Fish manure collecting device and method for aquaculture net cage

Abstract

The invention relates to a fish manure collecting device and method for an aquaculture net cage, the fish manure collecting device is used for being arranged in the net cage to collect fish manure, the net cage comprises a floating body frame and a net cage netting connected to the lower portion of the floating body frame in a hung mode, and the fish manure collecting device comprises a collecting netting, a fastening cable, a center balance weight and an edge balance weight; the collecting netting is unfolded and arranged in the net cage netting, the first ends of the fastening cables are connected with the floating body frame, the second ends of the fastening cables are connected with the edge of the collecting netting, the number of the fastening cables is multiple, and the second ends of the fastening cables are arranged along the edge of the collecting netting at intervals; the plurality of edge counterweights are arranged on the edge of the fastening cable at intervals; the center balance weight is connected to the middle position of the collecting netting, so that the collecting netting forms a concave collecting area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine aquaculture technology, specifically to a fish manure collection device and method for aquaculture cages. Background Technology

[0002] With the deepening of the national strategy to build a maritime power, the construction of deep-sea marine ranches has become an important direction for the development of modern fisheries. Gravity-type deep-sea wave-resistant cages, with their excellent wave resistance and large aquaculture volume, have become the core equipment of modern marine ranches. These cages are usually constructed with a ring frame made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, and netting is hung under the frame. The netting is formed on the seabed by gravity, and the overall structure is a cone-shaped structure that converges at the bottom.

[0003] In cage aquaculture, real-time monitoring of fish health, assessment of feed conversion rates, and monitoring of the environmental impact of aquaculture are crucial. Fish feces, as a metabolic product, are key samples for analyzing fish digestion and absorption, health status, and the carrying capacity of the aquaculture area. However, effectively and economically collecting representative fish feces samples in the open deep-sea environment is a technical challenge. Existing technologies include using divers to install fixed collectors underwater, but this method is costly, highly susceptible to sea conditions, has low safety, and inflexible operation cycles, making it difficult to promote large-scale application.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a fish waste collection solution that is low-cost, easy to operate, requires no professional diving support, and can be installed and recycled by ordinary aquaculture workers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fish manure collection device and method for aquaculture cages, which has a simple structure, can be quickly installed and recycled to collect fish manure, is easy to operate, and reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a fish manure collection device for aquaculture cages, used for collecting fish manure in the cages. The cages include a floating frame and a net hanging below the floating frame. The fish manure collection device includes a collection net, securing cables, a central counterweight, and edge counterweights. The collection net is unfolded and placed inside the net. The first end of the securing cable is connected to the floating frame, and the second end is connected to the edge of the collection net. Multiple securing cables are provided, and the second ends of each securing cable are spaced apart along the edge of the collection net. Multiple edge counterweights are provided and are spaced apart on the edge of the securing cables. The central counterweight is connected to the middle position of the collection net, forming a recessed collection area.

[0007] Furthermore, the collecting netting is circular when fully unfolded.

[0008] Furthermore, the central counterweight is located at the geometric center of the collecting mesh.

[0009] Furthermore, the mesh size of the collecting net is 450-550 mesh.

[0010] Furthermore, the material of the collecting net is polyethylene or nylon.

[0011] Furthermore, both the central counterweight and the edge counterweight are lead blocks.

[0012] Furthermore, all edge weights are evenly distributed along the edges of the collecting mesh.

[0013] Furthermore, all connection points between the securing cables and the collection net are set at equal intervals along the edge of the collection net.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method for collecting fish manure from aquaculture cages, using the above-mentioned fish manure collection device, comprising the following steps:

[0015] S1. Device Installation:

[0016] S11. Pre-installation preparation: Connect the first end of all the mooring cables to the collection net, install the center counterweight and edge counterweight on the mooring cables, and fold or gather the collection net.

[0017] S12. Deployment: Fold the collection net and move the entire fish excrement collection device into the aquaculture cage, placing it inside the net and near the edge. Secure the second end of one of the mooring cables to the first mooring point on the floating frame. Then, hand the second end of each of the remaining mooring cables to a worker. The worker arranges the mooring cables on the floating frame and on both sides of the first mooring point according to their position on the edge of the collection net.

[0018] S13. Unfolding and Covering: Workers on both sides move away from the first mooring point along the perimeter of the net cage, pull the collection net outwards, and allow the collection net to slowly sink into the water under the action of gravity, so that the collection net is spread out near the bottom inside the net cage, and the collection net stably covers the target collection position; then the second ends of the mooring cables are connected to the floating frame, and the fish feces collection device is installed.

[0019] S2. Fish feces collection: After the fish feces collection device is installed and the collection time is set, the fish excrement will naturally settle and accumulate on the collection net.

[0020] S3. Recovery: After the collection time is over, the operators untie the mooring cable from the floating frame, then move towards a point with the mooring cable to gradually gather the collection net; together with the operators, pull up the mooring cable to lift the collection net from the net cage to above the water surface.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes: S4, Sample Processing: S41, Preliminary Processing: The fish feces collection device is transferred to the workboat, and the operators remove non-feces particles, including fish bones and large debris, remaining on the collection net; S42, Sample Washing and Filtration: The collection net is placed in a container, and clean seawater or fresh water is added to wash away fish feces and fine particulate matter from the mesh, suspending them in the water; S43, Concentration and Preservation: The suspension containing fish feces is filtered multiple times or allowed to settle, and concentrated to obtain the fish feces sample.

[0022] As described above, the fish waste collection device and method of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1. The structure is simple and the operation is convenient. The entire installation, collection and recycling process can be completed by ordinary aquaculture workers on the water. The operation is simple and easy to learn, and no special training or equipment is required. The entire operation process does not require the participation of professional divers, which improves the efficiency of operation, reduces labor costs, and lowers manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0024] 2. Safe and reliable, avoiding the risks of underwater operations for divers, less affected by sea conditions, ensuring the safety of operators, and the design of the mooring cable makes the collection net stable and fixed, reducing accidental fall.

[0025] 3. It can efficiently collect fish feces. The collection net uses a fine net of about 500 mesh, which can effectively trap fish feces particles while allowing water to flow through, reducing resistance and ensuring the representativeness and integrity of the fish feces sample. Through the synergistic effect of the central and edge counterweights, the net forms a concave shape, optimizing the collection effect.

[0026] 4. The counterweight system, consisting of a central counterweight and an edge counterweight, uses small lead blocks that can be placed close to the netting of the cage, preventing the collection netting from becoming entangled or damaged, thus reducing interference with the aquaculture environment. The collection netting is made of corrosion-resistant and reusable material, meeting the requirements of sustainable development.

[0027] 5. High flexibility and high sample quality: The collection time can be flexibly adjusted according to the needs of aquaculture, adapting to different stocking densities and environmental conditions, facilitating long-term monitoring and sample analysis; after collection, pure fish feces samples can be obtained through washing, filtration and concentration, which is beneficial for subsequent laboratory analysis and provides accurate data support for aquaculture management. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the fish excrement collection device of the present invention installed in a net cage.

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view.

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Side view.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fish manure collection device of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fish excrement collection device of the present invention when the floating frame is pulled and deployed.

[0033] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0034] 1-Net cage, 11-Floating frame, 12-Net cage netting, 2-Collection netting, 3-Mooring cable, 4-Center counterweight, 5-Edge counterweight. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0036] It should be understood that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., depicted in the accompanying drawings of this specification are merely for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed herein, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which the invention can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives achieved by the invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed herein. Furthermore, the terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and "middle" used in this specification are merely for clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the invention's implementation.

[0037] See Figures 1 to 5This invention provides a fish manure collection device for aquaculture cage 1, which is used to collect fish manure in the cage 1. The cage 1 includes a floating frame 11 and a cage net 12 connected to the floating frame 11. The floating frame 11 is ring-shaped, specifically a circular ring, an elliptical ring, or other ring shapes. The floating frame 11 floats on the sea surface. The user maintains the shape of the cage net 12, which is located in the water. The interior of the cage net 12 is the aquaculture area. The cage 1 is an existing structure, and its details will not be described further. The fish excrement collection device of the present invention includes a collection net 2, a mooring cable 3, a central counterweight 4, and an edge counterweight 5. The collection net 2 is unfolded and placed inside the net cage 12. The first end of the mooring cable 3 is connected to the floating frame 11, and the second end is connected to the edge of the collection net 2. Multiple mooring cables 3 are provided, and the second ends of each mooring cable 3 are spaced apart along the edge of the collection net 2. Multiple edge counterweights 5 are provided and are spaced apart on the edge of the mooring cable 3. The central counterweight 4 is connected to the middle position of the collection net 2, so that a concave collection area is formed in the middle of the collection net 2.

[0038] The fish excrement collection device of the present invention is easy to deploy for fish excrement collection, and can be deployed and retracted on the water. When the fish excrement collection device is in operation in the net cage 1, see [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The collection net 2 is placed inside and close to the net cage 12, covering the target collection location (preferably at the bottom center of the net cage 12). The unfolded shape and installation stability of the collection net 2 are maintained by multiple tethering cables 3, a central counterweight 4, and edge counterweights 5. The counterweight system consisting of the edge counterweights 5 and the central counterweight 4 ensures that the collection net 2 sinks stably in the water and stays close to the net cage 12, preventing entanglement or damage and minimizing disturbance to the aquaculture environment. Furthermore, the central counterweight 4 causes the collection net 2 to droop downwards in the middle, aiding in its unfolding and creating a concave collection area. This ensures that fish waste falling into the collection net 2 is contained within the collection area and is less likely to be dispersed by water currents. After collection, the collection net 2 can be easily pulled up and lifted to the surface using the tethering cables 3.

[0039] See Figures 1 to 5 The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments:

[0040] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4As a preferred design, the collecting net 2 is circular when fully unfolded, with the central counterweight 4 located at the geometric center of the collecting net 2, i.e., at the center of the circle. This makes the collecting net 2 conical in its working state, facilitating better collection of fish waste. The central counterweight 4 can also be placed at other appropriate locations in the middle of the collecting net 2, close to the geometric center. Since the floating frame 11 and the net 12 of the net cage 1 are circular on the horizontal plane, the circular collecting net 2 can be better installed in the net cage 1 for fish waste collection. Preferably, the diameter of the collecting net 2 when unfolded is 6m.

[0041] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As a preferred design, the mesh size of the collection net is 450-550 mesh, with 500 mesh being ideal. This mesh size effectively traps fish waste particles while allowing water to flow smoothly and reducing water resistance. The collection net is preferably made of corrosion-resistant, high-strength polyethylene or nylon, is reusable, and meets sustainable development requirements.

[0042] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As a preferred design, the central counterweight 4 is a lead block, or it can be other high-density corrosion-resistant heavy objects with a mass of about 2.5 kg. The central counterweight 4 is tied to the geometric center of the collecting net 2, so that the center of the collecting net 2 hangs down, thereby helping the collecting net 2 to unfold better at the bottom of the net box 12.

[0043] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As a preferred design, the edge counterweights 5 are also lead blocks, specifically small lead sinkers. The number of sinkers can be determined according to actual needs. They are installed on the edge of the collecting net 2 by a binding method for easy installation and removal. All edge counterweights 5 are evenly distributed at equal intervals on the edge of the collecting net 2. The function of the edge counterweights 5 is to allow the edge of the collecting net 2 to sink quickly and fit tightly against the bottom of the net cage 12, while avoiding damage or entanglement with the net cage 12, thus ensuring the stability of the collecting net 2 at the bottom.

[0044] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4As a preferred design, the number of mooring cables 3 is preferably 8, and their length is determined according to the required sinking depth of the collection net 2. All connection points of the mooring cables 3 to the collection net 2 are evenly spaced along the edge of the collection net 2, and all connection points of the mooring cables 3 to the floating frame 11 are also evenly spaced along the circumference of the floating frame 11, thereby better stabilizing the shape of the collection net 2. The upper end (first end) of the mooring cable 3 is secured to the handrail or other sturdy structure of the floating frame 11 above the waterline. The mooring cables 3 are preferably made of wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant ropes. In other embodiments, the mooring cables 3 can also be made of corrosion-resistant wire ropes, small chains, etc.

[0045] The present invention also provides a method for collecting fish excrement in aquaculture cage 1, using the above-mentioned fish excrement collection device, comprising the following steps:

[0046] S1. Device Installation:

[0047] S11. Pre-installation preparation: Connect the first end of all mooring cables 3 to the collection net 2, and install the center counterweight 4 and edge counterweight 5 on the mooring cables 3; fold or gather the collection net 2 to reduce its volume for easy handling and movement. This step can be completed on the workboat.

[0048] S12, Deployment: Move the entire fish feces collection device to the net cage 1; fix the second end of one of the mooring cables 3 to the first mooring point on the floating frame 11, and then hand over the second end of each of the remaining mooring cables 3 to an operator. The operator arranges the mooring cables 3 on the floating frame 11 and on the left and right sides of the first mooring point according to the position relationship of the mooring cables 3 on the edge of the collection net 2.

[0049] Specifically, in this embodiment, the fish waste collection device can be moved from the workboat to the net cage 1 by manual handling or hoisting, and placed at the edge of the handrail of the floating frame 11 of the net cage 1. Workers can stand on the floating frame 11 to perform their work. (See attached image.) Figure 4As shown, there are 8 mooring cables 3. The second end of one of the mooring cables 3 is first fixedly connected to the first mooring point on the floating frame 11. For ease of explanation, the first mooring point is referred to as mooring point 1#, and the corresponding mooring cable 3 is referred to as mooring cable 1#. According to the position of the mooring cable 3 on the edge of the collection net 2, the operators number the remaining 7 mooring cables 3 according to their positions to the left and right of mooring cable 1#. The ones on the left are numbered L2#~L5# in the direction away from 1#, and the ones on the right are numbered R2#~R5# in the direction away from 1#. L5# and R5# coincide. Seven workers, each holding the second end of one of the seven mooring cables 3, are positioned on the floating frame 11 near mooring point 1. Workers holding mooring cables L2# to L4# are positioned sequentially to the left of mooring point 1, while workers holding mooring cables R2# to R4# are positioned sequentially to the right of mooring point 1. Workers holding mooring cables L5# and R5# can be positioned on either the left or right side.

[0050] S13. Unfolding and Laying: Workers on both sides move along the perimeter of the cage 1 away from the first anchoring point, pulling the collection netting 2 outwards. (See below) Figure 4 That is, move slowly along direction A in the figure, and let the collection net 2 slowly sink into the water under the action of gravity, so that the collection net 2 is spread out near the bottom of the net cage 12, and the collection net 2 stably covers the target collection position; after the operator reaches the corresponding position, stop, and then tie the second end of the fixing cable 3 to the floating frame 11, so that all the connection points of the fixing cable 3 and the floating frame 11 are also set at equal intervals along the circumference of the collection floating frame 11, and the fish feces collection device is installed.

[0051] S2, Fish waste collection:

[0052] Once the fish waste collection device is installed and the collection time is set, the fish excrement will naturally settle and accumulate on the collection net 2. The collection time can be set according to the aquaculture needs, usually from 3 to 7 days. Because the mesh of the collection net 2 is extremely fine, fish waste particles can be effectively trapped, while water flow can pass through, without affecting normal aquaculture.

[0053] S3, Recycling:

[0054] After the collection time is over, the workers untie the mooring cable 3 from the floating frame 11, and then move towards a point with the mooring cable 3 to gradually gather the collection net 2; together they pull up the mooring cable 3 to lift the collection net 2 from the net cage 12 to above the water surface.

[0055] Specifically, in this embodiment, see Figure 4First, the seven mooring cables 3, excluding the #1 mooring cable 3, can be untied from the mooring points of the floating frame 11 in sequence. Seven workers, each holding one of these seven mooring cables 3, then move towards the #1 mooring point. This process is the reverse of the unfolding and covering process during device installation. During this approach, the collection net 2, under the action of the central counterweight 4, sags in the middle while its edges close, gradually forming a net bag structure to collect the excrement and prevent it from detaching during the subsequent haul-up process. Then, the collection net 2 is lifted from the net cage 12 above the water surface.

[0056] S4. Sample processing:

[0057] S41. Preliminary treatment: Transfer the fish feces collection device to the work boat, and the operators remove non-feces particles, including fish bones and large debris, remaining on the collection net 2.

[0058] S42. Sample washing and filtration: Place the collection net 2 into a large container, add clean seawater or fresh water, and gently shake or rinse to wash away fish feces and fine particles from the mesh and suspend them in the water. Larger particles remain in the collection net 2 and are removed together with the collection net 2.

[0059] S43. Concentration and Preservation: The suspension containing fish feces is filtered multiple times or allowed to settle to concentrate the fish feces sample. The concentrated sample can then be properly preserved and sent to the laboratory for subsequent analysis.

[0060] The fish feces collection device and method of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0061] 1. The structure is simple and the operation is convenient. The entire installation, collection and recycling process can be completed by ordinary aquaculture workers on the water. The operation is simple and easy to learn, and no special training or equipment is required. The entire operation process does not require the participation of professional divers, which improves the efficiency of operation, reduces labor costs, and lowers manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0062] 2. Safe and reliable, avoiding the risks of underwater operations for divers, less affected by sea conditions, ensuring the safety of operators, and the design of the mooring cable 3 makes the collection net 2 stable and fixed, reducing accidental fall.

[0063] 3. It can efficiently collect fish feces. The collection net 2 uses a fine net of about 500 mesh, which can effectively trap fish feces particles while allowing water to pass through, reducing resistance and ensuring the representativeness and integrity of the fish feces sample. Through the synergistic effect of the central counterweight 4 and the edge counterweight 5, the net forms a concave shape, optimizing the collection effect.

[0064] 4. The counterweight system consisting of the central counterweight 4 and the edge counterweight 5 uses small lead blocks, which can be close to the netting 12 of the cage and avoid entanglement or damage between the collection netting 2 and the netting 12 of the cage, thus reducing the interference with the aquaculture environment; the collection netting 2 is made of corrosion-resistant material, can be reused, and meets the requirements of sustainable development.

[0065] 5. High flexibility and high sample quality: The collection time can be flexibly adjusted according to the needs of aquaculture, adapting to different stocking densities and environmental conditions, facilitating long-term monitoring and sample analysis; after collection, pure fish feces samples can be obtained through washing, filtration and concentration, which is beneficial for subsequent laboratory analysis and provides accurate data support for aquaculture management.

[0066] In summary, this invention effectively overcomes the various shortcomings of the prior art and has high industrial application value.

[0067] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fish manure collection device for aquaculture cages, used for collecting fish manure in a cage (1), the cage (1) comprising a floating frame (11) and a cage net (12) suspended from the floating frame (11), characterized in that: The fish excrement collection device includes a collection net (2), a mooring cable (3), a central counterweight (4), and an edge counterweight (5). The collection net (2) is unfolded and placed inside the net cage (12). The first end of the mooring cable (3) is connected to the floating frame (11), and the second end is connected to the edge of the collection net (2). There are multiple mooring cables (3), and the second end of each mooring cable (3) is spaced along the edge of the collection net (2). There are multiple edge counterweights (5), which are spaced along the edge of the mooring cables (3). The central counterweight (4) is connected to the middle position of the collection net (2), so that the collection net (2) forms a recessed collection area.

2. The fish excrement collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collecting net (2) is circular when fully unfolded.

3. The fish excrement collection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The central counterweight (4) is located at the geometric center of the collecting net (2).

4. The fish excrement collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mesh size of the collection net is 450-550 mesh.

5. The fish excrement collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the collection net (2) is polyethylene or nylon.

6. The fish excrement collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the central counterweight (4) and the edge counterweight (5) are lead blocks.

7. The fish excrement collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: All edge weights (5) are evenly distributed on the edge of the collecting net (2).

8. The fish excrement collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: All connection points of the mooring cables (3) and the collecting net (2) are set at equal intervals along the edge of the collecting net (2).

9. A method for collecting fish excrement from aquaculture cages, characterized in that: The fish feces collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is used, comprising the following steps: S1. Device Installation: S11, Pre-installation preparation: Connect the first end of all the mooring cables (3) to the collection net (2), install the center counterweight (4) and the edge counterweight (5) on the mooring cables (3), and fold or gather the collection net (2). S12, Deployment: Fold the collection net (2), and then move the entire fish manure collection device to the aquaculture net cage (1), located inside the net cage (12) and close to the edge; fix the second end of one of the mooring cables (3) to the first mooring point on the floating frame (11), and then hand the second end of each of the remaining mooring cables (3) to an operator. The operator arranges the mooring cables (3) on the floating frame (11) and on the left and right sides of the first mooring point according to the position relationship of the mooring cables (3) on the edge of the collection net (2); S13, Unfolding and Covering: The workers on both sides move away from the first mooring point along the perimeter of the net cage (1), pull the collection net (2) outwards, and let the collection net (2) slowly sink into the water under the action of gravity, so that the collection net (2) is spread out near the bottom inside the net cage (12), and the collection net (2) stably covers the target collection position; then the second ends of the mooring cables (3) are all connected to the floating frame (11), and the fish feces collection device is installed; S2, Fish feces collection: After the fish feces collection device is installed and the collection time is set, the fish excrement will naturally settle and accumulate on the collection net (2); S3. Recovery: After the collection time is over, the operator unties the mooring cable (3) from the floating frame (11), and then moves the mooring cable (3) toward a point to gradually gather the collection net (2); together with the mooring cable (3), the operator pulls the mooring cable (3) up to lift the collection net (2) from the net cage (12) to above the water surface.

10. The fish feces collection method according to claim 9, characterized in that it further includes: S4. Sample processing: S41. Preliminary treatment: Transfer the fish feces collection device to the work boat and the operators remove non-feces particles, including fish bones and large debris, from the collection net (2). S42, Sample washing and filtration: Place the collected netting (2) into a container, add clean seawater or fresh water, and wash away fish feces and fine particulate matter from the mesh, suspending them in the water; S43. Concentration and Preservation: The suspension containing fish feces is filtered multiple times or allowed to settle to concentrate the fish feces sample.

Images