycled water (21, 22) undergoes ozonization and, wherever applicable, the new supply of water (20) also undergoes ozonization either partially or in full before it is mixed with the re-circulated water.

Abstract: A substantially purebred non-transgenically developed fish produced by selecting fish having at least one desirable trait from a population of same species fish and preparing a DNA fingerprint of the selected fish so as to be able to identify breeder fish by use of selected microsatellite loci identified as being associated with fish having the at least one desired trait, breeding the selected breeder fish to produce offspring having the at least one desired trait. Also provided is a method for producing the substantially purebred non-transgenically developed 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 means able to detect any abnormal behaviour of said 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: A method for growing ornamental plants by hydroponic cultivation, includes the steps of arranging a piece of a tree in a water tank, adhering support members to the tree, the support members being water permeable which are free to deform, placing plants on the support members, the roots of the plants being integrated with the soil, and supplying water to the support members so as to implement hydroponic cultivation of the plants on the tree.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of culturing zooplankton that allows solids serving as feed for zooplankton to remain in a culture medium, while preventing accumulation of growth inhibitors of zooplankton and growth of bacteria, and an apparatus for culturing by the same. The culture method of the present invention includes removing a growth inhibitor of the zooplankton and/or a water-soluble nutrient for bacteria from a culture medium containing the zooplankton by a solid/liquid separation membrane with perfusion. The culture method of the present invention can produce a culture for use as feed for fishes or crustaceans containing at least 50,000 per ml of highly lively zooplanktons.

Abstract: Sessile marine organisms are a source of many marine pharmaceuticals. A method of producing such a marine pharmaceutical is provided which involves positioning a plurality of like substrates in sea water, growing the organism on the plurality of substrates, harvesting the grown organism, and extracting the pharmaceutical from the harvested organism.