Abstract: A fish handling unit for processing live fish is provided. Such fish handling unit includes an inspection system configured to inspect a plurality of live fish. A conveyor assembly transports the live fish to the inspection system. At least one robotic cell is in communication with the inspection system. The robotic cell has a controller configured to control operation thereof. An end effector is operably engaged with the robotic cell. The end effector interacts with the live fish moving along the conveyor assembly, based on information determined by the inspection system and received by the controller. The end effector may optionally be an integrated gripper and injection assembly capable of orientation and injection of the live fish. Associated devices and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A livewell system comprises a tank for holding water and aquatic life. A scale measures a weight of the tank and any contents of the tank. At least one sensor determines a property of the water in the tank. A pump pumps water into the tank. A controller is provided in signal communication with the scale, the at least one sensor, and the pump. The controller controls the pump based on information from the scale and the at least one sensor. A kit for a livewell system on a marine vessel, including a scale and a measurement module in signal communication with a controller, is also provided.

Abstract: A system for preserving or establishing an ecosystem comprises an assembly coupled to a guidance component. An assembly comprises an enclosure and a substrate, and is configured to contain one or more organisms within the enclosure. The guidance component causes the assembly to be transported to a destination environment. The assembly is decoupled from the guidance component. The assembly detaches from the substrate, to integrate the one or more organisms into an ecosystem of the destination environment.

Abstract: A fishing lure box kit for carrying and draining offshore trolling lures includes at least one draining tray having a tray bottom, tray sides extending from the tray bottom, a tray interior formed by the tray bottom and the tray sides and at least one tray opening in the tray bottom. One or more lure frames are provided in the tray interior of the draining tray. Each lure frame has a frame interior and an open frame top and frame bottom. One or more lure cases are provided in the one or more lure frames, respectively. Each of the lure cases has a case interior sized and configured to accommodate a fishing lure and a case bottom configured to support the fishing lure and provided with at least one opening configured to drain water from the case interior.

Abstract: A valve structure for a respirator includes a base, an upper cover, a membrane and a discharge device, wherein an outer side of an upper annular wall of the upper cover is provided with multiple L-shaped engagement blocks, and a combination hole of the discharge device is provided with multiple L-shaped engagement blocks embedded with the L-shaped engagement blocks of the upper annular wall, so that the discharge device is combined with the upper cover.

Abstract: A water treatment and recirculation system includes means to transport water flows at required pressures, a mechanical filter of approximately 100 microns to capture coarse particles, oxygen production means, autonomous electricity generation means, and variable control means using a PLC that administers parameters such as pressure, oxygen and CO2 levels, flows, pH, etc. The system also includes means to ultrafilter and remove particles of up to 0.

Abstract: An assembly for picking and transporting nano-objects, comprises a cassette having first and second components, which are provided with means of mutual assembly and with means for holding the filter. The first and second components define, when the components are in an assembled configuration, a cavity in which the filter is housed and held therein. The means of mutual assembly comprise first clipping means secured to the first component, second clipping means secured to the second component and able to collaborate with the first clipping means so as to clip the two components together. A picking device comprises suction means to which the cassette is able to be removably attached. The first and second clipping means are configured such that they are not accessible from the outside when the components are in the assembled configuration with the cassette fixed to the device.

Abstract: A device for sampling and transporting nano-objects for analysis thereof. A cassette portion of the device includes two parts with mutual assembly mechanisms between them including a clipping mechanism configured not to be accessible from outside in assembled position of the parts. Therefore, any inopportune opening of the cassette and thus extraction of the sampling filter accommodated in the cassette somewhere else than the place intended for the analysis are avoided.

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

Abstract: 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: An aquaculture net comprises steel wires. At least the upper part of the net comprises steel wires having a tensile strength greater than 1500 MPa. This leads to an aquaculture net with an increased life time.

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

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

Abstract: A fish recompression tool comprises an elongate body having and internal airtight chamber, an attachment member, a locking member, a piston, and a spring within the airtight chamber that engages the piston. The attachment member may switch between open and closed configurations, such that a fish is attached to the device in the closed configuration. The attachment member configuration is controlled by the locking member, such that a locked configuration corresponds to a closed configuration. The attachment member switches to the open configuration when the piston moves in response to reaching a water depth that results in the external pressure surrounding the airtight chamber being sufficiently greater than the internal pressure within the airtight chamber and the spring force on the piston. In preferred embodiments, a plug attaches to an open ended elongate body and may be moved to set different unlocking requirements (i.e. different release depths).

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an aquaculture basket (10) including a top basket part (20), a bottom basket part (30) and at least one door (40). The top and bottom basket pans (20, 30) include connection means (22, 24) for connecting the top and bottom basket parts (20, 30) together. The top and bottom basket parts (20, 30) are interchangeable so as to reduce manufacture costs and to make assembly of the basket (10) easier. The top basket part (10), bottom basket part (20) and the at least one door (40) form an enclosure for housing an aquaculture product. The basket (10) typically includes a door (40) at either end of the basket (10). The top and bottom basket parts (20, 30) are typically identical in construction. The invention also relates to an aquaculture basket attachment system. The attachment system including a connection area (32) integrally formed with or connectable to the basket (10) and a connection member (50) arranged for attachment to the connection area (32).

Abstract: An apparatus for storing aquatic animals comprises a tank for receipt of the aquatic animals, and an arrangement to create a foam environment in the interior of the tank such that at least a majority of the aquatic animals when stored in the tank are submerged in foam. The arrangement to create a foam environment may be configured to deliver a synthetic foam to the interior of the tank, or may be configured to generate the foam, preferably from the natural proteins of the aquatic animals. A fluid recirculation arrangement may recirculate fluid to generate the foam.

Abstract: A pitcher is provided as a preferred form of apparatus for use in a fishbowl cleaning procedure. The pitcher has a side wall extending from a floor to a rim. Holes are formed in the side wall spaced above a floor and below the rim. Water and fish can be poured from a fishbowl into the pitcher. The fish and residual water remain within the pitcher below lowermost holes in the side wall. Excess water drains through the holes in the side wall. The fishbowl can then be cleaned or otherwise reconfigured. Finally, the pitcher can be tilted to pour the residual water and the fish from the pitcher back into the fishbowl.

Abstract: A liquid container aeration system for replenishing gases dissolved in a selected liquid present in an interior of said liquid container that checks on an electrical power source capability to continue operation and allows selected liquid substitution in the interior of the container.

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

Abstract: An aquaculture net (10, 20) comprises steel wires (42, 44). At least the upper part of said net (10, 20) comprises steel wires (42) having a tensile strength greater than 1500 MPa. This leads to an aquaculture net (10, 20) with an increased life time.

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

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

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the extraction and collection of coelomic fluid of sea stars. The method includes feeding sea stars, one at a time, from storage into the mouth of a longitudinally-moving gripper. The method includes moving the sea stars in a downstream direction by means of the longitudinally-moving gripper. The method includes severing the tip of the arm of the sea star. The method includes allowing the coelomic fluid to drain out of the severed arm of the sea star; The method includes accumulating the drained coelomic fluid. The method includes collecting the accumulated drained coelomic fluid. Finally, the method includes discharging the sea stars from the longitudinally-moving gripper.

Abstract: A scooping implement capable of easily scooping small fish, such as, e.g., aquarium fish, kept in a display aquarium without causing any damage to the fish body is provided. A synthetic resin transparent bag 5 is detachably attached to an annular frame main body 2 having a handle 4 by holding down an opening portion of the bag 5 with an annular pressing frame 3 attached to the main body in an openable and closable manner.

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: This invention relates to the use of free L-proline in the preparation of a supplement, and to a supplement so prepared, as well as a method using such a supplement for supplementing the concentration of cellular free L-proline in abalone and for restricting the dehydration of abalone. The supplement is further effective in reducing the levels of free radicals in abalone experiencing water stress and hypoxic stress. The invention further relates to a method of restricting the dehydration of abalone during storage and transportation including the step of administering to abalone an effective amount of free L-proline.

Abstract: A liquid container aeration system for replenishing gases dissolved in a selected liquid present in an interior of said liquid container that checks on an electrical power source capability to continue operation and allows selected liquid substitution in the interior of the container.

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

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for storing aquatic animals comprises a tank (3) for receipt of the aquatic animals, and an arrangement (9) to create a foam environment (13) in the interior of the tank (3) such that at least a majority of the aquatic animals when stored in the tank (3) are submerged in foam. The arrangement to create a foam environment may be configured to deliver a synthetic foam to the interior of the tank (3), or may be configured to generate the foam, preferably from the natural proteins of the aquatic animals. A fluid recirculation arrangement may recirculate fluid to generate the foam.

Abstract: An aquaculture net (70) in the form of an open basket comprises:—a front wall (10);—a left (20?, 50?) and a right (20?, 50?) side wall;—a back wall (60);—a bottom (30, 40). The front wall (10), the left (20?, 50?) and right (20?, 50?) side walls and the bottom (30, 40) all preferably have the form of a rectangle. At least part of the left (20?, 50?) and right (20?, 50?) side walls are foldable or have been folded over a diagonal of said at least part, in order to facilitate transport of said aquaculture net.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a releasing device and more particularly a releasing device used to release fish in water. Deep-water fishes such as rockfish often exhibit the effects of rapid water pressure change such as expelled gas bladder, protruded eyes when brought to the surface. The fish releasing device of the present utilizes a jaw assembly, a weight, and other components to clamp onto a fish. The device is dropped into the water which pulls the fish beneath the surface of the water and automatically releases the fish upon the opening of the clamping jaw.

Abstract: The collection of aquatic animal eggs during hatchery production is a critical step in the successful rearing of these animals. Currently, the equipment and culture methods do not allow large numbers of animals to be spawned at the same time without several people handling the process. The disclosed invention solves the problem of collecting large quantities of released aquatic animal eggs after spawning many adults at the same time. The apparatus is simple to build, maintain, and repair, and the method of its use requires only one person to handle the spawning of many adults.

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 suitable for commercial aquaculture, the method comprising the steps of: (a) at least partially filling a tank (3) with an aqueous medium (13), the tank (3) being adapted for control of the quality of the aqueous medium (13), (b) locating one or more supports (2, 4) in the tank (3), each support (2, 4) being adapted to vertically hold multiple cells (1) containing marine or fresh water organisms, (c) removing one or more supports (2,4) from the tank (3) to harvest the marine or fresh water organisms wherein a cell (1) is a self-contained unit including a barrier such as a wall to enclose marine or fresh water organisms in a volume of aqueous medium (13) and includes one or more apertures or interstices to facilitate free flow of the aqueous medium (13) between the interior and exterior of the cell (1). Each cell (1) further includes a port for insertion of the marine or fresh water organisms, the port being blocked or restricted when the cell (1) is held by the support (2, 4).

Abstract: A feed trough is provided for use in cultivation containers for growing frogs and other amphibians. The feed trough is comprised of a sloped floor. In some embodiments the floor slopes downward to an opening from which, during operation, airflows. The opening is covered by a perforated cover that retains the feed particles collected from the sloped floor and provides sufficient opening for airflow that propels the feed particles from the perforated cover into the airspace of the cultivation container.

Abstract: A container system for packing live lobsters and other crustaceans has two sidewall components, and optional intermediate wall components, with mating faces formed with uniformly spaced vertical pockets. There may be a separable bottom component as well. The components may be separately molded for interchangeable fit, or cut out from a common core molding as a matched set. Together the y form an open top box, with pockets aligned to form open top cells for holding lobsters, tail first. A top is used to contain the live lobsters under a cooling gel pack or layer of ice. The closed box may be further enclosed in a sleeve and liner for additional security and protection against leakage. The box can be opened one component at a time, exposing only one layer of lobsters at a time, permitting easy inspection and removal of each lobster.

Abstract: A weight belt for maintaining the vertical orientation of a fish which has been rapidly taken from a significant depth and placed in shallow water without time to adjust the amount of air in its air bladder. The belt is placed around the fish between the dorsal fin and the pectoral fins, and has weights at the underside of the fish to maintain its vertical orientation by gravity.

Abstract: A container system for packing live lobsters and other crustaceans has two sidewall components, and optional intermediate wall components, with mating faces formed with uniformly spaced vertical pockets. There may be a separable bottom component as well. The components may be separately molded for interchangeable fit, or cut out from a common core molding as a matched set. Together the y form an open top box, with pockets aligned to form open top cells for holding lobsters, tail first. A top is used to contain the live lobsters under a cooling gel pack or layer of ice. The closed box may be further enclosed in a sleeve and liner for additional security and protection against leakage. The box can be opened one component at a time, exposing only one layer of lobsters at a time, permitting easy inspection and removal of each lobster.

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

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

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

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for sea urchins picking or the like from a water-filed area and collecting the urchins into a collecting member without damaging the same. The device includes an operable picking member for intaking and conveying an urchin-water mixture via a piping system into the collecting member, a draining system for draining water of the mixture from the collecting member and a pumping member for ensuring flow of the mixture within the picking member, piping system and collecting member, and of the water through the draining system.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for sea urchins picking or the like from a water-filed area and collecting the urchins into a collecting member without damaging the same. The device includes an operable picking member for intaking and conveying an urchin-water mixture via a piping system into the collecting member, a draining system for draining water of the mixture from the collecting member and a pumping member for ensuring flow of the mixture within the picking member, piping system and collecting member, and of the water through the draining system.

Abstract: A blank for forming a multi-sided container suitable for storing and/or shipping live crustaceans, such as lobsters, shrimp, and crayfish is disclosed. The blank has a base member to which one or more thermal conditioning wall members are foldably connected. In addition, one or more infiltration barrier wall members are foldably connected to the base opposite the thermal conditioning wall member or members. The thermal conditioning wall member or members and infiltration wall member or members have partial side wall members extending substantially orthogonally from them in an aligned relationship. Thus, the thermal conditioning wall member and infiltration barrier wall member can be folded to bring their partial side wall members into contact, thereby forming one or more multi-sided containers for live crustaceans.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a method for transport and/or storage of live baits adapted to alleviate a loss occurring in the course of transport and/or storage and to maintain a freshness of the live baits for a long period.

Abstract: A fish resuscitating apparatus includes a container of pressurized oxygen-rich fluid medium such as a gas or liquid. A valve controllably couples the fluid medium to a dispensing tip which is dimensioned to fit within the mouth of the fish. The dispensing tip is porous or perforated to allow the fluid to enter the mouth of the fish for aiding the fish in recovering from being caught. A kit of parts includes a container, a valve, and a plurality of tips of different dimensions, for use with different types of fish.

Abstract: A blank for forming a multi-sided container suitable for storing and/or shipping live crustaceans, such as lobsters, shrimp, and crayfish is disclosed. The blank has a base member to which one or more thermal conditioning wall members are foldably connected. In addition, one or more infiltration barrier wall members are foldably connected to the base opposite the thermal conditioning wall member or members. The thermal conditioning wall member or members and infiltration wall member or members have partial side wall members extending substantially orthogonally from them in an aligned relationship. Thus, the thermal conditioning wall member and infiltration barrier wall member can be folded to bring their partial side wall members into contact, thereby forming one or more multi-sided containers for live crustaceans.

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