System and method for fish loading, measurement and control

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for transferring or transporting fish, such as for fish loading, as well as measurement and control. A fish transfer system as disclosed protects the welfare of the fish population. The system may also maintain and stabilize fish transfer rate within a target rate. A fish transfer system as disclosed allows for dynamic adjustment of the transfer rate as required by the end application without negatively impacting the fish pump performance or the fish population welfare. Measurement and control of biomass density and other properties may be achieved based on data obtained from one or more cameras mounted on a fish loading device, such as a smart funnel, as well as other cameras above the water. A system may be configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes, and may be dynamically adjusted and adapted to the application in which it is being used.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FISH LOADING. MEASUREMENT AND CONTROLFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to transferring or transporting fish, including but not limited to a system and method for fish loading, measurement and control.BACKGROUND

[0002] The following paragraphs are not an admission that anything discussed therein is prior art, or part of the knowledge of persons skilled in the art.

[0003] Industrial fish farming requires the movement of large populations of fish at several different stages in the farming process. This may be accomplished using fish pumping systems that move large volumes of water and any fish contained in that water. The fish may be moved to an input of a pump and then drawn into a pumping system. The instinctive response of fish to the currents and conditions created by the pumping system is to swim against the current and away from the pump.

[0004] Current approaches fish pumping systems can include physically crowding the fish to be moved into the volume of the water being drawn into the pump and forcing them into the pumping system as they attempt to swim away. Because the fish are attempting to swim away from the pump suction, the pump draws water through the population of fish, drawing more water than fish, causing a decrease in biomass density between the area in which the fish are crowded and the flow within the pump. The resulting decrease in biomass density means that the biomass density in the area in which the fish are crowded, and thus the biomass density of the source population of fish, must be held at a higher level than the optimal operating biomass density of the pump. This method of crowding and handling of the fish has many negative effects on fish health, which is made worse by an extended period of stress during the fish’s attempt to escape. Conditions worsen as time progresses for the population of fish waiting in crowded conditions, until they are drawn into the pump. Depending on the number of fish to be moved and pumping system capacity, these conditions can last hours and create a dynamic where pumping operators must balance fish health and number of mortalities against operational requirements to move the population in a limited window of time.

[0005] Improvements in approaches for transferring or transporting fish are desirable.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures.

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a range of biomass density encountered in aquaculture applications.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a known fish transfer system.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a fish transfer system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a fish loading device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5A and 5B illustrate a top-down flow diagram showing operation of a fish loading device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a top-down current zone diagram showing operation of a fish loading device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D illustrate orthogonal views of a fish loading device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a fish loading device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate side and front views of a fish loading device with camera mounts in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a fish transfer control system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a fish loading device with hydraulic impeller-based pump in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a fish loading device with flow sensors in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of a land-based tank and fish loading device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Generally, the present disclosure provides a system and method for fish loading, measurement and control. For example, for handling fish.

[0021] Systems and methods are disclosed for transferring or transporting fish, such as for fish loading, as well as measurement and control. A fish transfer system as disclosed protects the welfare of the fish population. The system may also maintain and stabilize fish transfer rate within a target rate. A fish transfer system as disclosed allows for dynamic adjustment of the transfer rate as required by the end application without negatively impacting the fish pump performance or the fish population welfare. Measurement and control of biomass density and other properties may be achieved based on data obtained from one or more cameras mounted on a fish loading device (a smart funnel), as well as other cameras above the water. A system may be configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes, and may be dynamically adjusted and adapted to the application in which it is being used.

[0022] In an embodiment, the present application provides a fish transfer system comprising: a fish loading system comprising a smart funnel and one or more cameras or sensors; a water pump in communication with the smart funnel; a fish pump; and a control system in communication with the fish loading system, the water pump and the fish pump are configured to control a fish transfer rate.

[0023] In an example embodiment, the system is configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes, and the control system is configured to dynamically adjust one or more parameters to enable the system to operate in a selected operating mode.

[0024] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the features illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications, and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present disclosure may not be shown in the drawings for the sake of clarity.

[0025] Certain terms used in this application and their meaning as used in this context are set forth in the description below. To the extent a term used herein is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Further, the present processes are not limited by the usage of the terms shown below, as all equivalents, synonyms, new developments and terms or processes that serve the same or a similar purpose are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning as commonly understood in the art.

[0027] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0028] As used herein with respect to the fish loading device, the term “front” means the portion of the fish loading device where fish enter. The term “rear” means the portion of the fish loading device where fish exit. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” are relative directions with reference to environmental flow (such as induced flow or tidal flow) when the fish loading device is in use. In use, water inside the fish loading device may flow counter to the environmental flow.

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to one or more of: biomass density, population management, adding control to the fish transfer process by decoupling fish welfare and population management from fish transfer rate and providing tools to manage both.

[0030] Biomass Density is the mass of fish contained in a volume of water.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates the range of biomass density encountered in aquaculture applications. Salmon farming at sea typically operates up to 25 kg / m3, with some organic standards now requiring 10-15 kg / m3. In a land-based operation, a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) may have an upper limit of ~85 kg / m3beyond which it can no longer maintain healthy water conditions for the salmon population, by stripping away nitrogen, ammonia and other negative gases and replace oxygen.

[0032] A fish pump typically operates efficiently with about 90-100 kg / m3biomass density moving through the pump.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a known fish transfer system. Current industry standard transfer brings the average biomass density up to 300-500 kg / m3in order to supply the pump at 90-100 kg / m3. Since the fish are actively fighting the suction, the process draws water through the fish population, drawing more water than fish and decreasing the biomass density between the fish population and the pump.

[0034] Current industry practice is also very limited in its ability to be meaningfully tuned to its application and has very limited ability to adjust key performance and fish health metrics during use and cannot adjust them independently. Often adjusting the system to meet the application requirements comes at the cost of fish welfare.

[0035] Fish Loading Device

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a fish transfer system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The system of FIG. 3 replaces the industrystandard suction funnel with a smart funnel according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The system of FIG. 3 may also incorporate fish transfer methods according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of FIG. 3 provides, a fish transfer system which protects the welfare of the fish population while maintaining and stabilizing fish transfer rate within a target rate range. Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example as shown in FIG. 3, also allow for dynamic adjustment of the transfer rate as required by the end application without negatively impacting the fish pump performance or the fish population welfare.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a fish loading device 301 (also referred to interchangeably herein as a “smart funnel”) placed in proximity to a fish population in a cage 321 . The cage 321 may be a net cage. A suction hose 314 connected the fish loading device 301 and to a pump 310 moves the fish population in water through the fish loading device 301 for applications such as harvesting, treatment, transport or other applications. The fish loading device 301 is connected to above-water support and control equipment by fluid connection 327. The fish loading device 301 is connected to above-water electrical and suction hose equipment by electrical connection 328.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a fish loading device 401 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. A system incorporating the smart funnel of FIG. 4 may create an attractive and healthy environment in front of the fish loading device using current zone creation, expanding on the approach in the commonly assigned PCT Application WO 2023 / 279190 A1.

[0039] Shown in FIG. 4 is an embodiment of the fish loading device 401 with a substantially frustoconical mouth portion 402. The mouth portion 402 has an inlet end 403 and an outlet end 404. The inlet end 403 of the mouth portion 402 has an attraction unit and / or conditioning unit header connector 422 that may be connected to an attraction unit and / or a water conditioning unit (not shown). The attraction unit and / or water conditioning unit may be located above the water surface. The outlet end 404 includes a filter 405 and a plurality of pumps 410 or nozzles. An input for supply water 419 is provided to supply pumps 410 or nozzles.

[0040] The fish loading device 401 also includes a tubular stem portion 406 having an output end 420. The tubular stem portion 406 may be fluidly connected to a transfer system suction hose (not shown) for moving fish in water to a secondary location, for example, for harvesting, treatment, transport or other application. The fish loading device 401 also includes a suspension bracket 415 that may be used to orient or transport the fish transfer device.

[0041] Further components and functionality of the fish loading device 401 are described herein.

[0042] A system as shown in FIG. 3 and incorporating the fish loading device of FIG. 4 may provide a large and safe entry to the fish loading device drawing in fish at a healthy biomass density, then use biomass densification to move the fish into the transfer system at the higher biomass density needed for transport, expanding on the approach in commonly assigned PCT Application WO 2024 / 065047 A1 .

[0043] A system as shown in FIG. 3 and incorporating the fish loading device of FIG. 4 may provide measurement and control systems and methods which: measure and report on the conditions in and around the fish loading device; and recommend and adjust the conditions in and around the fish loading device. A system as shown in FIG. 3 and incorporating the fish loading device of FIG. 4 may provide measurement and control systems and methods which: are used by fish transfer system operators to actively control the fish transfer rate and match the needs of the application during transfer; are used by fish welfare operators to actively record and manage the conditions and the welfare of the fish around and inside the fish loading device during transfer.

[0044]

[0045] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional, top-down flow diagram showing operation of a smart funnel according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. A smart funnel design according to one or more embodiments comprises a structure that carries the filtrate stream from the biomass densification unit at the front to create a loading zone and a conversion zone. Properties of the overall flow path are maintained, and are created through management and direction of flows at the rear with the directional fins. A system according to one or more embodiments may comprise frontfacing attraction and conditioning nozzles, configured to shape flows in front of and in the funnel, which enables conditioning of water at the entry to funnel, where conditioning may comprise oxygenation, temperature control or other parameter.

[0046] The fish loading device 501 comprises a mouth portion 502. The mouth portion includes an inlet end 503 and an outlet end 504. The diameter of the outlet end 504 is smaller than the diameter of the inlet end 503. Thus, the mouth portion may be substantially conical or substantially frustoconical in shape.

[0047] In use in an aquatic environment, fish in water may swim toward the fish loading device 501 and into the inlet end 503, particularly when there is a current that is flowing away from the inlet end 503. This is because certain species of fish instinctively swim against a current.

[0048] The outlet end 504 may include a filter 505. The filter 505 may define a plurality of apertures sized to accommodate a flow of water and to prevent the flow of biomass, such as fish, therethrough. The filter 505 may comprise, for example, a plurality of bars spaced apart, where the spaces are narrower than the desired width of a particular species of fish (not shown). Water and other matter that passes through the filter 505 may form a filtrate stream. The filtrate stream may be substantially free of biomass, or substantially free of a desired species of fish for loading or harvesting.

[0049] The fish loading device 501 may also comprise a tubular stem portion 506. The tubular stem portion 506 may be in fluid communication with the outlet end 504. Biomass, such as fish, that is prevented from passing through the filter 505 and forming part of the filtrate stream, may instead be directed into the tubular stem portion 506 for loading or harvesting as a biomass stream, for example. The diameter of the tubular stem portion 506 may be sized to accommodate one or more fish therethrough at a time.

[0050] The fish loading device 501 may also comprise a collar portion 507 surrounding at least part of the tubular stem portion 506. The collar portion 507 and the at least part of the tubular stem portion 506 may be spaced apart to define a gap or a corridor508. The corridor 508 may be in fluid communication with the filter 505 at one end and with an external environment outside of the fish loading device 501 at an opposite end. Accordingly, a filtrate stream that has passed through the filter 505 can be directed outside of the fish loading device 501.

[0051] Thus, the biomass stream may contain a higher density of biomass, such as a higher density of a desired species of fish than the filtrate stream. Accordingly, the outlet end 504, collar portion 507 and corridor 508 may also be collectively referred to herein as a “biomass densification unit”.

[0052] As can be seen in FIG. 5A, the corridor 508 may be defined by an intermediate wall 530, spaced apart from the tubular stem portion 506. The collar portion 507 also has an external wall defining the exterior of the collar portion 507.

[0053] The fish loading device 501 may also comprise at least one directional fin509. The at least directional fin 509 may be positioned to direct the corridor 508 into the external environment. The at least one directional fin 509 may point along a desired external path, for example, along an exterior surface of the collar portion 507 toward the front of the fish loading device 501. In use, the directional fin 509 may direct filtrate stream along the exterior surface of the collar portion 507 toward the front of the fish loading device 501.

[0054] The at least one directional fin 509 may be located in the corridor 508, may be integrally formed with tubular stem portion 506, or be integrally formed with the collar portion 507.

[0055] The filtrate stream flowing into the external environment and / or along the exterior surface of the fish loading device 501 may interact with the flows in the external environment to create loading and conversion zones.

[0056] The fish loading device 501 may have a physically smaller and more efficient design that does not require a physical structure to extend out in front of the suction entrance. A frustoconical mouth portion 502 may comprise an inlet end 503 with a greater diameter than an outlet end 504. A frustoconical shape may provide greater efficiency for directing fish into the fish loading device 501 such that may obviate the need for additional water pumps, nozzles, additional flow generation means, and other components. Thus, the fish loading device 501 may have greater volumetric efficiency compared to existing designs. The fish loading device 501 may achieve similar efficiency without superfluous structural or functional components, for example, through use of water flow patterns, pressures, suction and biomass densification means. Accordingly, the fish landing device may have a smaller footprint as compared to existing designs.

[0057] The fish loading device 501 may include at least one pump 510 for generating a current in the corridor 508 in the direction of the external environment. The current in the corridor 508 in the direction of the external environment may be referred to as a “corridor current”. The at least one pump 510 may facilitate directing the filtrate stream through the corridor into the external environment. The at least one pump 510 may also facilitate creating a corridor current for decreasing pressure on the filtrate side of filter 505, thereby drawing at least some of the water that may have entered the inlet end 503 through the filter.

[0058] The at least one pump 510 may be, for example, at least one eductor pump and / or at least one impeller pump. The at least one pump 510 may be located on the fish loading device 501 at the outlet end 504 of the mouth portion 502 or may be located in the corridor 508.

[0059] In some embodiments, a physical structure may be used to carry the filtrate stream from the output of the biomass densification to the front of the biomass densification unit and project the filtrate stream towards the suction entrance, using a cross-jet to create the loading and conversion zones.

[0060] FIG. 5B illustrates water flow and circulation about the fish loading device 501 when the fish loading device 501 is in use. FIG. 5B uses reference numerals similar to those used in the detailed discussion of FIG. 5A.

[0061] Current Zone Creation and Biomass Densification

[0062] A system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may create an attractive and healthy environment in front of a fish-loading device using current zone creation and water conditioning.

[0063] FIG. 6 illustrates a top-down current zone diagram showing operation of a fish loading device 601 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. An attraction zone 611 may start in front of the inlet end 603 of the mouth portion 602 and extend out into an external environment comprising a fish population.

[0064] Fish such as salmon exhibit behavior wherein the fish swim against environmental currents. Therefore, the fish loading device 601 in operation may be positioned such that the mouth portion 602 is oriented downstream of the tubular stem portion 606. An orientation wherein the mouth portion 602 is downstream of the tubular stem portion 606 may facilitate or encourage fish to voluntarily swim into the inlet end 603.

[0065] Thus, the area in front of the inlet end 603 where the current is moving downstream form the inlet end 603 may be considered to be part of attraction zone 611.

[0066] Optionally, an attraction unit (not shown) may be fluidly connected to one or more attraction nozzles (not shown) positioned on the mouth portion. Attraction nozzles may direct a flow of water downstream from the mouth portion 602 to further enhance the strength of any environmental or tidal flow to further encourage fish to swim into the mouth portion 602.

[0067] A loading zone 612 provides a larger input diameter than a traditional funnel where biomass in water may enter the mouth portion 602. In operation, the loading zone 612 may have a rapid acceleration profile up to a transfer flow velocity (conversion zone 613), and then steady flow velocities through the outlet end 604 and tubular stem portion 606 for both filtrate and biomass streams. The acceleration profile at the loading zone 612 may be modified, for example increased, by an additional volume of water comprising the recirculated filtrate stream being drawn into the mouth portion 602 for example to increase the speed at which fish and water may enter the inlet end 603, thereby reducing the likelihood that the fish will evade entering the mouth portion 602.

[0068] To load fish for harvesting, treatment, transport or other applications, a first volume of water may be provided in the inlet end 603 of the mouth portion 602 of the fish loading device 601. The first volume of water may contain fish.

[0069] The first volume of water may be moved further toward the outlet end 604 of the mouth portion 602 by suction created by a fish pump (not shown). The fish pump may be above water. One or more pumps 610 (for example an eductor or impeller pump) may remove a portion of water from the first volume of water across a filter 605 to provide a second volume of water that is substantially free of fish in the corridor 608, and a third volume of water that contains the fish, which can travel into the tubular stem portion 606 for further processing. Because water was removed from the first volume of waterto provide the third volume of water, the third volume of water may have a higher biomass density than the first volume of water. The second volume of water may exit the corridor 608 into the environment and may be recirculated outside of the fish loading device 601 to re-enter mouth portion 602 at the inlet end 603.

[0070] A system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may load fish at low biomass density, and then perform or enable biomass densification to pass the fist to the fish pump at a higher biomass density.

[0071] A biomass densification unit according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is integrated into a funnel design which has the following benefits and improvements. The axial symmetry of the design allows for the creation of more uniform flow patterns without pockets or dead zones which interfere with directing and drawing fish into the suction and the maintenance of a steady transfer rate. Integration of a biomass densification unit filter with the funnel reduces the path between fish entry and the suction hose, improving the effectiveness of the loading & conversion zone. Unit size and weight have been significantly reduced compared to other approaches, creating a much more efficient unit. The majority of the unit volume is now directly used for drawing in and moving fish. The smart funnel fits cleanly into the current industry standard fish transfer systems. Operators are familiar with using a funnel to transfer fish and existing infrastructure is built around using a funnel on the end of a suction hose.

[0072] According to one or more embodiments, an eductor based, or jet nozzle based design, is provided with no moving parts. This design has the benefits of being safe for fish, including smaller fish and aquatic life that may share the water with the target fish and may pass through the biomass densification filter. No moving parts is also beneficial for maintenance, cleaning and reliability. In some industry applications, helper fish are being used in conjunction with the target species of fish. For example, Wrasse I Lumpfish are sometimes used in salmon cages as ‘cleaner fish’. These smaller fish clean parasites off of the larger salmon.

[0073] FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D illustrate orthogonal views of a fish loading device 701 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 701 includes similar features as the devices 401 , 501 , and 601 of FIGs. 4, 5A, 5B and 6, which will be omitted herein for the sake of brevity. As shown in FIG. 7A, a biomass densification unit pump 710 may be provided, and may comprise eductor nozzles. A biomass densification filter 705 is also shown in both FIG. 7A and FIG. 7C. FIG. 7B shows components to supply water to a biomass densification unit, and to supply water to an attraction and / or conditioning unit. An output to a transfer system suction hose 714 and inputs for supply water 719 are also illustrated. FIG. 7D illustrates a suspension bracket 715, fins for directing biomass densification unit filtrate output stream, and a protective cage for fins 716, in addition to the components to supply water to the biomass densification and the attraction and conditioning units. Both FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D illustrate attraction and conditioning unit nozzles 717.

[0074] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a fish loading device 801 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 801 includes similar features as the devices 401 , 501 , and 601 of FIGs. 4, 5A, 5B, and 6, which will be omitted herein for the sake of brevity. The fish loading device 801 of FIG. 8 illustrates a biomass densification unit pump 810 (eductor nozzles); a biomass densification filter 805, biomass densification unit pump header 818. The fish loading device 801 of FIG. 8 also includes an input for supply water 819 to the biomass densification unit pump header 818, output to transfer system suction hose 814, directional fins 809 for directing biomass densification unit filtrate output stream, protective cage 821 for fins, attraction and conditioning unit nozzle 817, and attraction and conditioning unit header 822.

[0075] In the embodiments of FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C, FIG. 7C and FIG. 8, the attraction and conditioning unit is optional, while the biomass densification unit may be present in all embodiments. The attraction and conditioning unit may improve performance and add functionality and benefits, but the apparatus provides significantly improved performance over a standard funnel with only the biomass densification unit.

[0076] For example, the attraction unit may strengthen environmental or tidal flow to further encourage fish to swim into the mouth portion 702. A conditioning unit may be used to control water pressure, flow rate, and / or oxygenation in the fish loading system 701.

[0077] Measurement and Control Systems

[0078] A system according to one or more embodiments may comprise a measurement system including a camera system and flow sensors. The camera systemmay be provided both below water in the smart funnel and above water with the support equipment. The flow sensors may also be provided both below water in the funnel and above water in the support equipment.

[0079] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate side and front views of a fish loading device 901 with camera mounts 923 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 901 includes similar features as the devices 401, 501, and 601 of FIGs. 4, 5A, 5B and 6, which will be omitted herein for the sake of brevity. As shown in both FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, a front facing camera mount 923 may be provided on the funnel, to enable mounting of a front facing camera as part of the measurement and control system. Additional camera mounts 923 may be provided, for example giving a view from within the funnel when a camera is mounted to one or more of the additional camera mounts.

[0080] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a fish transfer control system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. A fish transfer control system according to one or more embodiments may comprise a control interface, for example implemented through a touch screen interface. The control interface may have controls for the following: biomass densification pump supply water pressure / flow rate; and attraction and conditioning unit supply water pressure / flow rate. The control interface may further include controls for oxygenation of supply water to the conditioning unit. The fish transfer control system and control interface may be interfaced to one or more of the following controls: fish pump controls (On / Off, throttle, etc.); orientation and positioning of the apparatus; system priming pumps. Through control of the supply water flow rates, the system may adjust the current zones for several different operating modes and to support dynamic pumping systems like a ‘vacuum can’ or cyclical pump.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 10, the control system may comprise a fish counter module, configured to use one or more camera inputs to determine a fish transfer rate. The control system may comprise a biomass density module, configured to use camera input and cage / tanktype and dimensions to determine biomass density. The control system may comprise a fish welfare assessment module, configured to take input from the biomass density module and combine with environmental condition sensors 1032 along with visual indicators from camera input to calculate a fish welfare assessment parameter or generate a fish welfare assessment score. The control system may comprise a pump control system and a user interface drive.

[0082] An interface as shown in FIG. 10 may comprise user supplied or preprogrammed operation parameters, for example relating to a transfer application, pump specifications, cage / tank type and dimensions. The interface may comprise a displayshowing, for example in real time, one or more of: biomass density, fish transfer rate, fish welfare indictors, water condition indicators. The interface may comprise an operator / control interface. A host system may comprise a fish pump, and may comprise a crane or lift configured for positioning control for the smart funnel.

[0083] A fish loading system as shown in FIG. 10 may comprise a fish loading device 1001 , one or more smart funnel underwater cameras 1031 , and environmental condition sensors 1032, for example sensors for oxygen, temperature, pressure, tidal flow etc. As shown in FIG. 10, support equipment may comprise water flow sensors 1024, 1025, fish cage / tank surface cameras, water pumps, and optional water conditioning unit.

[0084] A system as shown in FIG. 10 according to one or more embodiments is configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes. Examples of some operating modes are now described.

[0085] In an attraction and water conditioning mode, the system may be configured to use front conditioning nozzles while fish pump and biomass densification pump are low or off. This generates a gentle current of oxygenated or otherwise conditioned water flowing away from the smart funnel and encourages the fish population to approach.

[0086] In a fish loading mode with adjustable transfer rate, the smart funnel may be configured to actively control the fish transfer rate during transfer by adjusting the level of biomass densification.

[0087] In an optimal or desired transfer mode, the biomass densification pump and fish pump may be ramped up such that transfer rate is stabilized at a desired or optimal operating point of the fish pump, while loading at the minimum biomass density required to maintain target transfer rate. In this mode, the biomass densification unit may be configured to operate at or near to its maximum, in order to maintain the required transfer rate at a minimum biomass density.

[0088] In an adaptive transfer mode, if the application requires a reduction of transfer rate, the biomass densification pump may be reduced such that the biomass densification factor is reduced, resulting in a lower conversion rate from the loading zone into the suction and a reduction of transfer rate. The ability to reduce transfer rate, without reducing the fish pump flow or suction, allows for the continued safe transfer of the fish that enter the fish pump suction while reducing the rate at which fish enter the fish pump.

[0089] In a down cycle of cyclical pumps mode, for cyclical pumps like a vacuumcan system, the suction of the transfer system may be configured to cycle from a maximum to a minimum and back again. During the down cycles, the biomass densification pump may be adjusted to maintain the flow conditions in and around the smart funnel, creatingan attractive environment for the fish and maintaining fish in the loading zone at a target biomass density, such that fish transfer rapidly cycles back up as the fish suction cycles back up.

[0090] While known fish pumping systems have only one operating mode, which can be ill suited to the application in which it is being used, embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes, and may be dynamically adjusted and adapted to the application in which it is being used.

[0091] Some applications are a batch transfer type application, in which the objective is to move a population of fish from one location to another. An example of this application is the movement of a population of fish from a sea cage into a well boat. In this application, the rate at which the fish arrive at their destination is not constrained, and so the primary objective in this application is to move as many fish as possible, as quickly as possible, in a safe and efficient manner.

[0092] For a batch transfer type of application, a benefit a system according to one or more embodiments is its ability to load a steady flow of fish at a rate that can maximize fish pump efficiency, while holding to the source population at a healthy biomass density. Current fish transfer systems suffer from the need to bring the biomass density of the source population to a level that compromises fish welfare in order to operate the fish pump at its optimal transfer rate. Where current fish pumping systems must limit transfer time or reduce transfer rates to protect fish welfare, a system according to one or more embodiments may keep the fish pump operating at optimal transfer rate for as long as it takes to move a complete population of fish.

[0093] Other applications require singulated fish. In these applications the fish transfer system is feeding the fish into a process where the fish need to be processed either singly or in small numbers. In this type of application, the transfer system needs to provide fish to the end process at a controlled rate, and needs to be able to adapt that rate based on feedback from the process. Examples of these processes include harvest or treatment, for example sea lice treatment.

[0094] For a singulated process type of application, a benefit of a system according to one or more embodiments is its ability to dynamically adjust the fish transfer rate at the fish loading device 1001 (smart funnel), while maintaining the fish population at a fixed biomass density and continuing to operate the fish pump at its optimal operating point. Current fish pumping systems must adjust fish population biomass density, turn pumping systems on or off, or use some other methods to buffer or control the rate at which fish are delivered to the end process which negatively impact either the efficiency of the system orthe welfare of the source population of fish. Embodiments of the present disclosure may dynamically adjust the transfer rate of fish based on feedback from the end application without compromising fish welfare or adding additional equipment or process to buffer the incoming fish or control the rate at which fish are fed into the end process.

[0095] A system according to one or more embodiments may be implemented as a "smart" unit which may be configured to count fish entering the suction, determine biomass density (fish vs water) in front of and in the loading device, provide an indication of fish health (behavior and injuries), and may use this information to provide feedback to the operator in real-time. Embodiments of the present disclosure may also be configured to employ machine learning or artificial intelligence modules in video processing and as a method of determining biomass density during transfer.

[0096] Tables 1-4 below illustrate example decision charts relating to control feedback, and illustrate different scenarios and actions. For each scenario, an example biomass density, transfer rate and fish welfare indicator is provided, for example in a low- medium-high scale, with corresponding actions from the perspective of fish population management, biomass densification pump, and oxygen supply.

[0097] A system according to one or more embodiments including a smart funnel design may be adapted to replace fish transfer loading systems in land-based applications. A common approach in land-based solutions is to have a funnel shaped bottom to a fish tank with a suction point at the bottom center of the funnel which is attached to fish pump. The water level in the tank is dropped and the fish are drawn out of the bottom. This known approach suffers from similar issues to the sea-based funnel on the end of a suction hose approach, with the fish struggling against the system.

[0098] Impeller-Based Embodiments

[0099] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a fish loading device 1101 with hydraulic impeller-based pump 1110 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1101 includes similar features as the devices 401 , 501 , and 601 of FIGs. 4, 5A, 5B and 6, which will be omitted herein for the sake of brevity. As shown in FIG. 11 , an impeller-based biomass densification pump 1110 may be implemented in several ways. For example, an impeller assembly may rotate around the central suction path, such as on a bearing sleeve.

[0100] A fish loading device according to one or more embodiments comprises a hydraulic impeller-based pumping system 1129 to move more water with significantly less energy input than an eductor-based design which may have low energy efficiency. A more efficient active pumping system, such as a hydraulic impeller-based pumping system, may be beneficial for applications where energy efficiency is critical, for example, for very large systems or systems with that require a very limited install footprint or energy budget for thesupporting equipment. In an example implementation, the eductor-based pump can be implemented instead as a hydraulic impeller-based pump. This would greatly reduce the size of the hose going to the pump and the physical and power footprint for the supporting pump on the surface. The hydraulic impeller-based design puts a pump with a moving impeller in the smart funnel, which has implications to maintenance, reliability, cleaning and to smaller aquatic species that may find their way into the impeller pump.

[0101] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a fish loading device 1201 with internal flow sensors 1224 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1201 includes similar features as the devices 401, 501, and 601 of FIGs. 4, 5A, 5B, and 6, which will be omitted herein for the sake of brevity. As shown in FIG. 12, external sensors 1225 may be installed outside the fish loading device 1201 including in proximity of the biomass densification filter 1205. According to one or more embodiments, the system may comprise a measurement system including one or more of: environmental condition sensors 1232 such as pressure sensors; oxygen sensors; temperature sensors; other sensors and methods for fish counting; other sensors and methods for biomass density measurement.

[0102] Land-Based Embodiments

[0103] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of a land-based tank and fish loading device 1301 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1301 includes similar features as the devices 401 , 501 , and 601 of FIGs. 4, 5A, 5B, and 6, which will be omitted herein for the sake of brevity. As shown in FIG. 13, a system according to one or more embodiments including a smart funnel design may be adapted to be installed at the bottom of a fish tank 1326, in such a way as to create attraction and loading zones analogous to sea-based applications and transfer fish out of the source tank at lower biomass density that existing systems, better protecting the welfare of the fish.

[0104] EmbodimentsEmbodiment 1. A fish loading device comprising: a mouth portion having an inlet end and an outlet end, the outlet end comprising a filter, the outlet end having a smaller diameter than the inlet end; a tubular stem portion in fluid communication with the outlet end of the mouth portion; a collar portion surrounding the mouth portion and at least some of the tubular stem portion, the collar portion and an exterior surface of the tubular stem portion defining a corridor in fluid communication with the filter and an external environment; and at least one directional fin positioned to direct the corridor into the external environment along an exterior surface of the collar portion.Embodiment 2. The fish loading device of Embodiment 1 , further comprising at least one pump for generating a corridor current.Embodiment 3. The fish loading device of Embodiment 2, wherein the at least one pump is at least one eductor pump and / or at least one impeller pump.Embodiment 4. The fish loading device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the mouth portion includes at least one attraction nozzle in fluid communication with an attraction unit, the at least one attraction nozzle configured to direct a flow of water in a direction opposite to the outlet end for generating an attraction zone.Embodiment 5. The fish loading device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the mouth portion includes at least one conditioning nozzle in fluid communication with a conditioning unit, the at least one conditioning nozzle configured to direct a flow of conditioned water in a direction opposite to the outlet end.Embodiment 6. The fish loading device of any one of Embodiment 1 to 5, wherein the at least one directional fin is positioned in the corridor.Embodiment 7. The fish loading device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the at least one directional fin is integrally formed with the tubular stem portion or the collar portion.Embodiment 8. The fish loading device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the tubular stem portion is sized to receive fish from the outlet end, and wherein the tubular stem portion sized to accommodate fish therethrough.Embodiment 9. The fish loading device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the tubular stem portion is in fluid communication with a fish output.Embodiment 10. The fish loading device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, further comprising one or more cameras or sensors coupled to the mouth portion, the tubular step portion or the collar portion, the one or more cameras or sensors configured to detect pressure data, flow rate data and / or biomass data.Embodiment 11. A fish transfer system comprising: a fish loading device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 10 for receiving a volume of water, the volume of water containing fish; a transfer system in fluid communication with the fish loading device for receiving fish from the fish loading device; a biomass densification unit in fluid communication with the fish loading device and the transfer system for drawing a volume of water through the fish loading device and for facilitating the transfer system receiving fish.Embodiment 12. The system of Embodiment 11 , further comprising a camera or a sensor for generating biomass data in the fish loading device.Embodiment 13. The system of Embodiment 12, further comprising a control system configured to receive the pressure data, flow rate data and / or biomass data and to adjust pressure, flow rate, biomass density, and / or transfer rate of the volume of water according to the pressure data, flow rate data and / or biomass data.Embodiment 14. The system of Embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the fish loading device includes at least one conditioning nozzle in fluid communication with a conditioning unit, the conditioning nozzle configured to direct a flow of conditioned water in a direction opposite to the outlet end, and wherein the control system is configured to receive the biomass data and to adjust water conditioning according to the biomass data.Embodiment 15. A fish transfer system comprising: a fish loading system comprising a fish loading device and one or more cameras or sensors; a water pump in communication with the fish loading device; a fish pump; and a control system in communication with the fish loading system, the water pump and the fish pump and configured to control a fish transfer rate.Embodiment 16. The system of Embodiment 15 wherein the system is configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes, and the control system is configured to dynamically adjust one or more parameters to enable the system to operate in a selected operating mode.Embodiment 17. A method for loading fish comprising: providing a first volume of water containing fish into a fish loading device; removing a portion of water from the first volume of water containing fish to provide a second volume of water that is substantially free of fish, and a third volume of water containing fish, the third volume of water having a higher fish density than the first volume of water containing fish; circulating the second volume of water outside of the fish loading device; recirculating the second volume of water into the fish loading device.Embodiment 18. The method of Embodiment 17, further comprising directing the third volume of water to a transfer system.Embodiment 19. A fish loading device comprising: a body configured for receiving and dispensing water and fish; a fish pump configured for circulating a first volume of water containing fish into the body; a water pump configured for removing a portion of water from the first volume of water containing fish to provide a second volume of water that is substantially free of fish, and a third volume of water containing fish, the third volume of water having a higher fish density than the first volume of water containing fish;an external path for circulating the external water stream outside the body; the external path configured for recirculating the second water stream into the body.Embodiment 20. A fish transfer device comprising: a frustoconical mouth portion having an inlet end and an outlet end, the outlet end including a filter, the outlet end having a smaller diameter than the inlet end; a tubular stem portion in fluid communication with the outlet end of the frustoconical mouth portion; a collar portion surrounding the frustoconical mouth portion and at least some of the tubular stem portion, the collar portion having a first end attached to the inlet end of the frustoconical mouth portion and an opposing second end, the collar portion comprising: an external wall; an intermediate wall provided in a spaced apart relationship from the stem portion to define therebetween a corridor, the corridor extending from the outlet end of the frustoconical mouth portion to the second end of the collar portion; a directional fin attached to an external surface of the tubular stem portion or an external surface of the external wall at the second end of the collar portion and configured to direct a filtrate stream output outside of the fish loading device along an external surface of the external wall; and a control system in communication with the fish transfer device configured to control a biomass density and / or fish transfer rate in the fish transfer device.

[0105] The embodiments described herein are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications, and / or variations can be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the particular embodiments set forth herein but should be construed in a manner consistent with the specification as a whole.

[0106] The aspects, embodiments, and / or examples of the present disclosure being thus described, it should be recognized that said aspects, embodiments, and / or examples may be varied in ways that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that said variations are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

[0107] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0108] List of Reference Numerals

[0109] X = Figure number, for example the fish loading device is labelled 401 in Figure 4 and is labelled 601 in Figure 6.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A fish loading device comprising: a mouth portion having an inlet end and an outlet end, the outlet end comprising a filter, the outlet end having a smaller diameter than the inlet end; a tubular stem portion in fluid communication with the outlet end of the mouth portion; a collar portion surrounding the mouth portion and at least some of the tubular stem portion, the collar portion and an exterior surface of the tubular stem portion defining a corridor in fluid communication with the filter and an external environment; and at least one directional fin positioned to direct the corridor into the external environment along an exterior surface of the collar portion.

2. The fish loading device of claim 1 , further comprising at least one pump for generating a corridor current.

3. The fish loading device of claim 2, wherein the at least one pump is at least one eductor pump and / or at least one impeller pump.

4. The fish loading device of claim 1 , wherein the mouth portion includes at least one attraction nozzle in fluid communication with an attraction unit, the at least one attraction nozzle configured to direct a flow of water in a direction opposite to the outlet end for generating an attraction zone.

5. The fish loading device of claim 1 , wherein the mouth portion includes at least one conditioning nozzle in fluid communication with a conditioning unit, the at least one conditioning nozzle configured to direct a flow of conditioned water in a direction opposite to the outlet end.

6. The fish loading device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one directional fin is positioned in the corridor.

7. The fish loading device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one directional fin is integrally formed with the tubular stem portion or the collar portion.

8. The fish loading device of claim 1 , wherein the tubular stem portion is sized to receive fish from the outlet end, and wherein the tubular stem portion sized to accommodate fish therethrough.

9. The fish loading device of claim 1 , wherein the tubular stem portion is in fluid communication with a fish output.

10. The fish loading device of claim 1 , further comprising one or more cameras or sensors coupled to the mouth portion, the tubular step portion or the collar portion, the one or more cameras or sensors configured to detect pressure data, flow rate data and / or biomass data.11 . A fish transfer system comprising: a fish loading device of claim 1 for receiving a volume of water, the volume of water containing fish; a transfer system in fluid communication with the fish loading device for receiving fish from the fish loading device; a biomass densification unit in fluid communication with the fish loading device and the transfer system for drawing a volume of water through the fish loading device and for facilitating the transfer system receiving fish.

12. The system of claim 11 , further comprising a camera or a sensor for generating biomass data in the fish loading device.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein further comprising a control system is configured to receive the pressure data, flow rate data and / or biomass data and to adjust pressure, flow rate, biomass density, and / or transfer rate of the volume of water according to the pressure data, flow rate data and / or biomass data.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the fish loading device includes at least one conditioning nozzle in fluid communication with a conditioning unit, the conditioning nozzle configured to direct a flow of conditioned water in a direction opposite to the outlet end, and wherein the control system is configured to receive the biomass data and to adjust water conditioning according to the biomass data.

15. A fish transfer system comprising: a fish loading system comprising a fish loading device and one or more cameras or sensors; a water pump in communication with the fish loading device; a fish pump; and a control system in communication with the fish loading system, the water pump and the fish pump and configured to control a fish transfer rate.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the system is configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes, and the control system is configured to dynamically adjust one or more parameters to enable the system to operate in a selected operating mode.

17. A method for loading fish comprising: providing a first volume of water containing fish into a fish loading device; removing a portion of water from the first volume of water containing fish to provide a second volume of water that is substantially free of fish, and a third volume of water containing fish, the third volume of water having a higher fish density than the first volume of water containing fish; circulating the second volume of water outside of the fish loading device; recirculating the second volume of water into the fish loading device.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising directing the third volume of water to a transfer system.

19. A fish loading device comprising: a body configured for receiving and dispensing water and fish; a fish pump configured for circulating a first volume of water containing fish into the body; a water pump configured for removing a portion of water from the first volume of water containing fish to provide a second volume of water that is substantially free of fish, and a third volume of water containing fish, the third volume of water having a higher fish density than the first volume of water containing fish; an external path for circulating the external water stream outside the body; the external path configured for recirculating the second water stream into the body.

0. A fish transfer device comprising: a frustoconical mouth portion having an inlet end and an outlet end, the outlet end including a filter, the outlet end having a smaller diameter than the inlet end; a tubular stem portion in fluid communication with the outlet end of the frustoconical mouth portion; a collar portion surrounding the frustoconical mouth portion and at least some of the tubular stem portion, the collar portion having a first end attached to the inlet end of the frustoconical mouth portion and an opposing second end, the collar portion comprising: an external wall; an intermediate wall provided in a spaced apart relationship from the stem portion to define therebetween a corridor, the corridor extending from the outlet end of the frustoconical mouth portion to the second end of the collar portion; a directional fin attached to an external surface of the tubular stem portion or an external surface of the external wall at the second end of the collar portion and configured to direct a filtrate stream output outside of the fish loading device along an external surface of the external wall; and a control system in communication with the fish transfer device configured to control a biomass density and / or fish transfer rate in the fish transfer device.

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