Abstract: A fish cage formed from a molecularly oriented single strand filament that is crossed and welded at the intersections to make a net or screen configuration. The filament being molecularly oriented by stretching ratio of about 3:1 and has a cross section of the filament being at least 2 mm2. The filament is an extruded thermoplastic material made from nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane or polypropylene having a preferred cross section in a D or oval shape to better facilitate welding the intersections. An antimicrobial or biocide may be added to the filament. The screen or net is preferably of a bright color such as yellow, green, white or a translucent white. The screen can also be formed by connecting small injection molded segments together thereby producing a larger screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for transporting live fish, in which a protein skimmer is installed together with a fish tank in an interior of a cargo room of the container, bubbles discharged from the protein skimmer are stored in a large-capacity bubble tank, a water cooler having a refrigerating unit is installed in a container driver unit such that water discharged from the fish tank is cooled and resupplied to the fish tank, or water cooled by the water cooler can be brought into contact with the external air while the water is being injected into a dry filtering tank installed on the fish tank, and a filtering member impregnated with microorganisms that have been cultured therein is arranged in the dry filtering tank.

Abstract: A fish cage formed from a molecularly oriented single strand filament that is crossed and welded at the intersections to make a net or screen configuration. The filament being molecularly oriented by stretching ratio of about 3:1 and has a cross section of the filament being at least 2 mm2. The filament is an extruded thermoplastic material made from nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane or polypropylene having a preferred cross section in a D or oval shape to better facilitate welding the intersections. An antimicrobial or biocide may be added to the filament. The screen or net is preferably of a bright color such as yellow, green, white or a translucent white. The screen can also be formed by connecting small injection molded segments together thereby producing a larger screen.

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 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: An integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system (multico) for a primary species, preferably a carnivorous marine species with high market value, secondary, preferably an omnivorous species of medium market value and tertiary species, preferably a detrivorous species with high market value, combined with an unfolding system for the primary species to an open semi-intensive or extensive system, the multico system for the primary species is an intensive closed or semi-closed system. The secondary species is stocked in an intensive closed or semi-closed system, while the tertiary species is stocked in a semi-intensive or closed extensive or semi-closed system. The multico system of the primary species is in communication with the system of the secondary species, while the system of the secondary species is in communication with the system of the tertiary species.

Abstract: A floating fish production system for placement within a body of water and being structured and disposed for containing fish and other aquatic animal, plant and algal species, the system including at least one primary containment tank having an arrangement of individual solid wall sections and an arrangement of individual solid floor sections. Flexible membranes span between and connect to adjacently positioned solid wall and floor sections to define flexible connecting joints that allow the individual solid wall and floor sections to move relative to one another in an articulating action. The flexible membranes allow the tank configuration to temporarily deform from a relaxed state in response to externally applied forces exerted on the tank (e.g., waves, wind, current) to thereby absorb the externally applied forces and reduce stress on the structural integrity on the tank.

Abstract: An aquaculture net forming an open basket has a front wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, a back wall, and a bottom. The front wall, the left side wall, the right side wall, and the bottom all preferably have the form of a rectangle. At least part of the left side wall is foldable or has been folded over a diagonal of the at least part of the left side wall and at least part of the right side wall is foldable or has been folded over a diagonal of the at least part of the right side wall, in order to facilitate transport of the aquaculture net.

Abstract: An aquaculture net for a circular raft and a polygonal bottom, preferably octagonal bottom is provided. The advantages are an increase in volume and an even load distribution.

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: A cage net (3) includes a plurality of screen sheets (31) each having an upper section (311) and a tapered lower section (312). The upper sections (311) are interconnected side by side to form a surrounding wall (300), and the lower sections (312) are interconnected side by side to form a bottom wall (301). The lower sections (312) are folded inwardly from the respective upper sections (311) and have tapered ends extending to a substantially central part of the bottom wall (301). The case net (3) can be fabricated conveniently at low cost.

Abstract: A submerged buoyant floating platform with blocked vertical thrust. Above the platform an electrolyser may be placed inside a hollow container. Under the platform may be a hollow container filled with ballast, connected by pipes or chains to the outer ring of the platform which provide rigidity to the entire structure. A storage tank for the hydrogen produced by the electrolyser may be attached to the hollow container. The entire structure may be anchored with chains attached to bottom weights sitting on the ocean floor. The structure may be used as a support for a tower including a wind turbine. Additional chains attached to the structure bottom weights on the sea floor may link the structure to an aquaculture facility and to floats which hold the cages used in aquaculture. The floats may be linked to additional bottom weights placed on the sea floor.

Abstract: A cage allows fish to be moved under water in a river from a hatchery to a location at or near the river's mouth. The cage side walls contain openings which allow water to pass through the cage as it is towed downstream but prevent the fish from swimming out of the cage. A first flotation device supports the cage submerged where it is filled with fish and then towed downstream to where the fish are released. A second flotation device has passageways which allow filling it with either air or water. When filled with water it has no buoyancy effect on the cage. However, when filled with air the second flotation device raises the cage to where its bottom is at or near the water surface and it can be towed upstream with reduced drag.

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: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aquaculture net (30) comprising wires (32, 34, 36) of lighter weight or smaller diameter towards the bottom of the net. The advantage is an aquaculture net with a prolonged life time.

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 cultivation net 3 has a rhombically netted form made by arranging a large number of waved wires 6 in parallel such that the adjacent wires are entwined with each other at their curved portions 6a. The wires 6 has a composition containing 62 to 91 mass % of Cu, 0.01 to 4 mass % of Sn, and the balance being Zn. The Cu content [Cu] and the Sn content [Sn] in terms of mass % satisfy the relationship 62?[Cu]?0.5[Sn]?90. The copper alloy material has a phase structure including an ? phase, a ? phase, and a ? phase and the total area ratio of these phases is 95 to 100%.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a geodesic aquaculture fish cage formed from an injection molded composite structure having adjustable buoyancy. The composition structure is component based made and constructed from standardized structural tube members that are coupled together to form independently sealable chambers. Junction nodes interconnect with the structural tube members and are constructed and arranged to provide a standardized support platform through hole that can be capped with an access port, harvester port, feeder port, tower support, or with individual tie-down brackets. A tower with a self contained power supply can be attached for use in navigation identification, communication, and automation.

Abstract: A fish cage formed from a molecularly oriented single strand filament that is crossed and welded at the intersections to make a net or screen configuration. The filament being molecularly oriented by stretching ratio of about 3:1 and has a cross section of the filament being at least 2 mm2. The filament is an extruded thermoplastic material made from nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane or polypropylene having a preferred cross section in a D or oval shape to better facilitate welding the intersections. An antimicrobial or biocide may be added to the filament. The screen or net is preferably of a bright color such as yellow, green, white or a translucent white. The screen can also be formed by connecting small injection molded segments together thereby producing a larger screen.

Abstract: The Weedless Fish Structure is a simple, waterproof, hardened acrylic structure that is submerged in water to provide camouflage and shade cover for game and feeder fish in areas where the body of water does not provide adequate cover. The weights within the main tube allow the apparatus to rest on the bottom with little buoyancy. A small air tube edges around the semi-circular bifurcated shade fin and provides buoyancy to the top fin so it remains upright. Two stakes are provided to secure the apparatus to the bottom when desired to prevent currents from moving the device. If the structure is turned over to where the long tube is above the shade fin, the weights will slide down into the shade fin tube and the air will rise into the long main tube, and then by attaching two floats, the structure becomes a surface apparatus.

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: An open-ocean fish-growing platform has a submersible cage structure for growing fish, an antenna for receiving positioning signals transmitted from an external source, a position-correction apparatus for calculating a position error signal from a target geostationary position, and an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system for generating electric power for thruster units to maintain the cage structure in the target geostationary position. The OTEC system inducts colder ocean water from a deeper ocean depth for driving its heat exchange cycle, and is also of hybrid type using a fuel-fired unit as a heat source. The cold water effluent from the OTEC system is directed into the cage for flushing wastes generated by the growing fish. The self-positioning, self-powered open-ocean platform enables unmanned, extended marine deployment in deeper ocean waters without the need for tethering or anchoring to the ocean floor.

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: The present invention provides for an off-shore unitary fish farming apparatus, including: a plurality of floatable fish containers aligned sequentially having attachment means for flexibly connecting the containers to maintain the containers in a predetermined relationship to one another, a dampening means attached to at least one or the containers to reduce current and wave and also deflect any floating debris away from the containers, a fish feed tank for holding, mixing and distribution of fish feed slurry to each of the plurality of fish containers, the fish tank having a securing means for attaching the dampening means to the tank; a feed dispenser for radially dispensing fish feed in the container directly beneath the water surface, anchor means to anchor the apparatus to an aquatic floor, the anchor means allowing radial movement or the tank around an anchor position and a crane mounted on the fish feed tank.

Abstract: A fish cage for use in water comprises 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: 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: An aquaculture net for a circular raft and a polygonal bottom, preferably octagonal bottom is provided. The advantages are an increase in volume and an even load distribution.

Abstract: A flexible aquatic species barrier having a multiplicity of pulsators, each pulsator further comprising an anode lead, a cathode lead, and an potential difference generator, where each pulsator is proximately attached to a section of net, each section net comprising a anode conductive braid, a cathode conductive braid, and a net interposed between the anode conductive braid and the cathode conductive braid, and where the anode lead of the pulsator is connected to the anode conductive braid, and where the cathode lead of the pulsator is connected to the cathode conductive braid; whereby when one or more of the pulsators are activated, a potential difference is created between the anode conductive braid and the cathode conductive braid; such that when current flows between the anode conductive braid and the cathode conductive braid an aquatic species is repelled from the net.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an off-shore unitary fish farming apparatus, including: a plurality of floatable fish containers aligned sequentially having attachment means for flexibly connecting the containers to maintain the containers in a predetermined relationship to one another, a dampening means attached to at least one or the containers to reduce current and wave and also deflect any floating debris away from the containers, a fish feed tank for holding, mixing and distribution of fish feed slurry to each of the plurality of fish containers, the fish tank having a securing means for attaching the dampening means to the tank; a feed dispenser for radially dispensing fish feed in the container directly beneath the water surface, anchor means to anchor the apparatus to an aquatic floor, the anchor means allowing radial movement or the tank around an anchor position and a crane mounted on the fish feed tank.

Abstract: A floating fish production system for placement within a body of water and being structured and disposed for containing fish and other aquatic animal, plant and algal species, the system including at least one primary containment tank having an arrangement of individual solid wall sections and an arrangement of individual solid floor sections. Flexible membranes span between and connect to adjacently positioned solid wall and floor sections to define flexible connecting joints that allow the individual solid wall and floor sections to move relative to one another in an articulating action. The flexible membranes allow the tank configuration to temporarily deform from a relaxed state in response to externally applied forces exerted on the tank (e.g., waves, wind, current) to thereby absorb the externally applied forces and reduce stress on the structural integrity on the tank.

Abstract: A submersible rotatable cage for fish farming comprises a central axle, a buoyant structure positioned about the central, a netting attached to the buoyant structure and an actuator in operable communication with at least part of the buoyant structure and adapted 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 can be used for nearly complete underwater fish farming.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an off-shore unitary fish farming apparatus, including: a plurality of floatable fish containers aligned sequentially having attachment means for flexibly connecting the containers to maintain the containers in a predetermined relationship to one another, a dampening means attached to at least one of the containers to reduce current and wave and also deflect any floating debris away from the containers, a fish feed tank for holding, mixing and distribution of fish feed slurry to each of the plurality of fish containers, the fish tank having a securing means for attaching the dampening means to the tank; a feed dispenser for radially dispensing fish feed in the container directly beneath the water surface, anchor means to anchor the apparatus to an aquatic floor, the anchor means allowing radial movement of the tank around an anchor position and a crane mounted on the fish feed tank.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment there is provided an improved aquaculture system including a peripheral floatation system for suspending a containment unit in a marine environment, a peripheral weight system operatively connected to the containment unit about its lower periphery and a connection means for operatively connecting the weight system to the floatation system.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an aquaculture cage of the invention has a buoyant structure configured to float on a water surface, an aquaculture net portion made of a material that is corrodible by salt water and attached to the buoyant structure for positioning a top of the aquaculture net portion at a distance below the water surface, where the aquaculture net portion encloses an interior of the cage from the top of the aquaculture net portion to a bottom of the aquaculture net portion to retain marine life, and an upper enclosure portion enclosing space above the aquaculture net portion for preventing the marine life from escaping over the top of the aquaculture net portion, where the upper enclosure portion comprises a material that is substantially non-corrodible by salt water.

Abstract: A buoyancy control system for a fish cage used in fish farming. The buoyancy system comprises spars having first and second sections separated by a bulkhead. The first section is filled with air and hermetically sealed from the second section and from the surrounding environment. The second section is sealable and may be filled with air or water to adjust the buoyancy of the spar. A fish cage having the buoyancy control system can be raised or lowered in accordance to the amount of air and water in the second sections of the spars. A segmented anchor can connected at each spar.

Abstract: A submersible offshore marine aquaculture apparatus comprises a lower frame configured to suspend plumb bobs therefrom and to form a lower shape of the apparatus; and an upper frame configured to form an upper shape of the apparatus, and to support nets together with the lower frame. The upper frame includes a rim structure having an inner space to accommodate seawater or air therein, a fixed buoyant body disposed at the inner space of the rim structure so as to maintain a constant buoyancy (B0), and one or more valves configured to open and close the inner space of the rim structure so as to vary a buoyancy (B1) of the rim structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved submersible mollusc farm consisting of a self-supporting frame which is formed with an “H” plan floating structure comprising beams with support arms for the culture ropes. According to the invention, the structure moves vertically under the effect of tides or the weight of the culture product and is guided by means of surface floats which are equipped with a guide tube comprising slide stop elements between which the structure can slide.

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: A mooring grid having at least one mooring line submersible at a changeable depth. The mooring line consists of a substantially horizontal linear array of interconnected caissons and a plurality of suspended members connected each to a respective caisson. The suspended members are selected from a group consisting of cables, ropes, hawsers, chains and combinations of a hawser and a chain.

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: An open-ocean fish-growing platform has a submersible cage structure for growing fish, an antenna for receiving positioning signals transmitted from an external source, a position-correction apparatus for calculating a position error signal from a target geostatic position, and an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system for generating electric power for thruster units to maintain the cage structure in the target geostatic position. The OTEC system inducts colder ocean water from a deeper ocean depth for driving its heat exchange cycle, and is also of hybrid type using a fuel-fired unit as a heat source. The cold water effluent from the OTEC system is directed into the cage for flushing wastes generated by the growing fish. The self-positioning, self-powered open-ocean platform enables unmanned, extended marine deployment in deeper ocean waters without the need for tethering or anchoring to the ocean floor.

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 cultivation net 3 has a rhombically netted form made by arranging a large number of waved wires 6 in parallel such that the adjacent wires are entwined with each other at their curved portions 6a. The wires 6 has a composition containing 62 to 91 mass % of Cu, 0.01 to 4 mass % of Sn, and the balance being Zn. The Cu content [Cu] and the Sn content [Sn] in terms of mass % satisfy the relationship 62?[Cu]?0.5[Sn]?90. The copper alloy material has a phase structure including an ? phase, a ? phase, and a 8 phase and the total area ratio of these phases is 95 to 100%.

Abstract: A submersible rotatable cage for fish farming comprises a central axle, a buoyant structure positioned about the central, a netting attached to the buoyant structure and an actuator in operable communication with at least part of the buoyant structure and adapted 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 can be used for nearly complete underwater fish farming.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an off-shore unitary fish farming apparatus, including: a plurality of floatable fish containers aligned sequentially having attachment means for flexibly connecting the containers to maintain the containers in a predetermined relationship to one another, a dampening means attached to at least one of the containers to reduce current and wave and also deflect any floating debris away from the containers, a fish feed tank for holding, mixing and distribution of fish feed slurry to each of the plurality of fish containers, the fish tank having a securing means for attaching the dampening means to the tank; a feed dispenser for radially dispensing fish feed in the container directly beneath the water surface, anchor means to anchor the apparatus to an aquatic floor, the anchor means allowing radial movement of the tank around an anchor position and a crane mounted on the fish feed tank.

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-growing cage, of the type having a central spar or other buoyancy chamber for deploying surrounding cage netting attached thereto, has a central spar configured in an elongated shape with at least two enclosed sections at opposite ends thereof in which buoyancy is altered by changes of air and water therein so as to cause a shift of center of balance of the cage that enables the central spar with the cage netting to be rotated and inverted. The cage can be raised from its normal submerged position to an emergent position where the top half can be subject to a maintenance operation, then submerged, inverted, and raised to the emergent position again so that the bottom half can be treated. The inverting cage facilitates cleaning of the netting and air-drying, and also allows for bath-treatment, crowding harvesting, or other handling of the fish.