Oyster seed attachment base carrier, culture cage and method

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of aquaculture, and relates to a device and method for cultivating far-sea oysters, in particular to an oyster seed attachment base carrier, a cultivation cage and a method. The carrier is a ring-shaped structure surrounded by metal wires with several Z-shaped bending sections. The linear sections on each Z-shaped bending section are used for threading oyster seed attachment bases, and the bending corners on each Z-shaped bending section have inward recesses in the radial direction. The present application also provides a cultivation cage comprising the carrier and an oyster seed cultivation method using the cultivation cage. The present application can make full use of the advantages of far-sea resources, and can adapt to the conditions of far-sea sea areas with strong winds and waves and high flow rates, and the cultivation benefit is not lower than that of traditional cultivation methods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aquaculture technology and relates to an apparatus and method for offshore oyster farming, specifically to an oyster seedling attachment substrate, a farming cage, and a method. Background Technology

[0002] my country is the world's largest producer of oysters, and with the increasing frequency of aquaculture activities in recent years, the intertidal and near-shallow sea areas in my country are facing a series of problems, including saturation in aquaculture area, species, and capacity, as well as concerns about the quality of farmed aquatic products. Compared to near-shore areas, offshore aquaculture has advantages such as vast expansion potential, huge aquaculture capacity, fewer conflicts with other marine activities, better water quality, and less risk of parasites and diseases, and has gradually become a hot topic of interest in marine aquaculture both domestically and internationally.

[0003] Traditional oyster seedling cultivation primarily uses the rope-hanging method, with cultivation environments mainly in nearshore waters or ponds. As market demand increases and production grows, cultivation density gradually rises, leading to a gradual decrease in profitability. Furthermore, the traditional rope-hanging method requires multiple manual operations (including stringing, tying, hanging, and subsequent cage removal). During cultivation, the ropes are directly exposed to seawater, causing seedlings to detach prematurely due to mutual compression as they grow. Human intervention during the final cage loading stage also affects the normal growth and survival rate of the seedlings. If existing pre-fabricated cultivation cages are used to directly release oyster seedlings onto substrates, the impact of water flow and friction between the substrates can lead to mass mortality of oyster seedlings, resulting in low cultivation efficiency.

[0004] In line with the needs of high-quality development of aquaculture and the ecological environment, oyster farming is being expanded from nearshore to offshore areas, and the development of farming equipment and technologies that can adapt to offshore conditions has become a new development direction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the existing technologies, this invention provides an oyster seedling attachment substrate, a culture cage, and a method that can fully utilize the advantages of offshore resources, adapt to the conditions of strong winds, waves, and high currents in offshore waters, and achieve culture benefits no less than those of traditional culture methods.

[0006] The present invention discloses an oyster seed attachment substrate carrier, which is a ring structure formed by metal wires having several Z-shaped bends. The straight segments on each Z-shaped bend are used to insert the oyster seed attachment substrate, and the bends on each Z-shaped bend have radial indentations.

[0007] In this invention, multiple oyster seed attachment substrates are perforated and inserted into straight sections of a carrier, thus limiting the position of each substrate and preventing seedling loss and death caused by collisions with each other under the impact of seawater during cultivation. The metal wire used in this invention is a metal with poor seawater corrosion resistance, and it has radial indentations at the bends of each Z-shaped bend, causing preferential corrosion and breakage at these points, meeting the requirements of subsequent seedling cultivation stages. Therefore, iron, copper, aluminum, etc., can be used without limitation.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, the length of each straight segment on the Z-shaped bend is 5-7 cm. Typically, oyster seedling attachment substrates include scallop shells or oyster shells, and the length of the straight segments is determined based on the size of the attachment substrate.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional diameter of the metal wire is 2-3 mm, and the indentation depth at the bend of each Z-shaped bend is 1-2 mm.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, both ends of the metal wire extend downwards to form extensions. These extensions are irregularly shaped and have a diameter greater than 2 cm. The purpose of the extensions is to fit into the holes of the breeding cage tray, which are approximately 1-2 cm in diameter. The extensions are located below the holes, securing the carrier to the tray and preventing it from swaying inside the breeding cage, thus further preventing seedling loss and mortality. The irregular shape of the extensions is not limited; they can be formed by single or multiple bends at the ends, as long as they do not easily detach from the cage tray holes.

[0011] The present invention also provides a culture cage, including the oyster seedling attachment substrate carrier described above.

[0012] As a preferred option, the aquaculture cage also includes a net, inside which are arranged several cage trays at intervals, and each cage tray is provided with an oyster seedling attachment carrier.

[0013] This invention also provides a method for cultivating offshore oyster seedlings, using the culture cage described above, and proceeding according to the following steps:

[0014] (1) Drill holes in the attachment base of oyster seedlings that have been attached with 1-2 mm of oyster seedlings, and insert it along the hole position to the straight section of the Z-shaped bend of the carrier. Place one attachment base on each straight section, then put the carrier into the cage tray of the culture cage, and then put the culture cage into the open sea for culture.

[0015] (2) When the oyster seedlings grow to 1-2cm, the cage is turned over. The carrier is taken out and cut into two sections in the middle. Each section is stretched and extended to form a new ring structure. The new carrier is placed on the cage tray of the culture cage to continue the culture.

[0016] (3) When the oyster seedlings grow to more than 4cm, the cage turning operation is carried out again. As the oyster seedlings grow, the corner of the Z-shaped bend of the carrier will break or be about to break due to the radial indentation. The carrier is divided into several sections along the break, and each independent attachment substrate is collected and placed on the cage tray of the culture cage for continued culture.

[0017] As a preferred option, the mesh size of the aquaculture cage net used in step (1) is 3-4 cm. Oyster seedlings typically do not fall off during the growth process in step (1) and are grown at high density. Using a net with a larger mesh size can provide better water permeability, thus promoting the growth of oyster seedlings.

[0018] As a preferred option, the mesh size of the culture cage netting used after the cage is turned over in step (2) is 1-2 cm. In step (2), the oyster seedlings begin to be squeezed and fall off. The purpose of using a netting with a smaller mesh size is to prevent the fallen oyster seedlings from being washed away by seawater and lost. In addition, the reduced density after the cage is turned over reduces the requirements for water exchange and feed, and will not affect the growth of the oyster seedlings.

[0019] As a preferred option, the mesh size of the aquaculture cage netting used after the cage is turned over in step (3) is 3-4 cm. The oyster seedlings in step (3) have grown to a relatively large size. Under the premise of ensuring that the oyster seedlings are not washed away by seawater, using a netting with a larger mesh size can bring better water permeability and promote the rapid growth of oyster seedlings in the subsequent stages.

[0020] The advantages of this invention are:

[0021] (1) In view of the characteristics of strong winds and waves and high current speed in the open sea, the carrier of the present invention is made of metal wire with poor seawater corrosion resistance. It can support oyster seedlings in the first two stages of cultivation, avoid seedling loss and death caused by collisions with each other under the impact of seawater during cultivation, and make full use of the rich bait resources in the open sea area to promote rapid seedling growth.

[0022] (2) Depending on the metal wire of different diameter and material, the corner of the Z-shaped bend is made inward. The corner can be naturally corroded and broken in the second to third breeding stage. This operation can not only follow the normal growth rhythm of oysters, but also save a lot of manpower, material resources and other production costs in the cage turning process.

[0023] (3) This invention takes the offshore waters as the breeding conditions and the cage culture mode as the basis. Compared with the traditional breeding method, it can protect the normal growth of oyster seedlings while ensuring that seedlings that fall off in advance are not lost. Furthermore, the individual seedlings that fall off in advance can be collected and cultured separately, resulting in a high seedling survival rate and improved breeding efficiency.

[0024] (4) The breeding method adopted in this invention is easy to operate, simple to learn, and requires little work. It only requires normal cage turning and little human and mechanical intervention, which reduces production costs and further improves breeding efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the oyster seedling attachment substrate structure in Example 1;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the breeding cage structure in Example 1;

[0029] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The image shows the aquaculture effect of the traditional rope aquaculture method in the test case (it can be seen that a large number of wild aquatic plants and other debris are attached to the rope and the attachment substrate, the oyster seedlings grow slowly and the attachment substrate is severely lost).

[0030] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the results of the cage + loose-sheet culture method (it can be seen that the oyster seedlings on the substrate have suffered severe mortality).

[0031] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the results of the oyster farming using a cage + carrier model (it can be seen that the oyster seedlings on the substrate are producing well, and no substrate has fallen off).

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Straight line segment 2. Angle 3. Extension 4. Netting 5. Cage tray. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms indicating orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] Example 1:

[0037] like Figures 1-2 As shown, an oyster seed attachment carrier is a ring structure formed by a wire with several Z-shaped bends. The straight segment 1 on each Z-shaped bend is used to insert the oyster seed attachment base. The bend angle 2 on each Z-shaped bend is 60 degrees, and the bend angle 2 has a radial indentation.

[0038] In this embodiment, 21 oyster seed attachment substrates can be perforated and inserted into each straight segment 1 of the carrier to limit the position of each oyster seed attachment substrate. This avoids problems such as seed loss and death caused by collisions between the substrates under the impact of seawater during the cultivation process. The wire has poor resistance to seawater corrosion, and there is a radial indentation at the bend 2 of each Z-shaped bend. Corrosion and breakage will occur preferentially at this location compared to other locations, thus meeting the requirements of the subsequent seed cultivation stages.

[0039] As one implementation method, the oyster seedling attachment substrate in this embodiment is a scallop shell, and the length of each straight segment 1 on the Z-shaped bend is 6cm.

[0040] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional diameter of the wire is 2mm, and the indentation depth at the bend 2 on each Z-shaped bend is 1mm.

[0041] In one implementation, both ends of the wire extend downwards to form extensions 3. These extensions 3 are irregularly shaped with a diameter greater than 2 cm. For an irregularly shaped structure, the diameter refers to the longest line segment between two non-adjacent points, i.e., the maximum diagonal. The purpose of the extensions 3 is to fit into the holes of the breeding cage tray, which are approximately 1-2 cm in diameter. The extensions are located below the holes to secure the carrier on the tray, preventing it from shaking inside the breeding cage and further avoiding problems such as seedling loss and death. The irregular shape of the extensions 3 is not limited; they can be formed by single or multiple bends at the ends, as long as they are not easily detached from the cage tray holes. In this embodiment, only a single bend is made at the end, resulting in a V-shaped structure with a diameter of approximately 3 cm, which is not easily detached from the cage tray holes.

[0042] Example 2:

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, a culture cage includes the oyster seedling attachment substrate carrier of Example 1, and also includes a net 4, with 8 cage trays 5 spaced apart inside the net 4, and each cage tray 5 is provided with an oyster seedling attachment substrate carrier.

[0044] In one implementation, the extension 3 of the carrier is located below the cage plate hole, which can hold the carrier on the cage plate 5 to prevent it from shaking in the breeding cage and further avoid problems such as seedling loss and death.

[0045] Example 3:

[0046] A method for cultivating offshore oyster seedlings, using the culture cage described in Example 2, is carried out according to the following steps:

[0047] (1) The attachment substrates with oyster seedlings already attached (1-2 mm in diameter) are perforated. The substrates are then inserted along the perforated locations onto the straight segments 1 of the Z-shaped bends of the carrier, with one attachment substrate placed on each straight segment 1. Since the oyster seedlings are small and densely packed at this stage, they typically do not detach during growth. Using a culture cage with a mesh size of 3.8 cm provides better water permeability, promoting oyster seedling growth. This culture cage has 8 layers of cage trays 5, each 28 cm in diameter with 1 cm holes. The carrier is placed on the cage trays 5, with the extension 3 of the carrier located below the holes. The bending resistance of the wire and the size of the oyster seedling attachment substrate support each other, creating a three-dimensional space within each layer of the culture cage, allowing each oyster seedling attachment substrate to hang separately. The culture cage is then deployed to the open sea for cultivation.

[0048] (2) When the oyster seedlings grow to 1-2cm, the cage is turned over. The carrier is taken out and cut into two sections in the middle. Each section is stretched and extended, and the angle is increased from 60 degrees to 120 degrees. The new carrier is then placed on the cage tray 5 of the culture cage with a mesh size of 2cm for continued culture. The mesh size of the culture cage at this stage is smaller than that at the first stage because the oyster seedlings begin to be squeezed and fall off. The purpose of using a smaller mesh size is to prevent the fallen oyster seedlings from being washed away by seawater and lost. In addition, the density is reduced after the cage is turned over, which reduces the requirements for water exchange and feed, and will not affect the growth of the oyster seedlings.

[0049] (3) When the oyster seedlings grow to more than 4cm, the cage turning operation is carried out again. Before turning the cages, the oyster seedling attachment substrates in the second-stage culture cages are treated. Since some oyster seedlings on the attachment substrates will be squeezed off as they grow, the detached individuals can be collected and cultured separately. The Z-shaped bend of the carrier has radial indentation at the two corners. After about half a year of seawater immersion and corrosion, it will break or be about to break. The carrier is divided into several sections along the break. The individual attachment substrates are collected and placed on the cage tray 5 of the culture cage with a mesh size of 3.8cm for continued culture. At this stage, the oyster seedlings have grown to a relatively large size. Under the premise of ensuring that the oyster seedlings are not washed away by seawater, using a larger mesh can bring better water permeability and promote the rapid growth of oyster seedlings in the subsequent stages.

[0050] Test example:

[0051] Traditional rope farming, cage + loose-area farming, and cage + carrier farming were all adopted. The same batch of oyster seedlings were attached to the substrate and then released into the same offshore area for farming, as shown in the table below.

[0052]

[0053] The above is a detailed description of the present invention. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for cultivating offshore oyster seedlings, characterized in that, Culture cages with oyster seedling attachment substrates were used; The culture cage includes a net, and several cage trays are arranged at intervals inside the net. Each cage tray is equipped with an oyster seedling attachment carrier. The oyster seedling attachment substrate carrier is a ring structure formed by a metal wire with several Z-shaped bends. The straight section on each Z-shaped bend is used to insert the oyster seedling attachment substrate, and the bends on each Z-shaped bend have radial indentations. Both ends of the metal wire extend downward to form extensions, which are irregularly shaped and have a diameter greater than 2 cm. Follow these steps: (1) Drill holes in the attachment base of oyster seedlings that have been attached with 1-2 mm of oyster seedlings, and insert it along the hole position to the straight section of the Z-shaped bend of the oyster seedling attachment base carrier. Place one attachment base on each straight section, and then put the oyster seedling attachment base carrier into the cage tray of the culture cage. Then, put the culture cage into the open sea area for culture. (2) When the oyster seedlings grow to 1-2cm, the cage is turned over. The oyster seedling attachment carrier is taken out and cut into two sections in the middle. Each section is stretched and extended to form a new ring structure. The new carrier is placed on the cage tray of the culture cage for continued culture. (3) When the oyster seedlings grow to more than 4cm, the cage turning operation is carried out. As the oyster seedlings grow, the corner of the Z-shaped bend of the carrier will break or be about to break due to the radial indentation. The carrier is divided into several sections along the break, and each independent attachment substrate is collected and placed on the cage tray of the culture cage for continued culture.

2. The method for cultivating offshore oyster seedlings according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mesh size of the aquaculture cage netting used in step (1) is 3-4 cm.

3. The method for cultivating offshore oyster seedlings according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step (2), the mesh size of the aquaculture cage netting used after the cage is turned over is 1-2cm.

4. The method for cultivating offshore oyster seedlings according to claim 3, characterized in that, In step (3), the mesh size of the aquaculture cage netting used after the cage is turned over is 3-4cm.

5. The method for cultivating offshore oyster seedlings according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of each straight segment on the Z-shaped bend is 5-7 cm.

6. The method for cultivating offshore oyster seedlings according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional diameter of the metal wire is 2-3 mm, and the indentation depth at the bend of each Z-shaped bend is 1-2 mm.

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