Abstract: A purse ring for coupling a purse seine and a purse line to each other. The purse ring includes a frame, which is coupled at a first end thereof to the purse seine and passes the purse line through a second end thereof, and at least three rollers, which are rotatably provided in the frame at positions at which the purse line are brought into contact with the frame. The purse seine having the multiple rollers has a structure such that friction between the purse line and the purse ring is reduced, thus increasing the lifetime of the purse ring, thereby reducing costs of replacement of the purse ring.

Abstract: A trap having a base panel, two side panels, and two end panels held together in an “A”-frame shape by tubular hinges of fixed and quick release type. Each panel is constructed from a wire mesh having a perimeter frame that includes linear members. A plurality of fixed hinges are used to rotationally link the several panels to one another. Each fixed hinge is preferably a cylindrical element of resilient material having a longitudinal or axially aligned slot that may be expanded to receive a pair of linear members. At least one quick-release type hinge is preferably used to facilitate rapid collapse and erection of the trap. Each quick-release type hinge has two axially nested cylinders, each defining a slot having sufficient width to accommodate a linear member without user manipulation. Alignment of the two slots permits ingress and egress of a pair of linear members into and out of the open cylinder defined by the inner cylinder.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for harvesting and processing zooplankton and, in particular, for harvesting and processing euphausiids for subsequent use as a feed product for early stage juvenile or larvae feed or for a food product as an additive. The euphausiids are continuously harvested from coastal waters and dewatered. The dewatered product is passed to a heat exchanger to increase its temperature and, thence, to a digester where a desired level of enzymatic activity is obtained. The product is then held by a surge tank for subsequent transfer to a ball dryer where the product is dried at a relatively low temperature without destroying the stabilized enzymes created in the digester. The digesting step may be deleted in the event the end use of the product is for a food product.

Abstract: A wire mesh lobster trap having a pair of concrete runners positioned on, and extending below, the side edges of the trap and a method for producing same are disclosed.

Abstract: A Fish and Crustacean Trap Escape Vent System, consisting of an inexpensive conical-shaped escape vent with minimal water current noise or resistance, which presents a diminishing perspective to fish and crustaceans in the trap, secured to the trap with Coded, Corrosive-Release Fasteners of different diameters, thereby allowing for easy recognition by fishermen and enforcement authorities of which diameter of fastener is in use. Coding means includes offsets, crimps or color-coating imparted to different Fasteners. If the trap is lost or unrecovered for a predetermined time, the Coded Corrosive-Release Fasteners completely disintegrate and allow the Escape Vent to detach from the trap and allow any trapped fish and crustaceans to escape the trap. The unrecovered trap is now theoretically prevented from further fishing. The Escape Vent remains attached to the trap by conventional hog rings, and can be reused if and when the trap is recovered.

Abstract: A collapsible lobster trap having an external and internal design very similar to existing, non-collapsible traps, which allows a user to transport by truck, boat, or other means, a larger number of traps per excursion than is currently possible. The trap has a rectangular bottom panel to which a first pair of opposed side panels and a second pair of opposed side panels are hingedly attached. A top panel is hingedly attached to one of the side panels and is secured in the closed position by two retaining straps. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each panel of one pair of opposed side panels is designed with ends overlapping the ends of the other pair of opposed side panels so that the vertical corners of the trap are structurally reinforced while maintaining collapsibility.

Abstract: A shrimp trawl net excluder device which excludes debris and turtle size sea creatures, fin-fish and other such marine life while allowing the desired shrimp catch to be retained. A hoop is provided in association with or adapted to such hard framed excluder devices, having a spoiler plate which directs the flow of water directly into the excluder grating forming a fast moving current which serves as a water curtain. The water curtain allows debris, fin-fish, and other unwanted sea creatures to pass unobstructed through an unobstructed aperture in the net, located directly above the excluder, thus eliminating the need for a net flap or gate apparatus.

Abstract: A collapsible bait trap for fisherman comprised of an annular top and bottom panel, each with a peripheral edge and a flexible net paneling joining the top and bottom panels. The invention utilizes a novel shape composed of a multi-cylindrical configuration. The sides of the cylindrical chambers, where they join together, form a funnel through which the fish enter the invention. This improved trap advantageously has a multi-cylindrical configuration which substantially reduces the possibilities for the fish to escape or to injure themselves, thus substantially increasing the total efficiency of capture. Once sufficient bait fish are captured, the invention may be relocated for use as a decoy to stimulate and attract game fish. The captured fish will be excited and resonate their fear by making noises and grunts, creating vibrations that attract the predators pursued by the fisherman.

Abstract: A material for making marine structure comprises a rubber composition. The rubber composition contains a metal salt of .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated fatty acid and is vulcanized in a mold into a predetermined configuration. The strength of the rubber composition is anisotropic and in particular its elastic modulus is anisotropic. The direction in which the strength of the rubber composition is high is set in the direction in which stress is applied by waves. Thus, the marine-structural material is resistant to waves and tide. The rubber composition contains short fibers which are oriented in a certain direction to increase the anisotropy of the rubber composition.

Abstract: A fish net constructed of conventional open mesh flexible net material is provided with an aperture having an escape panel secured therein. The escape panel is comprised of extruded plastic net material which is substantially rigid to maintain the mesh configuration while permitting slight bending of the panel. Thus, undersized fish can escape through the mesh of the escape panel without being gilled.

Abstract: A crab catcher for use with baited crab line includes a mesh box cage or basket with an opened end facing in the direction of motion of the boat. It is mounted in a frame alongside a moving boat, just under the water. Crab line is run over two rollers, forming a V shape, positioned above the open end of the basket; the line continues over the basket to a rear guide and off the back end. As the boat moves, crabs feeding on the baited line will let go as they near the surface. They are then swept into the open end of the basket by the flow of water and held there by the current. To increase the chance of entrapment, mesh plates are arranged about the open basket end to form a partial funnel and give a larger efffective opening. The basket lifts out of the frame for emptying it of crabs. The frame, which is adjustable for different sizes of boats, has hooks to go over the gunwales of the boat.

Abstract: A non-collapsible fish net apparatus (31) with capturing method, comprising an endless net (33) mounted on spaced rigid hoops (37, 38) preventing collapse, a skirt (39) below the lower hoop (38) foldable on itself, apparatus support lines (45) mounted to the upper hoop (37), control lines (51) folding and unfolding the skirt (39), a draw line (62) about the skirt (39), a closure weight (57) attached to the draw line (62), and a line (58) for dropping the weight (57) farther down to close off the skirt (39). Buoys (55) on the control lines (51) provide a signal for actuating the weight (57). Corks (44) on the upper hoop (37) float apparatus (31). A wave netting (70) at the upper hoop (37) prevents fish escape in a wave cascade over apparatus (31). A quick-disconnect assembly (65) on the draw line (62) distal to the closure weight (57) opens the skirt (39) in event of apparatus overload.

Abstract: A trap suitable for capturing a marine animal in open water without harming the captured animal is disclosed. The trap includes a pen having top and bottom ends. A portion of the bottom of the pen includes a flotation element which is sufficiently buoyant to support a substantial percentage of the pen above the water line. The pen further includes a top rim which has an interior opening large enough to receive the captured animal. The platform is slidably coupled to the pen. The platform serves as a flotation device that is suitably buoyant to support the weight of the animal sought. A trap door within the platform is designed to release when an animal climbs thereon. When the trap door is actuated the pen is released from the platform and rises vertically relative to the platform to capture the animal.

Abstract: A sampling device for measuring the quantity and distribution of young fish life very close to the ocean floor, having a pair of large wheels and a set of small rollers to enable the sampler to traverse rough ocean bottom terrain.