A mechanized tropical seaweed harvester

Abstract

The present utility model relates to a mechanized tropical seaweed harvester designed for branching-type seaweeds such as "Kappaphycus" and "Eucheuma". The harvester comprises a main frame, a gasoline engine, a pulley system, a horizontal shaft, a removable spool, adjustable support tubes, and a guide rack with a removable cutting plate equipped with a specialized designed cutting hole, all mounted on a floating platform supported by two small boats. The gasoline engine transmits rotational power through the pulley system to drive the spool, which retrieves the seaweed planting rope through the guide rack where the seaweed is separated and collected. The cleaned rope is simultaneously rewound for reuse in the next cultivation cycle. The harvester operates at an approximate speed of meters per minute, providing an efficient, safe, and continuous seaweed harvesting process, thereby reducing labor and time compared with traditional manual methods.