Abstract: An internal net in an inverted cone shape is provided inside a fish-growing cage of the type having a central spar for deploying surrounding outside cage netting attached thereto. The internal net has netting with an open mouth suspended between a higher point on the outer netting of the cage and an apex of the netting attached to a lower point on the central spar. The fish become concentrated in the internal net when the cage is raised from a normal, submerged position to at least a partly emergent position from the water, thereby allowing the fish to be harvested from the apex with a harvest pipe or for or other management operations, such as grading or bath treating.

Abstract: An artificial fish habitat (10) comprises an open framework (12) including a plurality of layers (14). The layers (14) each include an open portion (20) and are generally aligned so that the open portions (20) cooperate to define a passageway (26) through the framework (12) for fish to reside therein. Each layer (14) includes a periphery section (18) which is formed from a material presenting a minimum cross section sized and configured to be greater than the gap spacing of a conventional fish hook such that the hook may not snag on the framework (12). A method of utilizing the partially submerged habitat (10) comprises descending a hook through the passageway (26) to contact a layer (14) and withdrawing the hook without snagging.

Abstract: Fish-breeding apparatus (10), which comprises a frame, supporting one or a plurality of breeding cages (11) and provided with hollow buoyancy elements (17), and at least one device for controlling the buoyancy of the apparatus by filling, totally or partially, the buoyancy elements with water and emptying them of the water, totally or partially, whenever desired. The buoyancy elements are emptied of water by replacing the water with air. The buoyancy elements are such that when they are empty of water to a predetermined extent, the entire apparatus floats, even when it is fully charged. The frame has depending legs (17), so that even in its lowermost position the bottoms of the breeding cage will be spaced from the sea bed.

Abstract: Aquaculture apparatus includes an elongate tube of flexible translucent plastic material which extends longitudinally along level ground. The tube is inflated and air supported. At least the lower section of the tube defines a water course. The tube is closed at both ends to form a water enclosure. A number of such tubes are arranged in side-by-side relation and are covered by a plastic sheet cover layer. The cover provides an air gap to insulate the inner tubes and restrict heat loss. The tubes are used to form at least some of the modules of an aquaculture system for rearing fish and/or for effluent, waste or water treatment.

Abstract: Fish-breeding apparatus (10), which comprisies a frame, supporting one or a plurality of breeding cages (11) and provided with hollow buoyancy elements (17), and means for controlling the buoyancy of the apparatus by filling, totally or partially, the buoyancy elements with water and emptying them of the water, totally or partially, whenever desired. The buoyancy elements are emptied of water by replacing the water with air. The buoyancy elements are such that when they are empty of water to a predetermined extent, the entire apparatus floats, even when it is fully charged. The frame has depending legs (17), so that even in its lowermost position the bottoms of the breeding cage will be spaced from the sea bed.

Abstract: A method for establishing a clam bed includes raising clam larvae in a captive environment in which they are provided with adequate food and habitat requirements, and kept isolated from predation by natural predators. The clam larvae are maintained in this environment during the first larval stage, referred to as the trochophore stage of development, when the larvae are particularly vulnerable to mortality. During the next stage of development, the larvae are called veligers. The developing larval clams are released, preferably in large numbers (saturation spawning) at any time during the veliger stage of development, i.e., the generic stage following the trochophore larval stage and which includes the sub-stages of straight-hinge veliger, umbonate veliger, and pediveliger.

Abstract: A fish cage having one or more air-tight buoyancy rings (1) being entirely or partially hollow, with water valves (20) for inlet and outlet of water, and air valves (3) for injection and outlet of air, and preferably with closing shot plates (2) in the buoyancy ring (1). The novel feature according to the invention is that at least one or more of the air valves (3), and preferably also the water valves (20) are arranged inside of the buoyancy ring (1) so that the air valves (3) and water valves (20) are protected from external mechanical influence.

Abstract: A structure designed for raising large (commercial) quantities of pelagic fish. The structure, called an “Artificial Island Reef Platform” or “AIR Platform” is comprised of floating platform components with a large subsurface framework and cable network suitable for supporting a multiplicity of nets, each one enclosing and controlling a separate and distinct ocean volume. Various innovative design features permit the stable anchoring, supporting, and positioning of the AIR Platform, and control the distribution of oxygenated water and food, and the removal of waste products. Variants of this invention could be utilized for fresh-water fish farming in appropriate locations in lakes, reservoirs, or rivers.

Abstract: The invention provides a deep-water fish farming system comprising a fish cage of controllable buoyancy having one or more chambers, which can be submerged and refloated at a controllable rate to any depth. A winch mechanism mounted preferably on a platform that covers a section of the cage releases and gathers a cable connected to a sinker. When the combined weight of the system overcomes the buoyancy, the fish cage is submerged to a depth determined by the effective length of the cable between the winch mechanism and the sinker, with the sinker touching the sea bottom. The submerged cage is refloated to the surface by remotely activating the winch mechanism, thus releasing the cable, while keeping the sinker on the sea bottom. When the cage is refloated to the surface, the buoyancy is increased to allow pulling of the sinker from the bottom. The invention further provides a method for submerging and raising a fish cage at a controlled rate to any desired depth in deep water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a structure designed for raising large (commercial) quantities of pelagic fish. The structure, called an “Artificial Island Reef Platform” or “AIR Platform” is comprised of floating platform components with a large subsurface framework and cable network suitable for supporting a multiplicity of nets, each one enclosing and controlling a separate and distinct ocean volume. Various innovative design features permit the stable anchoring, supporting, and positioning of the AIR Platform, and control the distribution of oxygenated water and food, and the removal of waste products.

Abstract: A debris separating system for separating debris in a fish tank is formed by a standpipe extending up through the bottom of tank at the center of tank and terminating in an open end. A cover covers the opening and is spaced therefrom to provide an inlet opening positioned above the bottom of the tank. A transition zone is formed at the bottom of the tank surrounding the standpipe and a debris outlet is provided from this zone through the bottom of the tank for removal of debris separated in the transition zone. Cleaned water from the transition zone flows up around the standpipe, through the inlet opening and into the standpipe for removal from the tank.

Abstract: A debris separating system for separating debris in a fish tank is formed by a standpipe extending up through the bottom of tank at the center of tank and terminating in an open end. A cover covers the opening and is spaced therefrom to provide an inlet opening positioned above the bottom of the tank. A transition zone is formed at the bottom of the tank surrounding the standpipe and a debris outlet is provided from this zone through the bottom of the tank for removal of debris separated in the transition zone. Cleaned water from the transition zone flows up around the standpipe, through the inlet opening and into the standpipe for removal from the tank.

Abstract: An aquaculture cage including a buoyant upper support for disposition at the surface of a water body; a side wall having an upper edge secured to said upper support so as to project below the surface of the water body, the side wall being formed with a plurality of vertically contractible, non-buoyant panels having vertically adjacent edges joined to form an enclosure and each of the joined vertical edges defining a plurality of vertically spaced apart loops; and an elongated connector element extending through the loops of the adjacent edges so as to secure together the panels. Also included is a bottom wall joined to the side wall to close the bottom of the enclosure.

Abstract: A structure is provided for promoting growth of aquatic species for aquaculture operations and other purposes. The aquatic structure may have a buoyant member, a flexible sheet, and flexible strips (such as fronds, ribbons or filaments). The flexible materials are suspended from the buoyant member. The flexible materials may have high surface area structures for promoting growth of autotrophic (including algae) and heterotrophic organisms (such as bacteria) in photic and heterotrophic sections, respectively. The autotrophs and the bacteria are food, and the dispersed flexible strips provide an attractive habitat for the larger feeding organisms such as fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Ballast devices may be used, if desired, to secure the aquatic structure to the benthos. The ballast devices may be formed of flexible material. The flexible ballast devices may be filled with granular material after the apparatus is transported to the job site.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing an objective assessment of the size of fish in an aquaculture setting. The apparatus includes a sonic transducer (30) with a transmitter that is driven to generate time-spaced pulses that move along a sonic beam path (32) of small spread angle, and a sonic detector that detects echos of the transmitted pulses which result whenever a fish enters the sonic beam. An analyzing circuit analysis the echos to provide an estimate of the size of the fish that produced the echoes. The analyzing circuit detects the time between the leading and trailing edges of an echo, which indicates the thickness of the fish. A measurement of the peak amplitude of the echo and of the integral of echo energy also indicates the size of the fish.

Abstract: A structure is provided for promoting growth of aquatic species for aquaculture operations and other purposes. The aquatic structure may have a buoyant member, a flexible sheet, and flexible strips (such as fronds, ribbons or filaments). The flexible materials are suspended from the buoyant member. The flexible materials may have high surface area structures for promoting growth of autotrophic (including algae) and heterotrophic organisms (such as bacteria) in photic and heterotrophic sections, respectively. The autotrophs and the bacteria are food, and the dispersed flexible strips provide an attractive habitat for the larger feeding organisms such as fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Ballast devices may be used, if desired, to secure the aquatic structure to the benthos. The ballast devices may be formed of flexible material. The flexible ballast devices may be filled with granular material after the apparatus is transported to the job site.

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.

Abstract: A family of man-made marine habitat systems and methods are disclosed for placement in various waterways to restore the natural marine environments that have been previously destroyed by commercial development as well as mitigate the damage caused by future development of coastal waters. The inventive marine habitat systems include individual habitat units having different configurations, more specifically, different sizes and arrangements of vertical and horizontal members, which are strategically placed in a restorative area in a body of water to serve as shelter for a variety of aquatic animals, including but not limited to, fish and a variety of bio-fouling organisms, including but not limited to oysters, mussels, and sea squirts. Novel anti-chafe devices and anchoring systems for use with the inventive marine habitat systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for cultivating marine animals caged within rearing units submerged in a body of water of the natural environment of the animals includes a row and column structure that floats at the water surface. The apparatus is moored by anchors deployed at the column ends and at position intermediate the column ends. The members of the rows, and optionally the columns, are constructed from substantially rigid tubes, especially plastic, corrugated wall, culvert pipe, filled with a substantially incompressible foam. The row members are releasably attached between adjacent columns in perpendicular orientation to the longitudinal axes of the columns.Each rearing unit is a perforated wall container suspended from a row member by a suspension assembly so as to hang above the water floor. Multiple rearing units can be suspended from each row member. The rearing units contain vertically oriented panels of substrate material, especially sheets of cementitious backer unit.

Abstract: Marine aquaculture apparatus comprises a submersible torus-shaped enclosure having perforations therein. Structure is provided for raising the torus-shaped enclosure to the surface of a body of water and lowering the enclosure into the body of water. An access door on the torus-shaped enclosure provides entry into interior portions thereof. These interior portions of the enclosure function as a habitat for growing marine life such as fish. Preferably the torus-shaped enclosure comprises a perforated surface generated by the revolution of a circle about a vertical axis.

Abstract: An aquaculture system including an upper support for disposition at the surface of a water body of an aquaculture farm; a cage having a side wall portion and a bottom wall portion, the side wall portion having an upper edge secured to the upper support so as to project below the surface of the water body and the side wall portion being formed out of vertically contractible, non-buoyant mesh; and a lower support disposed between a bottom edge of the side wall portion and an outer edge of the bottom wall portion.

Abstract: A fence-like habitat for sheltering and feeding fish, and practicing aquaculture. The fence serves as a shield for small and juvenile fish which seek protection from predators and water movement. The habitat offers substrates for use in the aquaculture of seaweed and shellfish. A complementary bottom habitat is formed by the detachment and drop of seaweed and shellfish to the bottom of the water.

Abstract: A float collar, comprising inner and outer float rings mounts the fish rearing unit for selective raising and lowering utilizing valve controlled air and water inlets and outlets leading to internal chambers within the float rings arranged symmetrically relative to a diametric axis of the float collar.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding fish includes a member operable to be disposed in a body of water. The member has a wall for containing fish food and for defining a feeding area and the wall has upper and lower portions. The upper portion is operable to project above the surface of the water to generally protect the feeding area from wind to prevent feed in the feeding area from being blown by wind, yet provides access to the feeding area. The lower portion is operable to project sufficiently below the surface of the water to prevent the occurrence of opening between the wall and the surface of the after due to surface disturbances thereon, however, the lower portion does not project far enough below the surface to generally inhibit fish access to the feeding area.

Abstract: A submersible structure for breeding piscicultural species in any aquatic environment that includes at least one frame member shaped and devised to accommodate a plurality of bunches of fibers. A series of frame members containing bunches of fibers can be connected and/or stacked to form modules in which the fibers can collect fish eggs. Preferably, the structure includes buoys which allow the structure to be positioned in medium-depth water, relative to the bottom of the aquatic environment.

Abstract: An aquaculture container for raising shellfish is formed of a homogeneous, monolithic monocoque shell by forming one or more openings therein and installing screen, net, or mesh over the opening(s). The container may be formed of a plastic 55 gallon barrel or drum, or other shapes, sizes, and configurations of containers may be used alternatively. The container has at least one panel or end which is removably secured thereto, for access to the interior thereof. An insert may be removably installed within the container to provide additional internal surface area for shellfish, as well as support for nutrients added to the container. The internal surfaces of the container shell and insert preferably roughened in order to provide a better grip for the attachment of shellfish thereto, particularly for shellfish such as abalone which remain mobile throughout their lives.

Abstract: An aquaculture system for growing aquatic animals such as fish and crustaceans is shown and described. A rigid-walled floating tank is positioned in a body of water, a volume of water being provided to the tank via a floating pump assembly that is positioned in the body of water external to the tank. An inlet of the pump assembly is movable and may be positioned in a desired location and depth of the body of water, such that clean water that is free of surface contaminants and that is at a selected temperature is provided to the tank. The introduction of new water to the tank displaces and discharges a volume of water from the tank, thereby renewing the oxygen source in the tank and removing dissolved waste products such as ammonia. Additional oxygen may be injected into the water at different locations via oxygen diffusers.

Abstract: A cage for growing abalone, or other suitable underwater species, includes a ballast device having a device for holding the cage steady in flowing water. The cage is constructed substantially from a stiff mesh material, with at least two opposite faces of the cage being constructed so that folds of mesh form collection chambers. The collection chambers are substantially U-shaped and sealed at their innermost ends while having a V-shaped funnel entrance, so that an escape of an underwater species held within the cage is prevented. A large surface area of mesh is presented to water flowing through the cage. As a result, drift weed or other food material is able to be captured on the large surface area of mesh for providing a food source for the underwater species within the cage. The construction of the cage allows for the collection of drift weed, regardless of the direction that the tide is flowing.

Abstract: An apparatus for aquaculture, in particular for rearing water-dwelling fry, which is intended to be placed preferably in flowing water or water with some wave formation, is kept floating with the aid of floating elements, and consists of a breeding space formed by two end walls, two side walls, and a bottom plate, where the side walls have a number of openings. A flow-intensifying member is arranged in the upper edge of the breeding space. The size of the openings is adjustable.

Abstract: A fish-cage incubator has a light source for attracting zooplankton therein a mesh barrier that admits zooplankton and excludes predators of fish larvae.

Abstract: An apparatus for breeding fish comprises a pool having an impervious annular outer wall for floating in a body of water. A water distributor is located in an upper portion of the pool for directing the flow of water into the pool to set the volume of water in the pool into a rotating motion. An exhaust is located in the bottom of the pool for the free flow of water and debris from the pool into the surrounding body of water. The water distributor includes a regulating handle for changing the direction of flow of the water from the distributor to regulate the speed of the rotating volume of water in the pool.

Abstract: The device for growing mollusks and in particular oysters incorporates at least one element constituting a tray (30) for carrying the mollusks that is disposed within a net (24) of tubular shape and adapted to be suspended from a hawser anchored in the sea. The tray element (30) comprises on its periphery a flange (42) extending generally in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the tray. The element constituting a tray further comprises a separate clamping element (32) for clamping the net against the flange (42).

Abstract: A fish cage, comprising: a rigid hexagonal frame enclosed in a grating skin and including a feed tube extending through said grating skin for providing feed to the interior of the cage. The delivery of feed from the cage through the tube is controlled by a control module that may also control a water flush system for flushing feed through the tube. A novel fastener, comprising a back, a nut-supporting length of tubing, an internally threaded nut permanently mounted in the tubing, and a bolt that can be threaded into the nut. The back extends beyond the tubing, so that the back engages the grating skin when the fastener is in use.

Abstract: Anchorable mobile pens for growing fish or shellfish that have an elongate central vertical spar buoy surrounded by at least one horizontal net-supporting ring with continuous netting extending from an upper end of the buoy to the ring and thence to a lower, submerged end of the buoy to produce an enclosed pen. The pen is optionally not anchored and free to float with the currents although it may more often be anchored by conventional means. The mobility of the pens provides the benefits of avoidance of localized hazards, like toxic plankton blooms, and the capability to move the pen to a more convenient fish-harvesting location, if necessary.

Abstract: An offshore aquaculture system for use with an oil or gas well production platform or like offshore structure is provided. The platform is preferably supported in four (4) directions by radially extending guy wires that attach to the upper end of the platform at one end of each wire and to the seabed at anchor piles at the other end of each wire. Anchor piles are driven into the seabed a substantial distance to provide anchorage for the undersea end of each guy wire. Fish pens are mounted to slide and travel on the diagonal guy wires and can be elevated or lowered relative to the seabed using ballast tanks attached to the fish pens and an endless winch line. The winch line is operated with a powered winch mounted on the platform deck. An opposed idler sheave is mounted at the seabed engaging the endless cable.

Abstract: A rearing unit for use in a body of water includes a frame, a net bag held by the frame, a jumping fence mounted peripherally around the frame, a top net attached to the jumping fence to form, with the net bag, a closed unit, a floating ring supporting the closed unit and means for raising and lowering the closed unit with respect to the floating ring.

Abstract: An aquatic cultivator (12) suitable for culturing aquatic invertebrates, fishes, and the like requiring broad surfaces for attachment, comprising a base (26), a hub (28), and a plurality of partitions (24). The base (26) contains a plurality of cutouts (36). A socket (34) and post (30), arranged on opposite ends of the hub (28), provide a mortise-and-tenon-like connection for assembling a plurality of aquatic cultivators (12). The aquatic cultivator (12) is contained within a porous container (14) which has openings (38) to permit culturing activities within. A tether (20) with a knot (22) secures the aquatic cultivator (12) to a float and/or anchor at a desired position within the water.

Abstract: The invention provides a plant for the storage of fish and shellfish that includes a net cage for submerging in a body of water. The cage includes a floor section, surrounding walls with bottom ends thereof attached to a perimeter of the floor section, and an upper roof section of netting with bottom ends thereof attached to top ends of the walls. The roof conforms to a frustoconical shape when in use and includes a central buoyant member in an upper end thereof. In use, the roof extends slackly from the central buoyant member to the points of attachment at the surrounding walls. The surrounding walls are vertically supported by a plurality of buoyant bodies attached to the upper edge of the walls. The entire cage is supported in water by a support section supplied with a buoyant element. The support section is, in turn, held in place by an anchoring section that includes a plurality of substantially parallel vertical cables that are anchored to bottom.

Abstract: Provided is a system for cultivating fish generally encompassing a container for water and fish, a pumping system for adding water to the container, and a separating device which directs the water and waste from the container, separates waste from the water, removes the separated waste, and conducts the water out of the separating device.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an open water mariculture facility wherein there is provided a central platform/support structure from which uniformly emanates a plurality of elongated, generally cylindrically configured, ballastable cage structures for containing and maintaining a marine species. The present system contemplates ballastable cages, which can be raised for maintenance operations. In one maintenance operation, the cages are partially exposed out of the water for the maintenance of the cage walls; the system further provides a rolling system for turning the cages on demand, for out of the water maintenance of all portions of the cage wall, without the necessity of lifting the cages from the water. An alternative system of the present invention contemplates the conversion of abandoned oil platforms for use as the central platform/support structure, providing a central support structure for an array of cages.

Abstract: A spar-buoy pen includes a net that is held open by a single elongated, substantially vertically oriented center spar. The pen of this invention includes either a fixed center spar or a floating spar buoy that is substantially vertically aligned. Several pairs of radially disposed lines extend outward from the center spar at two locations that are longitudinally spaced apart from one another along the length of the center spar. A net is fitted over the radial lines such that the opposed top and bottom sections of the net are held apart from each other by the lines. The ends of the radial lines distal from the center spar are attached to anchor assemblies that urge the lines away from the center spar to hold the net in the open state. The net is further constructed so that a small portion of the top section of the net is located above the surface of the water.

Abstract: A floating fish raceway apparatus (10) for raising and harvesting fish in a body of water, the fish raceway apparatus having a frame (11), a flexible mesh cage (12) depending from the frame (11) and forming an enclosure for raising the fish, and a harvesting means (14) for drawing the flexible mesh cage (12) together in order to draw the fish to one end of the fish cage (10) for easy retrieval from the cage (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is an open ocean farm structure for attachment of macroalgal plants. The farm structure is made up of linear elements connected with nodes to form a three dimensional truss. The linear elements are composed of tubes containing solid rods which are screw connected to the nodes. The ends of the tubes abut the nodes so that screwing the rods into the nodes puts the tubes in compression. The truss structure thus formed is strong and flexible. Because the truss structure is made of tubes having minimal cross-sectional area, the structure is relatively transparent to the forces of wave motion.

Abstract: A submergible fish cage comprising: a float; a fish cage; at least one (1) anchor weight; and at least one (1) cable, one end of the cable attached to the float element, a middle portion of the cable attached to the fish cage, the bottom end of the cable attached to the anchor element, the cable being shorter than the depth of the water in which the submergible fish cage is placed; the float having a trim tank adapted to be flooded with water, the trim tank adapted to be blown free of water with air, the float element having a minimum of buoyancy sufficient to float itself supporting the fish cage and cable when the trim tank is flooded with water, the float element having a maximum of buoyancy sufficient to float itself supporting the fish cage, anchor weight and cable when the trim tank is charged with air; and the anchor weight having sufficient weight to submerge the float, cage, cable and anchor weight when the trim tank is flooded with water.

Abstract: A spar buoy pen system formed of a net pen, vertical spar buoys, and anchors. The spar buoys are formed of elongate tubular columns having a center of ballet above the center of gravity to float in a substantially upright position. Anchor lines, auxiliary floats, and attachment lines deflect the spar buoys at a predetermined angle such that the spar buoys and the anchors cooperate to hold the net pen in a predetermined configuration and in a taut condition. Alternative versions of the system may be provided with damper plates that are attached to the spar buoys so as to limit their wave-induced motions. A predator net can also be attached to the system to protect the net pen and its contents.