Breeding box cage

Abstract

The invention provides a breeding box cage. An opening part of an existing breeding box cage is positioned on the upper surface or the side surface of the box cage, so that the following problems exist: oysters are difficult to take out from the breeding box cage, and the oysters in the box cage are difficult to take out if the breeding box cage is not detached from a breeding cable. A breeding cage disposed in water and connected to a breeding cable according to the present invention has a front surface, a back surface, an upper surface, and a lower surface, the front surface and the back surface being substantially parallel to a surface perpendicular to the direction in which the breeding cable extends, the lower surface being shaped as a curve that protrudes downward when viewed from the front surface side, the lower surface is provided with an opening part used for taking and placing breeding objects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a breeding cage. Background Technology

[0002] Oysters, abalone, crabs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, seaweed, and other seafood are actively cultured in oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds, and tanks. This document explains the use of cage culture for various seafood products.

[0003] Oyster farming has long been a widespread aquaculture industry in Japan. In recent years, advancements in oyster farming technology have led to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly farming methods. One such method is "oyster farming using cages."

[0004] Oyster farming in cages allows the oysters to move within the cages, thus preventing the adhesion of organisms and ocean pollution, unlike existing methods. Moving the cages causes the oysters to roll, resulting in more aesthetically pleasing and uniform shell shapes. Furthermore, exposing the oysters to air for drying promotes shell opening and closing, leading to more resilient oysters. This enhanced vigor allows for long-term preservation, enabling the production of oysters suitable for export.

[0005] In traditional aquaculture, oysters are more susceptible to damage from predators such as fish, shellfish, or flatworms, and prevention and control are time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, the cage-raising method can protect oysters from predation by these predators.

[0006] The abalone farming method using cages involves securing juvenile abalone in specially designed cages or nets and submerging them in the sea. Within the cages, the abalone are protected from predators and grow by absorbing nutrients from the natural seawater. Using cages facilitates abalone management and harvesting, and reduces susceptibility to changes in the seabed environment or predators. The cage farming method is widely adopted by abalone farmers as a technique for achieving uniform quality or large-scale production.

[0007] Crab farming using cages involves placing crabs in cages or nets and setting them in the sea. This method protects the crabs from predators and external dangers. Furthermore, the cage environment reduces the risk of fighting or injury among the crabs. Using cages allows for efficient crab management and harvesting, and is less affected by environmental changes. Therefore, crab farming using cages aims to achieve stable production and maintain quality.

[0008] The use of culture cages in sea cucumber farming is a technique that involves housing juvenile sea cucumbers in cages or nets and immersing them in the sea for cultivation. Cage culture not only protects sea cucumbers from predators and diseases but also offers the advantage of easily maintaining constant environmental conditions. Furthermore, the use of cages improves the management of the farming environment and increases harvesting efficiency. Since sea cucumbers are benthic animals, the life within the culture cages closely resembles their natural environment, allowing for the expectation of healthy growth. This method is an important approach for the efficient cultivation of high-quality sea cucumbers.

[0009] The use of culture cages in sea urchin farming is a technique that involves containing sea urchin larvae or juveniles in cages or nets and placing them in the sea. Cultivation within these cages protects the sea urchins from predators and diseases, and helps stabilize environmental conditions. Using culture cages allows for efficient management and harvesting of sea urchins. Furthermore, the cages reduce competition among sea urchins, thus minimizing injury or loss. This method is beneficial for aquaculture farmers aiming to maintain consistent sea urchin quality and achieve high-volume production.

[0010] The use of cultivation cages in seaweed farming is a technique that involves securing seaweed seedlings in cages or nets and allowing them to float in the sea for cultivation. By using cages, seaweed can grow stably at a certain depth, less susceptible to strong currents or inclement weather. Furthermore, cultivation cages allow for efficient harvesting and management. This method is particularly suitable for cultivating deep-sea seaweed or seaweed that requires specific light or water depth. This method is used to achieve uniform or stable production quality.

[0011] Patent Document 1 is an example of an oyster farming cage. The farming cage is connected to a cable. In addition, by making the shape of the farming cage longer laterally than the cable, it is easy to flip the cage over (Patent Document 1).

[0012] Existing technical documents

[0013] Patent documents

[0014] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. WO2019 / 151879 (Marlborough Oyster Limited) Summary of the Invention

[0015] The following problems exist: because the opening of the existing culture cages is located on the top surface or side of the cage, it is difficult to remove the oysters from the culture cages, and it is also difficult to remove the oysters from the cages without removing them from the culture cables.

[0016] The aquaculture cage of the present invention, which is disposed in water and connected to an aquaculture cable, has a front surface, a back surface, an upper surface and a lower surface. The front surface and the back surface are arranged in the extension direction of the aquaculture cable. The shape of the lower surface is a downward convex curve when viewed from the front surface side. The lower surface has an opening for taking in and putting in aquaculture objects.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] The aquaculture cage of the present invention has an opening on its lower surface, making it easy to place and retrieve the aquatic organisms. By rotating the cage around a pivot axis while retrieving the aquatic organisms, they can be removed from an easily operable height in a manner that avoids impacting the organisms. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1a This is an embodiment of the breeding cage of the present invention (top view).

[0020] Figure 1b This is an embodiment of the breeding cage of the present invention (top view).

[0021] Figure 1c This is an embodiment (front surface) of the breeding cage of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 1d This is an embodiment (front surface) of the breeding cage of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1e This is an embodiment of the breeding cage of the present invention (lower surface).

[0024] Figure 1f This is an embodiment of the breeding cage of the present invention (lower surface).

[0025] Figure 1g This is an embodiment of the breeding cage of the present invention (lower surface).

[0026] Figure 2a This is a photograph of an embodiment of the breeding cage of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2b This is a photograph of an embodiment of the breeding cage of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3a This is a comparison between the breeding cage of the present invention and a comparative example.

[0029] Figure 3b This is a comparison between the breeding cage of the present invention and a comparative example.

[0030] Figure 4a This is an example of the connection of the breeding cage of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4b This is an example of the connection of the breeding cage of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5a This is an embodiment of the aquaculture cage of the present invention (seaweed).

[0033] Figure 5b This is an embodiment of the aquaculture cage of the present invention (sea urchin aquaculture).

[0034] Figure 5c This is an embodiment of the aquaculture cage of the present invention (abalone farming).

[0035] Figure 5d This is an embodiment of the aquaculture cage of the present invention (sea cucumber aquaculture).

[0036] Figure 5e This is an embodiment of the aquaculture cage of the present invention (crab farming).

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 100 breeding cages

[0039] 110 Front surface of breeding cage

[0040] The back of the 120 breeding cage

[0041] 130 The upper surface of the breeding cage

[0042] 140. Lower surface of the breeding cage

[0043] 150 Side view of the breeding cage

[0044] 160 Joint (Front Surface Side)

[0045] 161 Joint (back side)

[0046] 200 Peripheral components (aquaculture cables, floats, containers, etc.)

[0047] 300 Auxiliary Section (Auxiliary Components)

[0048] 310 The convex part of the auxiliary part

[0049] 400 breeding cage opening

[0050] 410 Cover of the opening of the breeding cage Detailed Implementation

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings.

[0052] To prevent the cultured organisms from falling out and to ensure proper circulation of seawater inside and outside the cage, the culture cage of the present invention has a mesh-like structure on its surfaces (upper surface, lower surface, front surface, back surface, and sides), but it may not be a mesh structure. The surface structure is not specifically shown in the schematic diagram illustrating the embodiments. Known constructions can be used. Figure 2a A photograph showing an example of an embodiment of a breeding cage. Figure 2a The surface of the breeding cages is made of mesh.

[0053] When aquaculture cages are placed in the ocean, the side facing the sun is called the upper surface, and the side facing the seabed is called the lower surface. In this invention, examples of peripheral components 200 include aquaculture cables, floats, or containers. The following explanation focuses on a schematic diagram of an aquaculture cable as a peripheral component. Since the basic concept remains unchanged when using floats or containers, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0054] In practical oyster farming using culture cages, the culture cable is set on the sea surface or a boat, and the culture cage is connected to the culture cable. Alternatively, the culture cable can be connected to the culture cage on land and then moved to the sea. When used in the sea or near the seabed, the culture cable and culture cage are lowered from the sea surface downwards. Furthermore, the oyster culture cages of the present invention can also be used in freshwater, freshwater lakes, brackish water, brackish water lakes, estuaries, saltwater environments, and tanks. By setting floats on the culture cable or culture cage and adjusting the buoyancy, the culture cages can be set on the water surface, in the water, or on the seabed. The following description mainly shows examples of setting up culture cages near the sea surface, but the culture cages can also be set up in places other than the sea surface.

[0055] The aquaculture cage of the present invention can swing about the aquaculture cable as a rotation axis with the waves or surges. Therefore, the auxiliary components and the aquaculture cable are not fixed, and the auxiliary components can rotate around the aquaculture cable.

[0056] (Example 1)

[0057] Figures 1a to 1c A schematic diagram showing an example of the oyster farming cage 100 of the present invention is provided.

[0058] ( Figure 1a )

[0059] Figure 1a This is an overhead view of the breeding cage 100. The breeding cage 100 has a front surface 110, a back surface 120, an upper surface 130, and a lower surface 140. The front and back surfaces are generally parallel to a surface perpendicular to the direction of extension of the breeding cable, but may not be generally parallel to that surface.

[0060] The auxiliary part 300 is an auxiliary component used to connect the aquaculture cable 200 to the aquaculture cage 100. The aquaculture cage 100 is connected to the aquaculture cable 200 by means of the auxiliary part 300.

[0061] The auxiliary part 300 can be freely attached and detached from the breeding cage. A connecting part 160 and a connecting part 161 are disposed on the upper surface of the breeding cage. The connecting part 160 is disposed on the front surface 110 side of the breeding cage. The connecting part 161 is disposed on the back surface 120 side of the breeding cage. The connecting parts 160 and 161 are respectively disposed in the same plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the breeding cable. The connecting parts 160 and 161 form a pair, connecting the auxiliary part 300 to the breeding cage 100 through a pair of connecting parts 160 and 161. There are two or more sets of this pair of connecting parts.

[0062] By installing the aquaculture cable 200 at two or more joints, the aquaculture cage 200 of the present invention can be deliberately and easily changed in the orientation of the cage.

[0063] The lower surface 140 of the breeding cage has a downward convex curve when viewed from the front surface side (and the back side). Specifically, it is part of an arc. Additionally, the upper surface of the breeding cage has an upward convex curve when viewed from the front surface side (and the back side).

[0064] In order to engage with the convex member (310) provided in the auxiliary part 300, the joints 160 and 161 are designed to be concave. Figure 1a The connecting parts 160 and 161 shown are constructed with holes. Alternatively, the connecting parts 160 and 161 can be designed as convex to engage with a concave component disposed on the auxiliary part 300. Considering that it may not be stable enough to stand at sea, affecting operability, the auxiliary part 300 and the connecting parts 160 and 161 preferably use a one-touch engagement method such as a buckle. Alternatively, a pin or the like that that can be fixed with a single touch can also be used for engagement. Figure 1a The middle hole is horizontally longer, but there are no particular restrictions on the shape of the hole.

[0065] Figure 1a The joints 160 and 161 shown protrude from the upper surface of the cage, but they can also be arranged in a recessed form on the upper surface. Alternatively, the joints 160 and 161 can also be provided on the lower surface of the cage.

[0066] The joints 160 and 161 are integrally formed with the side of the cage, but can also be detachable structures.

[0067] The invention is characterized in that an opening 400 for handling the cultured organisms is provided on the lower surface 140 of the cage. A cover 410 for closing the opening 400 is provided thereon. Figure 1a In the middle, the opening 400 is closed by the cover 410. Therefore, the opening 400 is not visible. Figure 1a It has two openings 400 (cover 410), but it may also have only one of the openings.

[0068] The oyster farming cage of the present invention has an opening on its lower surface, making it easier to retrieve and place oysters. The oysters can be easily removed from the cage without having to detach it from the farming cable.

[0069] ( Figure 1b )

[0070] Figure 1b yes Figure 1a The illustration shows the breeding cage 100 as seen from the front surface 110 side and the lower surface 140 side.

[0071] ( Figure 1c )

[0072] Figure 1c yes Figure 1a The illustration shows the breeding cage 100 as viewed from the front surface 110 side, with the cover 410 closing the opening 400.

[0073] ( Figure 1d )

[0074] Figure 1d yes Figure 1a The illustration shows the breeding cage 100 as viewed from the front surface 110 side. The cover 410 is open, revealing the opening 400.

[0075] ( Figures 1e to 1g )

[0076] Figure 1e yes Figure 1a This is an illustration of the breeding cage 100 as seen from the lower surface 140 side. In this figure, the opening 400 is closed by a cover 410. The shape of the opening is preferably approximately rectangular. When the extension direction of the breeding cable is set as the first direction, the length of the opening 400 in the first direction is preferably more than 70% and less than 100% of the length of the breeding cage 100 in the first direction. If the length of the opening 400 in the first direction is too short, it will be difficult to remove the cultured animals from the cage.

[0077] When the direction perpendicular to the first direction and along the arc of the lower surface 140 of the breeding cage is designated as the second direction, the length of the second direction of the opening 400 is preferably more than 15% and less than 35% of the length of the second direction of the lower surface 140 of the breeding cage.

[0078] Opening 140 (cap 141) can be as Figure 1e Set two as shown, or as... Figure 1f , Figure 1g Only one is set as shown. Figure 1f In the middle, remove Figure 1e One of the two openings 400. Figure 1g In the middle, the opening 140 (cover 141) is provided in the center of the lower surface 140.

[0079] For example, the length of the opening 400 in the first direction is 90% of the length of the breeding cage 100 in the first direction, and the length of the opening 400 in the second direction is 25% of the length of the lower surface 140 of the breeding cage in the second direction. Therefore, the opening 400 accounts for 22.5% (25% × 0.9) of the area of ​​the lower surface 140. When two such openings are provided, the opening 400 accounts for 45% (22.5% × 2) of the area of ​​the lower surface 140.

[0080] Therefore, the area of ​​the opening 400 of the present invention is preferably 10% or more and 35% or less of the total area of ​​the lower surface 140. When two openings 400 are provided, the area of ​​the opening 400 of the present invention is preferably 20% or more and 70% or less of the total area of ​​the lower surface 140.

[0081] ( Figure 2a )

[0082] Figure 2a This is a photograph of an actual breeding cage 100. The breeding cage 100 is suspended from a pole modeled after the breeding cable 200. The cover 410 of the opening is open, revealing the opening 400.

[0083] ( Figure 2b )

[0084] Figure 2b It is to make one in Figure 2a A photo of a slightly tilted breeding cage (size 100).

[0085] (Figure 2c)

[0086] Figure 2c shows how to make the position... Figure 2aThis is a schematic diagram showing the oyster cage 100 in a slightly tilted position. Because the lower surface of the cage is roughly arc-shaped, the slope of the surface where the oysters 10 are placed does not change much even when the cage is tilted. Therefore, the risk of the oysters 10 falling out of the opening can be suppressed.

[0087] ( Figure 3a )

[0088] The effects of the present invention will be explained in comparison with the prior art.

[0089] In this invention, harvesting can be carried out at a minimum height (to the base of the legs) simply by opening the cage lid and rotating it, thus allowing the crates to be positioned within easy reach of the operator. Therefore, the operator can easily move heavier crates.

[0090] The culture cage 100 of the present invention has an opening for oysters on the rearing surface near the culture cable, centered on the culture cable. However, in oyster farming, when harvesting oysters or placing oysters into the cage, in order to improve efficiency, it is necessary to transfer the oysters from the cage to a cargo box or conveyor belt without removing the cage from the culture cable. Comparative Examples A and B have openings at the end (short side) of the cylindrical cage rather than on the lower surface, so it is necessary to raise the center of the cage to remove the oysters. However, since the present invention has an opening on the lower surface of the cage, the oysters can be removed without tilting the cage significantly, and the oysters can be transferred without putting pressure (impact) on them.

[0091] In Comparative Example A, when the oysters were removed from the cage and placed into the cargo box, the oysters fell a maximum of approximately 77 cm. In Comparative Example B, the oysters fell a maximum of 94 cm. On the other hand, in this invention, the lower surface of the cage is arc-shaped and the opening is located on the lower surface, allowing the oysters to be slowly removed while rotating the cage. Because the lower surface is approximately arc-shaped, the angle of the portion containing the oysters does not change significantly even when the cage is rotated. As a result, it is possible to prevent the oysters from falling rapidly from the opening.

[0092] ( Figure 3b )

[0093] A is a photograph of an actual embodiment of the present invention. B is an experiment using a comparative example. Using the cage of the present invention, oysters can be retrieved efficiently without causing them to fall from a height as shown in Comparative Example B.

[0094] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without changing the spirit of the invention.

[0095] ( Figure 4a , Figure 4b )

[0096] Figure 4a , Figure 4b An example of the connection of the breeding cage of the present invention is shown.

[0097] exist Figure 4a In the middle, the breeding cage 100 is connected in series with a breeding cable 200, but it can also be like... Figure 4b The breeding cage 100 is connected to the breeding cable 200, which connects two parallel breeding cables, as shown.

[0098] (Aquaculture methods)

[0099] Using the aquaculture cages of the present invention described above, in addition to oysters, abalone, crabs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, or seaweed can be cultured in freshwater, freshwater lakes, brackish water, brackish water lakes, estuaries, saltwater environments, and tanks. The connection points of external components such as aquaculture cables or floats can be easily changed. When exposing the cage to dry, floats are installed on the upper part of the cage to allow it to dry in the air. Furthermore, it can also be used for terrestrial aquaculture.

[0100] ( Figure 5a )

[0101] Figure 5a This is an example of a method for cultivating seaweed using the cultivation cage of the present invention. Because the lower surface of the cage is arc-shaped, it facilitates the rotation of the seaweed. After the seaweed rises to the surface due to water flow or air, it easily returns to the center while rotating at the bottom of the cage, thereby improving the efficiency of photosynthesis and promoting growth.

[0102] ( Figure 5b )

[0103] Figure 5b This is one example of a method for culturing sea urchins using the culture cages of the present invention. Water or air is periodically sprayed from the bottom of the cage, causing the seaweed used as feed to rotate within the cage, achieving uniform feeding without moving the sea urchins. Furthermore, since leftover feed accumulates at the bottom, retrieval is easy, and the status of remaining feed is readily apparent, making it easy to determine when to clean and refeed.

[0104] ( Figure 5c )

[0105] Figure 5c This is an example of a method for abalone farming using the culture cages of the present invention. Water or air is periodically sprayed from the bottom of the cage, causing the seaweed used as feed to rotate within the cage, achieving uniform feeding without moving the abalone. Furthermore, since leftover feed accumulates at the bottom, retrieval is easy, and the status of remaining feed is readily apparent, making it easy to determine when to clean and refeed.

[0106] ( Figure 5d )

[0107] Figure 5d This is an example of a method for culturing sea cucumbers using the culture cages of the present invention. By spraying air or water from the culture cable to the seabed, the arc-shaped bottom easily sinks into the seabed, thereby efficiently providing mud as feed for the sea cucumbers. Cages with flat bottoms are neither easy to sink to the bottom in a flat state nor easy to sink into the mud.

[0108] ( Figure 5e )

[0109] Figure 5e This is an example of a method for raising crabs and shrimp using the aquaculture cages of the present invention. By spraying air or water from the aquaculture cable to the seabed, the arc-shaped bottom can be buried in the seabed, thereby providing a habitat for the crabs.

[0110] In this invention, the surface of the aquaculture cage is required to prevent oysters and other cultured organisms from falling out and to allow seawater to circulate inside and outside the cage; therefore, it is mesh-like. However, there are no restrictions on the specific shape or material of any component that fulfills this function. The shape and size of the holes can be selected according to the purpose of aquaculture.

[0111] The material for the aquaculture cages can be synthetic resins such as plastics, but other materials can also be used. The thickness of the inner and outer surfaces of the cage is approximately 1.5mm to 3mm, but can be appropriately selected according to the size and purpose of the cage. It can be approximately 1.5mm or more and 10mm or less. More preferably, it is 1.5mm or more and 6mm or less. Even more preferably, it is 1.5mm or more and 4mm or less.

[0112] The aquaculture cable of this invention is used to connect aquaculture cages in water, therefore its specific shape and material are not limited. It can be appropriately selected considering the size and weight of the aquaculture cages and the number of cages being connected. The aquaculture cable can be made of natural or synthetic materials.

[0113] The aquaculture cages of the present invention can be used in a variety of aquatic environments, such as freshwater, brackish water, estuary water, and saltwater.

[0114] The length of the aquaculture cable is selected based on its intended use. The attached diagram shows it to be short, but it is actually over 50cm, and can even reach 300m depending on the situation. Its diameter is approximately 1cm to 20cm, but other sizes can also be considered. The cross-sectional shape does not necessarily have to be circular.

[0115] There are no specific restrictions on the size of aquaculture cages. When farming oysters, the width and height of the front surface are typically between 30cm and 80cm, but other sizes can also be used. When farming abalone, crabs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and seaweed, sizes suitable for their respective characteristics and sizes can be selected. Furthermore, in most cases, the length of the aquaculture cable in the direction of extension is set to less than twice the width of the front surface of the cage, but this is not a limitation; the length can be set arbitrarily depending on the intended use of the aquaculture cage.

Claims

1. A cage configured to be disposed in water and connected to a cultivation line, characterized by: the cage having a front surface, a back surface, an upper surface, and a lower surface, the front surface and the back surface being disposed in an extension direction of the cultivation line, the lower surface having a curved shape that is convex downward when viewed from the front surface side, and the lower surface having an opening portion for taking out and putting in a cultivation object.

2. The cage according to claim 1, characterized by: having an auxiliary portion for connecting an external member to the cage, and having an engaging portion for connecting the auxiliary portion to a surface of the cage.

3. The cage according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by: in a state of being connected to the cultivation line, the cage swings with waves or swells with the cultivation line as a rotation axis. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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