Abstract: A floatable structure has a cage with a surrounding wall and a bottom, the cage being arranged for fish farming. A surrounding skirt extends in a downward direction from the bottom, wherein at least a portion of the bottom from the skirt towards a center of the cage is tight. The portion of the bottom and the skirt forming a bottom section are arranged to be filled with a gas giving the floatable structure additional buoyancy.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to selectively inducing ingress and/or egress of live food creatures (FCs) relative to a reservoir using a controllable light source based on innate behavior(s) of the FCs. In an illustrative example, a feeder for dispensing live food to a carnivore may have a (partially) opaque chamber configured to receive FCs. A controlled light source may, for example, be selectively operable to illuminate at least part of the chamber. A carnivore interface may, for example, be in communication with the chamber via at least one dispensing aperture and be configured to present a dispensed FC to the carnivore. Operation of the controlled light source in a dispensing mode may induces motion of the FCs in the chamber towards the carnivore interface to be presented as food to the carnivore. Various embodiments may advantageously induce self-dispensing and/or self-retention of insects as food.

Abstract: A submersible pen system (100) for aquaculture is described. The pen comprises a hub (4) for coupling the pen system (100) to an anchor and a collar (1) circumferentially arranged around the hub (4) and having a variable buoyancy. A first end of at least one net panel (6) is coupled to the collar (1) and at least one tensioning element (5) is coupled to a second end of the at least one net panel (6). A stabilising diaphragm (50) is coupled to each of the hub (4) and the collar (1) and is at least partially deformable, the at least one net panel (6) providing surfaces at least partially defining a pen having a containment volume. The stabilising diaphragm (50) is configured to operatively provide a stabilising force between the hub (4) and the collar (1) such that a deformation of the stabilising resilient diaphragm (50) effects a degree of movement in the collar (1) with respect to the hub (4) when exposed to external dynamic loading.

Abstract: An aquaculture pen includes an annular floatation assembly formed from a plurality of float platforms connected end to end. A weight ring is suspended from the floatation assembly by a first plurality of tension members at a central portion of the float platforms. A net support ring is suspended from the floatation assembly by a second plurality of tension members that are attached to the floatation assembly, for example, outboard of the first plurality of tension members. A mesh enclosure for the pen includes a main portion attached to the net support ring, a jump net portion that extends from the net support ring to engage the inboard side of the floatation assembly, and a top portion that closes an upper end of the mesh enclosure.

Abstract: A double pipe cultivation system which enables the reduction of falling the mussels cultivated with the effect of vertical and horizontal forces that would occur due to wind, wave and tides that can be received in all directions in mussel farms established in sea and lake areas, and the losses that can occur due to similar reasons.

Abstract: Method for air drying a fouled net portion of a net comprising the fouled net portion and a clean net portion in a circular sea pen. The method includes the steps of: a) fastening lifting posts to the pen on a drying side; b) attaching slidingly internal ropes to the net; c) fitting winches to the lifting posts on a drying side; d) connecting an energy source to the winches; e) releasing a suitable part of a clean net portion from a handrail; f) fastening the internal rope to a winch; g) bringing a part of the fouled net portion into the air by pulling the internal rope with the winch; h) fastening a part of the fouled net portion to the handrail; and i) repeating steps e)-h) until the complete fouled net portion is lifted into the air. The invention regards also lifting posts to carry out the method.

Abstract: A pen system is for farming aquatic organisms. The pen system has an outer surrounding rigid structure and an internal, closed enclosure. The outer surrounding rigid structure forms an upper portion and a lower portion. The pen system further has: an internal surrounding connecting element, the closed enclosure being attached to the connecting element; and a heave-compensation system having a plurality of fluid-filled cylinders, each fluid-filled cylinder being hingedly attached, in a first end portion, to the connecting element, and being hingedly attached, in a second end portion, to the inside of the rigid structure.

Abstract: A floating plant (8) comprises a container (1) and a mooring element (2) provided with respective guide elements (10, 13). The guide elements have a mutual complementary shape such that the container (1) and the mooring element (2) may move freely with respect to each other in directions that coincide with the container central axis (CL). A plurality of elongated buoyancy elements (10) are arranged on the container outside and arranged between the container bottom end (17) and the container upper end (18), preferably parallel with the container central axis (CL). The container may be transported to the installation site, floating in the water and stabilized by means of the buoyancy elements (10). The mooring element (2) may be transported to the installation site, either in one piece or on several pieces (2a, 2b), and mounted such that it surrounds a portion of the container. The container is raised and lowered in the body of water by controlling the amount of water in the container.

Abstract: An aquaculture production and/or transfer system is provided and comprises: at least one floating aquaculture production apparatus on a novel offshore advanced hull system of varying shapes for closed containment method and ecological friendly for sustainable floating farming system (which may be marketed under Eco-Ark™); a station keeping apparatus coupled to the aquaculture production apparatus; a custodian transfer apparatus having a custodian chamber, a chute and a pump, wherein the custodian chamber is fluidly coupled to at least one of the tanks to receive live aquatic animals therefrom, wherein the chute is configured to transfer live aquatic animals to an amalgamated facility.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled shellfish aquaculture apparatus and method for growing shellfish using the apparatus are provided. A frame has containers for holding shellfish secured to the top side of the frame and tanks secured to the bottom side of the frame. Each tank has an air supply line connected to the tank and an opening on the bottom side of the tank. Each air supply line is connected to a manifold for controlling airflow to the tanks. Air is used to displace water in the tanks by pushing the water out of the openings in the bottom of the tanks in order to float the frame. To submerge the frame, the tanks are depressurized to allow water to displace the air in the tanks. When floating, the tanks lift the frame and the containers out of the water to allow air desiccation in order to prevent bio-fouling of the equipment and shellfish.

Abstract: A portable livewell comprises a buoyant top frame, hinged lid, hinged trapdoor, and a removable mesh net capable of nesting within the buoyant top frame. The livewell further comprises a length of cordage secured at a first end to the livewell and a second end to a ground stake. A pair of handles are secured on opposite ends of the buoyant top frame.

Abstract: The invention discloses a deep sea fishing cage comprising supporting frameworks and cage nets arranged therebetween; said supporting framework comprises a float supporting component and cage frameworks symmetrically arranged on two sides of float supporting component; said cage frameworks are connected with float supporting component via cage nets; the float supporting component comprises a float support rod and a support frame counterweight steel bar; said float support rod is arranged above support frame counterweight steel bar and funnel-shaped escape-proof plate is arranged on lower side of float support rod; said cage framework comprises a supporting component and a cage sealing component, wherein said supporting component is connected with cage sealing component via net surface, said supporting component comprises an upper supporting frame and a lower supporting frame, and two ends of said upper supporting frame are connected with two ends of lower supporting frame respectively to form a semicircular s

Abstract: An aquaculture system which has a pen, a control system, a pumping mechanism coupled to the pen, and a set of buoyancy tanks coupled to the pen. The pen can be disposed in a body of water and at least temporarily stores aquatic animals during development. The control system receives electric power from a power source and provides electric power to the pumping mechanism to provide a flow of water through the pen. A portion of the control system is in fluid communication with the set of buoyancy tanks and adjusts a volume of fluid in at least one buoyancy tank to move the pen from a first position in which the pen is partially submerged in the body of water to a second position in which the pen is fully submerged in the body of water.

Abstract: The invention discloses an in-situ passive sampling device based on physical and chemical and bio-coupling monitoring and use thereof, the device comprises a foam plastic tray on the water surface, a supporting connection device under the water surface, a fish farming device and a sampling device. The invention comprises three passive samplers and a fish farming device, wherein the fish farming device can ensure the survival environment of the fish in the long-term test, maintain the fish survival rate, and apply the device to the safety evaluation of water quality of the centralized drinking water source.

Abstract: A buoyancy system is for a fish pen. The fish pen has an enclosure for keeping fish confined in the fish pen, the enclosure being secured to an inner flexible buoyancy body floating on a water surface. The buoyancy system has an outer buoyancy body on the outside of the inner buoyancy body. The inner buoyancy body is attached to the outer buoyancy body with a mooring so that the outer buoyancy body and the inner buoyancy body move independently of each other relative to waves.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable underwater coral cultivation system comprising a tensioned propagule support line or rod, and a propagule-encircling loop for attachment thereto, wherein the propagules' tissues and skeleton overgrow the line/rod. Multiple propagules of a single genetic clone on a line/rod may fuse into a single linear coral colony, whereby the natural structural and anti-fouling attributes of the target organism provide structural rigidity to the system and high survivorship of the live material in nursery culture. A preferred embodiment may provide a low to no maintenance protocol soon after deployment thereby allowing for “set and forget” through self-planting endpoints. In some embodiments, a vertical arrangement provides full leverage advantage to the support buoy as growth increases (coral) weight. In some embodiments, the vertically-oriented single genetic clone facilitates gamete capture for facilitated spawning in coral (ecosystem) enhancement and restoration.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a submergible net pen system including for receiving a net, the system including: at least four support members; a plurality of span members connecting the support members, wherein the support members and span members collectively notionally define a pen volume; at least one chamber affixed to one or more of the span members and the support members; and at least one compressor in fluid communication with the chamber to selectively inflate the chamber with a gas.

Abstract: A floating offshore wind turbine integrated with a steel fish farming cage mainly includes a wind turbine, a wind turbine tower, a living quarter, a floating wind turbine foundation in a conic steel structure, a mooring system, a lateral net encircling the floating wind turbine foundation, a bottom net, and lifting systems. The upper end of the wind turbine tower hosts a wind turbine, and the lower end of the wind turbine tower is fixed on the floating wind turbine foundation. In the present invention, the inner space of the floating wind turbine foundation is used to form a huge farming cage, which functions for the objectives of “power exploitation on the top and fish farming at the bottom”. The foundation has excellent stability and seakeeping performance, and is applicable to deep waters.

Abstract: A method of positioning an aquaculture pen includes retrieving data about the aquaculture pen disposed in a water environment, determining a forecasted location of the aquaculture pen, forecasting at least one factor of interest based on the data about the aquaculture pen for a time period of interest, predicting a factor of interest within a feasible range of movement for the aquaculture pen, determining a potential new location within the feasible range of movement using the data about the aquaculture pen, the feasible range of movement and the factor of interest within the feasible range of movement for the aquaculture pen, and moving the aquaculture pen to the potential new location.

Abstract: A method of positioning an aquaculture pen includes retrieving data about the aquaculture pen disposed in a water environment, determining a forecasted location of the aquaculture pen, forecasting at least one factor of interest based on the data about the aquaculture pen for a time period of interest, predicting a factor of interest within a feasible range of movement for the aquaculture pen, determining a potential new location within the feasible range of movement using the data about the aquaculture pen, the feasible range of movement and the factor of interest within the feasible range of movement for the aquaculture pen, and moving the aquaculture pen to the potential new location.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving data from one or more sensors that detect one or more environmental parameters associated with an autonomous submersible structure, determining one or more navigation parameters based on the one or more environmental parameters and one or more viability profiles associated with cargo contained within the autonomous submersible structure and that specify constraints on the one or more environmental parameters, and controlling, based on the one or more navigation parameters, a propulsion system of the autonomous submersible structure.

Abstract: A fish transfer apparatus for directional positioning of fish entering a fish transfer pump reducing injury, stress and enhancing sea lice removal when coupled to a Coanda effect fish transfer pump. The apparatus employs a collection structure constructed from a funnel shaped passageway made of spaced apart bars. A manifold is positioned along an outer surface of the spaced apart bars for directing a flow of water through the passageway at a predetermined position. Fish approaching the apparatus are naturally attracted to the outward flow of water past the ring frame and will enter the passageway as they will be swimming against the current. Once the fish passes the manifold, the fish is subject to the suction caused by the fish transfer pump and drawn into the suction pipe for transfer.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a submersible net pen system for receiving a net. The system includes a plurality of support members, a plurality of span members connecting the support members together to define a pen volume, one or more chambers defined by one or more of the span members and the support members, and one or more compressors in fluid communication with the chambers to selectively inflate the chambers.

Abstract: A buoyancy element is for constructing a modular buoyancy system for a circularly shaped net cage. The buoyancy element includes a cage side, an opposite straight long side, and coupling sides between the cage side and the straight long side. The cage side is curved, following the periphery of the net cage.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled shellfish aquaculture apparatus is provided. A frame has containers for holding shellfish secured to the top side of the frame and tanks secured to the bottom side of the frame. Each tank has an air supply line connected to the tank and an opening on the bottom side of the tank. Each air supply line is connected to a manifold for controlling airflow to the tanks. Air is used to displace water in the tanks by pushing the water out of the openings in the bottom of the tanks in order to float the frame. To submerge the frame, the tanks are depressurized to allow water to displace the air in the tanks. When floating, the tanks lift the frame and the containers out of the water to allow air desiccation in order to prevent bio-fouling of the equipment and shellfish.

Abstract: Large capacity fish and seafood growing aquaculture comprises multiple floating at sea concentric transparent torus tubes with central barge equipped with air compressor, electronic controller and anchored to seabed. Floating level above sea level of aquaculture torus tube is controlled by floating level sensor input triggering compressor to inflatable helical balloon wrapped around aquaculture tube and commanded by electronic controller. Water level in each tube is controlled by air pressure actuated valves. Each tube consists of four torus tube segments which are constructed of strong molded structural helical pipe wrapped into torus shape with molded resilient helical strip wall and with sealed helical inflatable balloon to control tube buoyancy level with connection to four vertical pipes for external rapid insertion and removing fish and food into and from the tubes. Cabled means connected to seabed.

Abstract: A fish rearing tank has an egg-shaped shell with a vertical long axis and gradually narrowing shape towards a tip portion. The egg-shaped shell holds a water volume for the contained fish in a major wider, lower portion, and encloses air in the minor, upper, tip portion. The shell forms a closed, rigid tank and has one or more water inlets, and one or more water outlets. A ring-shaped buoyancy collar is mounted on the egg-shaped shell. The shell has a fixed ballast in the lower end of said wider, lower portion of the egg-shaped shell.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving data from one or more sensors that detect one or more environmental parameters associated with an autonomous submersible structure, determining one or more navigation parameters based on the one or more environmental parameters and one or more viability profiles associated with cargo contained within the autonomous submersible structure and that specify constraints on the one or more environmental parameters, and controlling, based on the one or more navigation parameters, a propulsion system of the autonomous submersible structure.

Abstract: An autonomous submersible structure includes a cage for protecting cargo contained within a volume of the cage, two or more independently operated propellers, and a raised platform. The raised platform includes a plurality of sensors and computers that detect at least one of: water quality, water pressure, or objects in the vicinity of the cage. The raised platform includes a navigating system that controls a direction of travel of the cage based on feedback provided by the plurality of sensors and computers, and a power generator that provides power to the sensors, the navigating system, and the feeding mechanism. The autonomous submersible structure includes a ballast for counterbalancing the weight of the raised platform, wherein the navigating system controls the two or more independently operated propellers to alter the direction of travel of the cage, and wherein the raised platform is environmentally sealed and a portion of the raised platform is positioned above water level.

Abstract: A submersible raft device that is primarily used for aquaculture farming. The raft device has a raft surface, a buoyance support structure, and a submersion control system. The buoyance support structure and the submersion control system allow the raft to be submerged to a desired depth beneath the ocean surface. When used for certain kinds of aquaculture farming, such as mussel farming, submerging the raft below the surface protects the raft, as well as the mussels growing on ropes suspended from the raft, from damage in times of hazardous sea conditions.

Abstract: An offshore aquaculture system based on a semisubmersible platform having storage and maintenance facilities for supporting aquaculture with an attached framework, to which net covered rigid aquaculture cages are movably connected and controllably positioned according to sea conditions. The cages may be sunk or raised to protect the aquaculture products, and all maintenance and feeding is carried out by crew onboard the platform.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for harvesting biomass from a dead zone in a body of water includes structure and/or function whereby, preferably, at least one guide float is configured to float below the water surface. At least one support structure is configured to be coupled to the bottom beneath water, and is configured to support a substantially rigid frame within the dead zone. A main funnel is coupled to (i) the at least one guide float and (ii) the substantially rigid frame within the dead zone, and is configured to collect descending biomass and funnel it toward a lower funnel that is coupled to the bottom of the main funnel. A collection canister is disposed adjacent the lower funnel and is configured to store the descending biomass. Hauling structure is coupled to the guide float and is configured to haul the collection canister from the lower funnel to the surface.

Abstract: A submersible raft device that is primarily used for aquaculture farming. The raft device has a raft surface, a buoyance support structure, and a submersion control system. The buoyance support structure and the submersion control system allow the raft to be submerged to a desired depth beneath the ocean surface. When used for certain kinds of aquaculture farming, such as mussel farming, submerging the raft below the surface protects the raft, as well as the mussels growing on ropes suspended from the raft, from damage in times of hazardous sea conditions.

Abstract: Lighting assemblies that provide spectrum specific underwater lighting to aquatic life. Each assembly has a vessel that receives a substrate secured to a heatsink and is enclosed by an end cap that provides a water tight seal. The end cap is sealingly secured to the vessel by a sealing element and has opening disposed therethrough for receiving an electrical connector that electrically connects lighting elements on the substrate to an exterior power source. The connector is sealingly disposed through the opening in the end cap to prevent the ingress of water within the vessel.

Abstract: A fish farming plant is adapted for floating in free water. The plant comprises a substantially vertical inlet pipe and a corresponding outlet pipe for taking in and discharging water, respectively, at a water depth having the desired water quality at a depth (h). A substantially horizontal residential compartment of an accommodation assembly has an inlet end and an outlet end. Lattices are provided at the inlet end and the outlet end. Also provided at the ends are angled end sections for connecting the inlet pipe, outlet pipe, and the residential compartment. The plant also comprises at least one arrangement for providing water flow through the residential compartment. A module for a residential compartment of a fish farming plant, a method for manufacturing an accommodation assembly, use of such a fish farming plant for smolt, as well as a method for emptying such a fish farming plant are also provided.

Abstract: A molluscan bivalve cage system includes a cage formed of a mesh material of sufficient porosity to allow entry of molluscan bivalves. A fixed buoyant mechanism is secured to an upper surface of the cage and an anchor counterweight mechanism maintains the bivalve cage in a relatively stable position within a marine environment. An adjustable stirrup mechanism adjusts the height of the bivalve cage above the bed of a marine environment during various stages of growth of the molluscan bivalves.

Abstract: A fish pen (100) includes an elongate spar buoy (110) and an optional reserve buoyancy buoy (120) disposed over a top end of the spar buoy. One or more rim assemblies (130, 140) are attached to the spar buoy with tension members (150, 152, 154). An adjustable upper connection plate (114) on the spar buoy provides a means for tensioning the tension members. A docking station (190) and portal (185) provide easy access to the fish pen. A deployable panel system (180, 182) allows for crowding fish into a smaller portion of the pen. The panel system may be nonporous and include additional panels (184) such that a portion of the pen can be substantially isolated.

Abstract: A floating structure and method for obtaining same. The structure includes a first plurality of tubes and a second plurality of tubes. The second plurality of tubes are inserted into the first plurality of tubes to extend through the upper portion of same, and both sets of tubes are welded together. The ends of the tubes of the first plurality of tubes are closed in order to be used as flotation tanks when the floating structure is fitted out for such use. The method concerns locking the first plurality of tubes in place on the frame, with pairs of holes in each of the first plurality of tubes being aligned, and a corresponding tube of the second plurality of tubes being inserted through each pair of aligned holes by force. Each of the connection portions or parts contained in the tubes are welded on the periphery of the holes.

Abstract: A fish cage for use in water comprising a main part (1) made of a watertight, substantially rigid material and has an outlet for effluent (12). The main part (1) is substantially hemispherical, and may slip unhindered through the water along a spherical path without influencing the body of water inside the cage substantially. Because the forces acting on the main part (1) from the surrounding water act mainly along the shell as opposed to perpendicular to the shell, the risk for tearing and the risk for swashing are reduced. Embodiments having flow and lighting conditions adaptable to different species are also disclosed. The cage can be localized in areas with currents and waves, and it can easily be adapted for different species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for isolating farm cages for fish against undesirable organisms, which device is arranged enclosing the farm cage, where the device comprises a fine-meshed fluid-permeable net which is open upwardly and downwardly when arranged round the farm cage, where the fluid-permeable net will extend a distance down in the farm cage's depth direction, in order thereby to form a skirt round the farm cage.

Abstract: The coupling includes first gripping members which are connected, facing on one and the same level on corresponding mounting bodies, to respective structures, and second gripping members mounted so as to slide vertically on the first gripping members in order to secure pneumatic covers in two diametrically opposed regions thereof with the collaboration of threaded rods. The gripping members and provide retention walls that extend towards the mounting bodies by means of horizontal retention flanges. The second gripping members have walls with holes for the passage of screws during fitting thereof to the mounting bodies.

Abstract: A submersible rotatable cage for fish farming comprises a central axle, a buoyant structure positioned about the central axle, and a netting attached to the buoyant structure. An actuator can be placed in operable communication with at least part of the buoyant structure to facilitate rotation of the buoyant structure about the central axle while the cage is in a submerged position. The cage can form part of a system, which includes a net cleaning apparatus, a tethering mechanism and sweep net, that forms the basis for underwater fish farming.

Abstract: A finfish aquaculture containment pen having a plurality of panels that when joined together form the majority of the exterior surface of the containment pen. The panels each comprise tension-bearing mesh material forming the exterior surface of the containment pen, a plurality of compression-bearing struts extending along the boundaries between panels, wherein the mesh material is attached to the struts along the lengths of the struts, and a plurality of hubs at which a plurality of struts and the corners of a plurality of panels abut each other. The panels can form a polyhedral structure. The mesh can comprise coated wire mesh. The struts can be curved members with convex curvature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fish fanning plant adapted for floating in free water. The plant comprises a substantially vertical inlet pipe and a corresponding outlet pipe for taking in and discharging water, respectively, at a water depth having the desired water quality at a depth (h). A substantially horizontal residential compartment of an accommodation assembly has an inlet end and an outlet end. Lattices are provided at these ends. Also provided at said ends are angled end sections for connecting the inlet pipe, outlet pipe, and residential compartment. The plant also comprises at least one means for providing water flow through the residential compartment. The invention further includes a module for a residential compartment of a fish fanning plant, a method for manufacturing an accommodation assembly, use of such a fish fanning plant for smolt, as well as a method for emptying such a fish farming plant.

Abstract: Aquaculture net (30) having a bottom net (31) and side walls (32), said bottom net (31) configured of four or more mesh parts (34) of a chain link fence, said chain link fence comprising a wire direction (33) and a flexible direction, wherein the wire direction of each mesh part (34) is perpendicular to the outer side (36) of said mesh part, said outer side corresponding to the circumference of said bottom net, and wherein the outer sides of said mesh parts are knotted. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing such an aquaculture net.

Abstract: This system for cultivating marine species employs a marine-based array of floating closed-containment tanks composed of panels made of waterproof fiberglass laminate materials and internal buoyant foam-based materials. The panels, connected by flanged struts, form the walls and bottom of the tanks, which are substantially cylindrical in overall shape. The tops of the tanks are open to the atmosphere but are protected from predators via a thick mesh top net. The system also employs a filtration system which utilizes centrifugal water flow and hydraulics to remove sludge and solid matter which is then filtered and transformed into a component for use in garden fertilizers. It also uses an electronic computerized system for monitoring and controlling the marine species rearing environment.

Abstract: The invention provides a breeding system for aquatic fauna that includes a chamber (2) having a wall (4) made from a water impermeable material. In one embodiment the chamber is provided with one or more hatches (20) in the wall where each hatch can be opened to a selectable extent. In another embodiment, the chamber has a selectable volume. The breeding system according to another embodiment includes one or more of the life support systems (30) adapted to be submerged in water.

Abstract: A fish pen (100) includes an elongate spar buoy (110) and an optional reserve buoyancy buoy (120) disposed over a top end of the spar buoy. One or more rim assemblies (130, 140) are attached to the spar buoy with tension members (150, 152, 154). An adjustable upper connection plate (114) on the spar buoy provides a means for tensioning the tension members. A docking station (190) and portal (185) provide easy access to the fish pen. A deployable panel system (180, 182) allows for crowding fish into a smaller portion of the pen. The panel system may be nonporous and include additional panels (184) such that a portion of the pen can be substantially isolated.

Abstract: A containment pen for finfish aquaculture, comprising a supporting structure, a net attached to the supporting structure and defining a containment volume for containing finfish, wherein the net comprises a plurality of removable net panels, wherein each of the removable net panels comprises a discrete piece of flexible netting attached along its perimeter to one or more substantially rigid members, and wherein the removable net panels are configured to be removable from the containment pen with the piece of flexible netting remaining attached to the substantially rigid members.

Abstract: A fish pen (100) includes an elongate spar buoy (110) and a reserve buoyancy buoy (120) disposed over a top end of the spar buoy. Lower and upper rim assemblies (130, 140) are attached to the spar buoy and each other with tension members (150, 152, 154). An adjustable upper connection plate (114) on the spar buoy provides a means for tensioning the tension members. A docking station (190) and portal (185) provide easy access to the fish pen. A deployable panel system (180, 182) allows for crowding fish into a smaller portion of the pen. The panel system may be nonporous and include additional panels (184) such that a portion of the pen can be substantially isolated.