Fish farming installation comprising a central area intended for fish farming, and corresponding fish farming process

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fish farming installation comprising a central space, at least one annular basin (12) provided around said central space, and means for generating a flow of water in said annular basin (12) at a velocity V. The central space of this installation accommodates a central fish farming basin (11), and the installation includes means for generating a flow of water in said central basin (11) at a velocity v lower than said velocity V. Figure for abbreviation: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Fish farming installation comprising a central space intended for fish farming, and corresponding fish farming method Technical field

[0001] The field of the invention is that of off-site fish farming installations. Off-site installations are understood to mean installations built on land and not in a marine, river environment or in lakes or ponds.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a fish farming installation of the type comprising at least one annular basin in which a flow of water circulates intended to accommodate fish so that they can develop there. In addition, the invention also relates to a fish farming method implementing such an installation. Prior art

[0003] Such off-site fish farming installations consist of one or more annular basins in which the water flow is intended to reproduce natural living conditions for the fish. The system may be in a closed circuit or recirculated, and therefore include water treatment. The central space delimited by this or these annular basins is generally used to house technical equipment such as motors or pumps. This space may also be occupied to house water treatment means intended to purify the water used in the annular basins. EP2996465B1 describes such a fish farming installation and its implementation.

[0004] Such a configuration in which the central space is dedicated to water treatment means has the advantage of reducing the size of the installations and minimizing the lengths of pipes connecting the annular basin(s) and such water treatment means.

[0005] A disadvantage of this type of installation is that they can only accommodate fish that are large enough to take advantage of the conditions present in the annular tank(s). In fact, in these tanks, the water flows in strong, homogeneous flows reproducing the current conditions encountered by fish in the natural environment. However, in nature, fry and young fish must have areas without current or with weak currents suitable for their first growth phase. Since such conditions are not present in the annular tanks of the fish farming installations of the state of the art, the fish can only be introduced there after having reached a certain size. Beforehand, they must therefore, during a pre-growth phase, be raised in separate tanks without current or with a weak current before being transferred for a growth phase in the annular basins. Such a constraint therefore requires the construction, at a distance from the annular basins, of such separate basins. These separate basins involve an additional civil engineering cost.

[0006] The separation of the pre-fattening and growth stages also requires transport of the fish from the pre-fattening tanks to the annular tanks. This transport stage can be very stressful for the fish and thus impact their growth rate.

[0007] Another disadvantage of this type of prior art installation results from the fact that the water treatment means provided in the central space are in the immediate vicinity of the annular basins and can accidentally communicate directly with them, which can under certain conditions cause pollution of the water present in the annular basins. Objectives of the invention

[0008] The objective of the invention is to propose a fish farming installation making it possible to reinforce the previous advantages and to overcome at least some of the disadvantages described above of the installations of the prior art.

[0009] Thus, one objective of the invention is to propose such an installation whose construction requires less civil engineering work and which is therefore advantageous for small or medium-sized fish farms and more suitable for pre-fattening and fattening of fish.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to describe such an installation which is suitable for accommodating both fish in the pre-fattening phase and fish in the growth phase.

[0011] Yet another objective of the present invention is to disclose an installation for improving the well-being of fish by limiting their stress.

[0012] Finally, an objective of the present invention is to disclose a fish farming method implementing such an installation. Presentation of the invention

[0013] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved using a fish farming installation comprising a central space, at least one annular basin provided around the central space, and means for generating a flow of water flowing in said at least one annular basin at a speed V. The installation is characterized in that the central space accommodates a central fish farming basin and in that it comprises means for generating a flow of water flowing in said central basin at a speed v lower than said speed V.

[0014] Thus, the installation according to the invention is compact, optimized and more advantageous. especially for medium to small sized fish farms.

[0015] Indeed, such an installation is simpler than many large-scale fish farming installations of the prior art and can be constructed using fewer components. Moreover, some of these components can be offered in prefabricated form. An installation that is at least partly prefabricated in this way makes it possible to reduce the civil engineering work on site and considerably reduces the duration and cost of construction.

[0016] The use of the central space as a fish farming pond makes it possible to obtain a similar water level between the different ponds, thus reducing the mechanical stresses on the walls, and facilitating the management of flows with a single pumping group.

[0017] Thus, with such a central space, the pipes are reduced and simplified. As a corollary, the costs and manufacturing time are reduced. In addition, the implementation costs are also reduced, due to an optimization / reduction of pressure losses.

[0018] Furthermore, by minimizing the distance between the tank in which the fish are brought to a size sufficient to be transferred and the fish farming tank where they will continue to grow, this installation makes it possible to improve animal welfare by limiting the distances and transfer times which can be stressful for the fish. Thus, the growth of the fish is optimized.

[0019] This improvement is also made possible by the distribution of water current speeds which is adapted to the size of the different fish, and is therefore closer to natural conditions.

[0020] Thus, the central basin is advantageously dedicated to the pre-fattening of fish, and preferably has a low density of fish suitable for such an application.

[0021] Furthermore, by combining such a central basin with one (or more) annular basin(s), the architecture of the installation makes it possible to optimize the network pressure losses.

[0022] According to a variant of the invention, the central basin comprises mobile means for concentrating fish within a part of the central basin.

[0023] These mobile fish concentration means thus make it possible to group or concentrate the fish in a part of said central basin. These mobile concentration means therefore make it possible to simplify and limit the handling of the fish, in order to then transfer them to another fish farming basin. Thus, the present invention makes it possible to optimize the growth of the fish by improving animal welfare and limiting stress on the fish.

[0024] Preferably, the mobile concentration means comprise an articulated vertical grid having at least two leaves making it possible to define at least one sector of variable size within the central basin.

[0025] According to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the central basin is cylindrical, and said articulated grid is pivotally mounted around the axis of said central basin, said sector being a circular sector, a pivoting of at least one of the leaves around said axis varying the size of the sector.

[0026] Thus, this grid with at least two vertical leaves allows, by bringing them closer together, to concentrate the fish without generating stress, in order to facilitate their subsequent transfer to another fish farming basin.

[0027] In addition, this grid can also make it possible to define several circular sectors in order to separate different batches of fish in each sector of the central basin.

[0028] This grid with at least two leaves allows simplified and optimized handling of the fish within the central basin. In addition, such a grid is suitable for medium to small-sized farms, since it can be easily handled by an operator or automated by motorization.

[0029] Advantageously, the concentration means comprise bars spaced apart by a spacing imposed by at least one rack having indentations receiving the bars. Preferably, the spacing between these bars is between 5 and 60 mm.

[0030] Thus, such a rack makes it possible to maintain a given spacing between the bars of the concentration means. It is also designed to admit bars of different sections. In addition, a first rack can be replaced by a second rack (with a different indentation) in order to modify the spacing of the bars or to maintain bars whose section would have changed. Thus, the concentration means are adaptable to a wide variety of fish species having different sizes. In addition, the optimization of the spacing of the bars makes it possible to limit pressure losses. In particular, these concentration means are optimized using at least one rack to obtain a void rate of at least 50%.

[0031] According to a preferred variant of the invention, the installation comprises means for transferring fish from the central basin to said at least one annular basin.

[0032] According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the transfer means comprise at least one trapdoor in the wall of the central basin, through which the fish can pass.

[0033] Thus, the use of a trap as a means of transfer between the central basin and said at least one annular basin makes it possible to limit the stress on the fish, since no pump is used.

[0034] Furthermore, by combining such a trap with fish concentration means, the fish are easily guided towards the trap, without generating stress.

[0035] Finally, the simple actuation of such a hatch is much less energy-consuming than the implementation of a pumping stage, thus allowing a reduction in the costs of implementing the installation.

[0036] According to a variant of the invention, said at least one annular basin is equipped with transverse grids which are essentially vertical and movable in translation in said annular basin and removable, delimiting at least one section within said annular basin.

[0037] The mobility of the transverse grids within the annular tank(s) allows the batches of fish to be moved as much as necessary by simply moving the grids. These grids thus define sections of the annular tank, each section being able to accommodate a batch of fish. The mobility of these grids also allows the volume of a section to be adapted to the size of the fish in the corresponding batch. Thus, such a configuration makes it possible to limit the stress on the fish, by limiting their handling. Indeed, the installation does not require the use of traps within the transverse grids in order to transfer the fish from one section to another since it is the volume of the section of the tank which adapts to the needs of the fish, which reduces the cost of the grids, and improves animal welfare.

[0038] In the case of installations of modest size, such grids are easily handled by operators. Thus, these grids can be easily moved manually or by lifting and handling means, but they can also be equipped with automation systems, allowing a simplification of their handling.

[0039] In addition, since the grids are removable, they can be easily removed from the installation for maintenance and / or cleaning operations, then reinstalled in the pool, thus ensuring an optimal level of performance of the installation, while promoting the maintenance of constant water quality. Furthermore, this allows for an adaptable and variable configuration depending on the number of batches, the size of the fish, etc.

[0040] By “essentially vertical” is meant that the grid has an angle of between 0 and 45° relative to the vertical.

[0041] Advantageously, said transverse grids consist of a set of at least two removable panels, the number of panels being able to depend on the height of the pool.

[0042] According to such a preferred characteristic, the height required for lifting the grids can be reduced, which, as a corollary, makes it possible to limit the height of the building hosting the installation and thus the cost of the civil engineering thereof. The removable nature of the panels also makes it easier to install and remove these grids.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment, said at least two panels comprise a bottom panel and a top panel.

[0044] Thus, a grid is composed of two main horizontal panels, between which one or more optional intermediate panels can be integrated, depending on the height of the installation. These panels are removable, and facilitate the handling of the grids when inserting and removing them from an annular basin.

[0045] Advantageously, said transverse grids comprise bars, spaced apart by at least one rack. Preferably, the spacing of the bars is a predetermined distance, between 5 and 60 mm.

[0046] Thus, such a rack makes it possible to maintain a given spacing between the bars of a panel of a transverse grid. In addition, a first rack can be replaced by a second rack (with a different indentation) in order to modify the spacing of the bars. Thus, the transverse grids are adaptable to a wide variety of fish species having different sizes. In addition, the optimization of the spacing of the bars makes it possible to limit pressure losses. In particular, these concentration means are optimized using at least one rack to obtain a void rate of at least 50%.

[0047] According to an advantageous variant, the installation comprises means for cleaning the transverse grids.

[0048] These cleaning means make it possible to keep the grids clean by eliminating biological deposits in order to optimize the passage of water through them.

[0049] According to another advantageous variant, said transverse grids of said at least one annular basin and / or said mobile means for concentrating the central basin comprise means for cleaning, respectively, said at least one annular basin and / or said central basin.

[0050] Thus, a sequential cleaning step makes it possible to guarantee an optimal level of performance of the installation, while promoting the maintenance of constant water quality. Indeed, these cleaning means make it possible to keep the annular basin and / or the central basin clean by eliminating any biological deposits on the walls and / or the bottom of the basin.

[0051] According to a variant of the invention, the installation comprises water treatment means contiguous to said at least one annular basin.

[0052] The invention thus makes it possible to maintain constant water quality, using optimized water treatment means. In addition, with water treatment means outsourced from the aquaculture area, flows and operating costs are optimized.

[0053] Furthermore, the proximity of the treatment means to the fish farming basins makes it possible to reduce the length of the water pipes and the size of the installation.

[0054] According to another variant of the invention, the installation comprises water treatment means distant from said at least one annular basin.

[0055] Furthermore, by positioning the water treatment means at a distance from the fish farming ponds, this makes it possible to optimize the layout and size of the installation. Indeed, the water treatment stages can, for example, be aligned along a building to facilitate the evacuation of waste and reduce ventilation air ducts. In addition, this allows greater freedom for the installation of water treatment equipment, and pooling of these treatments is possible for several fish farming ponds.

[0056] The invention also relates to a fish farming method using a fish farming installation as described above, the method comprising the following steps: pre-fattening of fish in said central basin; concentration of fish in a part of said central basin, using mobile concentration means; transfer of fish to an annular basin, using transfer means; growth and / or maturation of fish in said annular basin.

[0057] Thus, the present invention incorporates a pre-fattening step adapted to young fish leaving quarantine. This step makes it possible to optimize the growth of the fish by improving animal welfare and limiting stress thanks to the distribution of water current speeds which is adapted to the size of the different fish, and is therefore closer to natural conditions.

[0058] Furthermore, the method and installation according to the invention are optimized and more advantageous in particular for medium to small sized fish farms. The use of the central space as a fish farming pond makes it possible to obtain a similar water level between the different ponds, thus reducing the mechanical stresses on the walls, and facilitating the management of flows with a single pumping unit. Thus, with such a central space, the pipes are reduced and simplified. As a corollary, the manufacturing costs and time are reduced. In addition, the implementation costs are also reduced, due to an optimization / reduction of pressure losses.

[0059] Furthermore, by limiting the distances between fish farming ponds, this compact installation improves animal welfare by limiting transfers that can be stressful for the fish. Thus, fish growth is optimized.

[0060] Furthermore, by combining such a central basin with one (or more) annular basin(s), the architecture of the installation makes it possible to optimize the network pressure losses.

[0061] According to a variant of the invention, the method comprises a continuous step of treatment and recirculation of the water, implemented by water treatment means, and by at least one recirculation means.

[0062] Thus, the continuous treatment and recirculation of water makes it possible to limit the water consumption of the installation, and to operate almost or totally in a closed loop, by reprocessing almost all of the water and recirculating it in the fish farming ponds (pre-fattening and / or growth / maturation).

[0063] In addition, such a treatment step allows for more suitable and optimized management of water treatment for fish farming.

[0064] Finally, such a water treatment step makes it possible to maintain constant water quality throughout the pre-fattening and growth / maturation cycles, using optimized water treatment means.

[0065] According to a variant of the invention, the fish farming method comprises the following additional steps: - insertion of at least two essentially vertical and movable transverse grids in translation and removable in said annular basin, defining a section of said annular basin; - said transfer of fish taking place between said central basin and said section of said annular basin; - translation, in said annular basin, of said at least two transverse grids, during the growth and / or maturation of the batch of fish within said section; - removal of at least one of said at least two transverse grids, after transfer of the batch of fish at the end of a growth cycle to the outside of said annular basin.

[0066] Depending on the species of fish and its size, the batch of fish can continue its growth cycle in one or more annular tanks.

[0067] Thus, the method according to the invention makes it possible to limit fish stress by limiting transfers, in particular transfers between sections. Thus, animal welfare is improved, fish growth is optimized and the quality of the finished product is improved.

[0068] In addition, removing the grids at the end of the route makes it easier to clean, maintain or replace them.

[0069] Finally, the management of fish batches is facilitated since each batch of fish is delimited by two transverse grids, called sectioning grids, during a growth / maturation cycle. The translation of the grids thus makes it possible to simply and quickly manage the different batches of fish within an annular basin.

[0070] By "growth cycle" is meant a complete cycle within a basin annular, during which the batch of fish has reached an adult or intermediate size.

[0071] According to a preferred variant of the invention, the removal of at least one of said at least two grids comprises a disassembly of at least two horizontal panels constituting at least in part said at least one of said at least two grids.

[0072] Thus, the step of removing a grid is made easier. Indeed, the modular grid can therefore comprise a bottom panel, and an upper panel, with possibly one or more intermediate panels. These panels being removable, the removal of the grid is made easier and the lifting height is reduced, which implies a lower building cost and easier handling.

[0073] Advantageously, after removing at least one of said at least two grids, the method comprises cleaning said at least one of said at least two grids.

[0074] Thus, each removed grid can be cleaned so that it is operational for re-insertion into an annular basin. Thus, the cleaned grids can be placed directly at the head of the path in the annular basin.

[0075] Preferably, said batch of fish remains in said section defined between two transverse grids during said growth cycle.

[0076] This makes it possible to optimize fish growth by improving animal welfare and limiting transfers between sections via traps, for example. And finally, the absence of a trap within the grids makes it possible to limit the cost of these grids.

[0077] According to a variant of the invention, the step of transferring the batch of fish into said section of the annular basin comprises the opening of a hatch in the wall of the central basin included in the part delimited by the concentration means, for the transfer of the fish to said annular basin.

[0078] Thus, the mobile concentration means make it possible to simplify and limit the handling of the fish, in order to then transfer them to another fish farming basin. The present invention therefore makes it possible to optimize the growth of the fish by improving animal welfare and limiting their stress.

[0079] Furthermore, the use of a trap as a means of transfer between the central basin and said at least one annular basin also makes it possible to limit stress on the fish, since no pump is used.

[0080] Preferably, the section of said annular basin defined by said at least two grids is of variable size, the distance between said at least two grids being able to vary depending on the size and species of the fish in said batch.

[0081] Thus, the mobility of the grids and the variability of the size of a section allow simplified and optimized management of the different batches of fish. Thus, each section can be continuously adapted to the size and development of the fish. In addition, such a This process can be used for many different fish species as it is fully adaptable.

[0082] Advantageously, the method comprises a step of configuring said concentration means, these comprising bars whose section and spacing are adapted to the size and species of the batch of fish.

[0083] Thus, the configuration of the grids allows them to be adapted to any type of fish, and to any desired application, while optimizing the pressure losses due to the grids.

[0084] Thus, such a method can be used for many different fish species.

[0085] Preferably, said step of configuring said concentration means comprises a step of spacing said bars by a predetermined distance, between 5 and 60 mm.

[0086] According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the step of spacing said bars from said concentration means comprises the fixing of at least one rack on said bars, said at least one rack being placed perpendicular to said bars and having indentations receiving said bars.

[0087] Advantageously, the method comprises a step of configuring said at least two transverse grids, these comprising bars whose section and spacing are adapted to the size and species of the batch of fish.

[0088] Thus, the configuration of the transverse grids allows them to be adapted to any type of fish, and to any desired application, while optimizing the pressure losses due to the grids. Thus, such a method can be used for many different species of fish since it is fully adaptable.

[0089] Preferably, said step of configuring said at least two transverse grids comprises a step of spacing said bars of said grids making it possible, for each grid, to adjust the spacing between the bars thereof so that its bars are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, between 5 and 60 mm.

[0090] According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the step of spacing said bars from said at least two transverse grids comprises the fixing of at least one rack on said bars, said at least one rack being placed perpendicular to said bars and having indentations receiving said bars.

[0091] According to a preferred variant, the method comprises a sequential step of cleaning said at least one annular basin, using said cleaning means positioned in the lower part and / or on each side of said at least two grids.

[0092] Thus, such a cleaning step carried out during the movement of the transverse grids makes it possible to guarantee an optimal level of performance of the installation, while promoting the maintenance of constant water quality. Indeed, these cleaning means help keep the annular basin clean by eliminating any biological deposits on the walls and / or bottom of the basin.

[0093] According to another preferred variant, the method comprises a sequential step of cleaning said central basin, using said cleaning means positioned on the concentration means.

[0094] Thus, such a cleaning step carried out when moving the concentration means makes it possible to guarantee an optimal level of performance of the installation, while promoting the maintenance of constant water quality. Indeed, these cleaning means make it possible to keep the central basin clean by eliminating any biological deposits on the walls and / or the bottom. Presentation of figures

[0095] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment, given as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example and described with reference to the following drawing:

[0096] [Fig.l] represents a 3D view of the fish farming basins according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0097] [Fig.2] represents a fish farming installation comprising fish farming ponds and water treatment means, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0098] [Fig.3] represents a fish farming installation comprising fish farming ponds and water treatment means, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0099] [Fig.4] represents means of concentrating fish implemented in the central basin, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0100] [Fig.5] represents means for concentrating fish implemented in the central basin, as well as means for transferring fish to the outside of the central basin, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0101] [Fig.6] represents means for concentrating fish, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0102] [Fig.7] represents an annular basin grid, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0103] [Fig.8] represents an exploded view of an annular basin grid, according to a example of realization.

[0104] [Fig.9] represents cleaning means according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0105] [Fig. 10] represents means for spacing the bars of a grid, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0106] [Fig. 11] represents means for spacing the bars of a grid, according to a complement to the previous embodiment. Detailed description of the invention

[0107] 1. General description

[0108] The present invention relates to a fish farming installation comprising a central space, one or more annular basins around the central space, and means for generating at least two water flows having different speeds. According to the invention, said central space comprises a fish farming basin.

[0109] In relation to [Fig.l], an example of a configuration of fish farming tanks is presented. The set of fish farming tanks (10) comprises a central space, which may be cylindrical in shape, and two annular tanks (12), around the central space. In addition, according to this example, the annular tanks can be divided into several sections using transverse sectioning grids (13), vertical or inclined at an angle of 0 to 45° relative to the vertical, and therefore positioned across the flow at an angle of between 45 and 90° relative to the water circulation flow. These grids thus make it possible to separate the different batches of fish, for example presenting different growth stages.

[0110] According to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the speed of circulation of the water in the central basin (11) and each annular basin (12) is individually independent. Thus, each basin can have a water circulation flow adapted to different batches of fish. According to the invention, the speed of the water flow flowing in the central basin, noted v, is lower than the speed(s) of the water flow(s) flowing in the annular basin(s), noted Vb ... VN. Thus, the distribution of speeds can be adapted to the different growth stages of the fish. The central basin will thus be able to accommodate young fish in their first growth phase. The speed v will thus be adapted to correspond to the low speeds sought by the young fish during this growth phase when they evolve in their natural environment. The speeds Vj, ...VN of the peripheral basins will be higher speeds corresponding to the speeds appreciated by adult fish in their natural environment.

[0111] The installation therefore makes it possible to improve animal welfare, by reproducing conditions that are closer to natural conditions. The circulation flow or speed of the water within each pool can be controlled and adjusted preferably using at least one internal circulator or a variable speed pump.

[0112] Furthermore, each basin is equipped with at least one water inlet and at least one water outlet or an outlet common to all the basins (25), as illustrated in the examples of [Fig.2] and [Fig.3]. Thus, at the outlet of the fish farming basins, for a system operating in a closed loop, the water is treated in order to be reinjected at the basin inlet. The flow of water within the basins is thus generated using one or more pumping system(s) connected to the water treatment means. Furthermore, as illustrated by [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], this water treatment step is carried out by water treatment means (20) external to the fish ponds. culture (10).

[0113] The installation according to the invention is preferably intended for intermediate to small-scale production. This thus makes it possible to re-establish short circuits, with a greater number of small installations distributed as close as possible to consumption areas to minimize environmental impact and transport costs.

[0114] To meet the constraints associated with small-scale farms, the installation can be built at least partly from prefabricated elements. Indeed, the use of the central space as a fish farming pond reduces the mechanical stresses applied to the wall located between the central space and the annular pond(s) due to the similar water levels. In addition, this configuration simplifies flow management.

[0115] Thus, the use of prefabricated materials such as metal panels, wood, concrete, fiberglass reinforced with organic resin or any other material that can be prefabricated makes it possible to avoid civil engineering work on site and considerably reduces the construction time.

[0116] The installation is therefore compact and economical. It is also easy, quick and inexpensive to install. Finally, it improves animal welfare, thus optimizing fish growth and improving the quality of the finished product.

[0117] 2. Central space and central basin wire)

[0118] The central space according to the invention comprises a fish farming basin (11), in which a flow of water is generated by an external pumping loop and / or an internal variable speed circulator. This central space is surrounded by one or more annular basin(s).

[0119] The central tank is preferably intended for the pre-fattening stage of young fish. Thus, the water current and the density of fish are moderate within this tank, in order to be adapted to young fish coming out of quarantine.

[0120] According to a preferred embodiment, the central basin has means for concentrating the fish in a part of the central basin, in order to facilitate their subsequent transfer to other basins.

[0121] According to a first example, the mobile concentration means may be in the form of a system of vertical grid(s), forming several sections within the central basin. Thus, [Fig.4] and [Fig.5] illustrate an example of means (14) for concentrating fish comprising a vertical grid articulated with two vertical leaves (or vertical panels) (141, 142) in a fan shape.

[0122] According to the example illustrated by [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], the concentration means (14) may comprise a movable leaf (141) and a fixed leaf (142), secured to an axis (46). According to this example, the axis (46) corresponds to the axis of the cylindrical central basin. The fixed leaf is therefore secured to the wall of the central basin at one of its ends and from the central axis to the other end. The movable leaf, for its part, rotates around the central axis by means of an out-of-water bearing (49) and, at the other end, equipped with a wheel (45), it is either supported on the top of the wall of the central basin, or on a peripheral rolling rail (47) going around the central basin.

[0123] The movable leaf can be motorized or manually operated by an operator using a handle (44).

[0124] The angle between the leaves can thus be reduced in order to concentrate the fish in a circular sector of variable size within the central basin, where transfer means are located. Thus, such a concentration-transfer method by reducing the space to direct the fish towards transfer means is less stressful and traumatic for the fish, in comparison with the methods of the prior art implementing a pumping step or any other type of transfer. It will be noted that this articulated vertical grid with two leaves can be mounted removable in particular in order to facilitate its possible repair or cleaning.

[0125] Furthermore, in order to prevent fish from passing from one circular section to another within the central basin, flaps (or seals) (43) can be integrated into the frame (41) (or chassis) of the movable leaf (141).

[0126] The movable leaf may also have means for oxygenating the water or injecting food supplements such as gas injection / distribution pipes (48).

[0127] Finally, the movable leaf (141) may have washing / cleaning means for removing any biofilm that may have accumulated on the walls and / or the bottom of the central basin during aquaculture. Thus, the frame of the leaf may have cleaning means, including:

[0128] - the flaps / seals (43) described previously in relation to [Fig.4], with or without a recall system, also allow the walls of the annular basin to be scraped and any biofilm to be removed; and / or

[0129] - manual or motorized rotating brushes, positioned vertically for clean one of the walls of the pool, and / or positioned horizontally to clean the floor (or slab) of the pool; and / or

[0130] - one or more rows of pressurized water nozzles.

[0131] It is also possible to implement a specific mobile leaf in the cleaning, comprising only a frame without bars and cleaning means as described above and illustrated by [Fig.9].

[0132] Furthermore, the installation according to the invention may comprise means for cleaning the concentration means, making it possible to keep them clean, by eliminating biological deposits in order to optimize the passage of water passing through them.

[0133] According to an example of implementation of the grids illustrated by [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], during the stay of the fish in the central basin until the moment of transfer, the mobile leaf is in the “garage” position, then, during the transfer phase, the mobile leaf is brought closer to the fixed leaf.

[0134] According to an alternative embodiment, a grid may have a number of vertical leaves (or vertical panels) that are mobile and / or fixed, greater than two, rotating around a central axis, in the center of the basin.

[0135] Thus, the use of several doors within the central basin can also make it possible to separate several batches of fish into different circular sectors. Thus, the rotation of the doors makes it possible to easily handle each batch while limiting animal stress.

[0136] Each vertical grid leaf can be removed independently for washing or to adapt the configuration of the central basin to the number of batches of fish.

[0137] According to a second example, [Fig.6] illustrates means for concentrating fish using a horizontal grid. This grid can be movable in vertical translation, and therefore performs a vertical movement from the bottom of the central basin, upwards (and vice versa), thus concentrating the fish in the upper or lower part of the central basin. The grid is therefore movable, and can also be removable, in order to facilitate its cleaning, and thus guarantee optimum fish farming conditions.

[0138] According to an alternative example, the grid shown in [Fig.6] can be replaced by a net.

[0139] In the case where the concentration means are removable, these can be removed manually or with a lifting system. When using a monorail, or more generally a lifting system, a spreader bar can be used to remove the removable concentration means. In this case, these removable concentration means are equipped with lifting rings.

[0140] The concentration means comprising grids are preferably equipped with bars whose section and spacing are designed to prevent fish from crossing the grid while respecting a high void rate in order to limit the pressure loss generated by the circulation of the fish swimming water. The spacing depends on the size and species of the fish. It is preferably between 5 and 60 mm. The void rate will be as large as possible in order to limit the energy consumption of the installation and preferably greater than 50%, the void rate being defined as being the proportion of inter-bar space relative to the overall surface area of ​​a grid, this space not comprising bars and therefore allowing the flow of water to pass freely. The grid bars will advantageously be free of sharp edges so as not to injure the fish.

[0141] According to an exemplary embodiment, the spacing of the bars is managed by one or several rack(s) which allows this spacing to be modified by replacing this rack. An example of such a rack is illustrated by [Fig. 10] and [Fig. 11], in which the rack (17) is made up of two parts, each comprising indentations preferably spaced regularly, and thus making it possible to define a spacing of the bars (16) of the grid. The size of the indentations is adapted to the section of the selected bars. Each part of the rack is elongated in shape, and has a U-shaped section, the indentations being placed at the ends of each branch of the U. The bars are therefore placed in the indentations of the first part of the rack, and the second part of the rack can be added on the first part, above the bars, in order to space them at a regular distance and to keep the bars in place.The concentration means in the form of gate(s) with leaves are therefore modular and can adapt to a change of use (change of species or even size of fish).

[0142] The grids obtained using the racks are illustrated by the example of [Fig.4], where racks (17) are used to maintain the spacing between each bar of the set of bars (42). These racks are placed perpendicular to the bars and are arranged at essentially regular intervals in order to maintain the spacing of the bars over their entire height.

[0143] Advantageously, the leaves may include supports to facilitate the attachment of flexible pipes.

[0144] As described above, the fish concentration means are preferably used in combination with transfer means.

[0145] Thus, the use of the central space as a fish farming basin allows optimized transfers from the central basin to any section of the first annular basin without any pumping device. Indeed, given the contiguity of these basins, one or more traps can be easily installed in the joint wall.

[0146] In relation to [Fig. 5], an example of a combination of concentration means (14) and transfer means is described. Thus, in this example, the concentration means make it possible to gather the fish in an area comprising a trapdoor (51, 52) in the wall of the central space. This trapdoor comprises a generally vertical rectangular opening (51) and a sliding door (52) within a slide (53), this door being able to be operated manually or motorized. In the example illustrated by [Fig. 5], the concentration means are composed of a grid with two leaves, one movable (141) and the other fixed (142). The movable leaf can be motorized or operated manually using a handle (44), in order to slide it on the circular rail (47). The angle between the two leaves can thus be reduced, in order to create a fish concentration area. The fish thus concentrates are therefore caused to pass through the opening (51) in the wall of the central space, in order to enter the first contiguous annular basin.

[0147] The representation of the fixed leaf (142) is simplified in the figure to illustrate the hatch; it will be understood that this fixed leaf includes bars over its entire surface.

[0148] Alternative methods of concentrating and transferring fish may use food or pheromones to attract fish, or waves, ultrasound or a heating resistor to direct them to the desired area. In addition, if necessary, a fish pumping step may be implemented, for example to sort the fish, but over a very short distance due to the contiguity of the tanks, thus limiting the stress caused.

[0149] 3. Annular basin(s) (12)

[0150] The annular basin(s) are provided around the central space. This (or these) annular basin(s) are equipped with circulation devices in order to generate a water speed within the annular path. The water current is, according to the invention, stronger than in the central basin, in order to be adapted to growing fish.

[0151] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each annular basin is equipped with at least one essentially vertical and transverse grid (or sectioning grid). These sectioning grids are essentially perpendicular to the water flow, at an angle preferably between 45 and 90°, and make it possible to separate the different batches of fish present in the same annular basin. Thus, the number of sectioning grids depends on the number of batches of fish in the annular basin. These grids can be fixed, mobile and / or removable, manually or automatically.

[0152] The sectioning grids are preferably movable in translation. More precisely, the movement carried out by the sectioning grids is similar to a translation in a single direction on the scale of the channel formed by the annular basin in which they are located. However, in a particular example in which the central space is cylindrical and the annular basins are concentric around the axis of the central space, the movement carried out by the grids within the annular basin is rather similar to a rotational movement around the axis of the central space, on the scale of the installation.

[0153] Thus, the mobility of the grids makes it possible to move the batches of fish from the fish entry area in the annular basin to the fish exit area of ​​this basin, by simply moving the grids. This also makes it possible to adapt the volume of a section, defined between two consecutive mobile grids, to the size of the fish in the corresponding batch to maintain an optimal fish density. Thus, such a configuration makes it possible to limit the stress on the fish, by limiting their handling. In fact, the installation does not require the use of traps within the sectioning grids in order to transfer fish from one section to another, which reduces the cost of the grids, and improves animal welfare.

[0154] According to a preferred configuration, in the annular channel-shaped basins, a batch of fish is delimited by a set of two sectioning grids. The space allocated to a batch of fish may change at the discretion of the Operator in order to adapt it to the growth of the fish during the breeding period. To do this, the grids may be movable continuously throughout the channel. As the breeding cycles progress, the batches of fish may progress in the channel. When the batch reaches the end of the channel to move into another channel or towards the purge basin, the grid is raised and moved to be replaced at the beginning of the channel. During this manipulation, the grid can be cleared of impurities which may have become attached to it more completely than when it is left in place in the channel.

[0155] According to a particular configuration, two removable mobile grids therefore define a growth section for the fish throughout their growth cycle. At the end of the growth cycle, the two grids can be brought together to concentrate the fish and facilitate the extraction of the fish by pumping for example, then at least one of the two grids can be removed to be washed and reintegrated into the installation at the fish entry area to create a new growth section. The management of the sections is therefore simplified since all the grids can rotate in the same direction, thus avoiding backtracking. In addition, this limits the stress on the fish by limiting transfers between sections via traps (or other devices). And finally, the absence of a trap makes it possible to limit the cost of the grids.

[0156] Furthermore, the removability of the grids allows them to be removed from the annular basin in order to clean them, carry out maintenance operations, or simply to replace them. This allows them to be removed from the basins when equipment installed in a fixed position, such as non-removable internal circulators, is located in the path of the grids. Furthermore, in the case of removable internal circulators, the grids can be removed at the operator's discretion; otherwise, they continue their path in the channel. In all cases, the grids are preferably moved in a single direction within a channel.

[0157] The mobility and removability of the grids allow an adaptable and variable configuration depending on the number of batches, the size of the fish, etc.

[0158] The sectioning grids can be made of composite materials, stainless steel or any other material. More generally, the materials in contact with water are preferably of food grade. In addition, the sectioning grids can be rigid, partially flexible or totally flexible, in one or several parts with embedding, depending on the size of the fish farm. The grids can be made of vertical and / or horizontal bars and / or plates, but also associated with meshes and / or nets if these are locally available and cost-effective. They can be made up of one or more parts, depending on the height available above the pond for lifting or their weight in the case of manual handling.

[0159] According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated by [Fig.7] and [Fig.8], the sectioning grids (13) are modular and made up of a stack of one or more horizontal parts, called horizontal panels (131, 132, 133), these panels being more easily handled and able to be removed for cleaning or changing if necessary.

[0160] Thus these grids of the annular basins can adapt to the water height of the basin, can be handled manually, limiting the height of the building necessary for their installation and removal.

[0161] A sectioning grid is composed at least of a bottom panel (131) and an upper panel (132). Depending on the water height, one or more intermediate panels (133) are necessary. The panels are assembled together by removable means (36).

[0162] In [Fig.7] and [Fig.8], the sectioning grids (13) are equipped with a single intermediate panel (133).

[0163] Each panel comprises a frame / chassis (31) supporting a set of bars (32), side flaps (33) and a lifting means. The bottom panel (131) further comprises two rollers (35) and a flap (33) in the lower part mounted on the frame. The upper panel (132) is equipped with two rollers (35) and handles (44).

[0164] Thus, the sectioning grids are equipped with bars whose section and spacing are designed to prevent fish from crossing the grid while respecting a high vacuum rate in order to limit the pressure loss generated by the circulation of the fish swimming water. The spacing can be adaptable according to the size and the species. It is between 5 and 60 mm. The vacuum rate will preferably be as large as possible in order to limit the energy consumption of the installation and advantageously greater than 50%. The grid bar will preferably be free of sharp edges so as not to injure the fish. Its section can be selected according to the need. According to an exemplary embodiment, the spacing of the bars is managed by one or more racks which makes it possible to modify this spacing by replacing this rack. An example of such a rack is illustrated by [Fig. 10] and [Fig.11], in which the rack (17) consists of two parts, each comprising indentations of defined size spaced regularly, . and thus allowing the spacing of the bars (16) of the grid to be defined. Each part of the rack is elongated in shape, and has a U-shaped section, the indentations being placed at the ends of each branch of the U. The bars are therefore placed in the indentations of the first part of the rack, and the second part of the rack can be added to the first part, above the bars, in order to space them at a regular distance and keep them in place. The size of the indentations is adapted to the section of the bars. The sectioning grids are therefore modular and can adapt to a change of use (change of species or even size of fish).

[0165] Grids in which the spacing of the bars is obtained using racks are illustrated by the examples of [Fig.7] and [Fig.8], where racks (17) are used to maintain the spacing between each bar of the set of bars (32). These racks are placed perpendicular to the bars and are arranged at essentially regular intervals in order to maintain the spacing of the bars over their entire height.

[0166] Furthermore, the removal of dead fish can be facilitated by a permanent or temporary inclination of the sectioning grid from 0 to 45° to the vertical in order to push them upwards with the flow of water. In addition, one or more gas injection pipes, possibly by quick connection (compressed air, etc.) (38), can be added to the lower part of the grids in order to lift the dead fish. Other pipes for injecting specific gases or liquids (oxygen, food supplements, etc.) can be added to the preferably lower part or at any other level of the grids in order to oxygenate the pond water, feed the fish, etc., punctually or continuously.

[0167] Advantageously, the grids may include supports to facilitate the attachment of flexible pipes.

[0168] As shown in [Fig.7] and [Fig.8], the grids are preferably held by casters (35) or a trolley in the lower part of the grid, and / or supported by a rail (37) in the upper part above the water level in order to make their movement as easy as possible for the operators. The grids can be moved manually using a handle (34) or a motorized device such as a geared motor, the grid being equipped with casters (35) in the upper part which are positioned on a rolling rail (37) installed in the upper part of the pool. In addition, the casters and the rail also make it possible to avoid friction with the slab (or floor) of the pool which could damage it.

[0169] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the grids can be held in position in the basin by the action of their own weight.

[0170] Furthermore, to avoid mixing between the different batches of growing fish, The grids may be equipped with rubber seals / flaps (33) to prevent fish from passing on the side and below the grids. The rubber flaps may have a return system, and are positioned on the lateral sides as well as on the lower part of the grid frames, to fill the gaps with the lateral surfaces and the bottom of the fish farming tanks.

[0171] These flaps provide clearance that also allows the grids to be placed across the flow at an angle of between 45 and 90° without modifying the surface of the grid. In addition, these flaps facilitate the modification of the inclination of the grids at an angle of 0 to 45° relative to the vertical, the flaps being flattened more or less depending on the angle of inclination.

[0172] For some species of fish, the grids may also be equipped with screens at the top, above the water level, to prevent fish from jumping from one section to another.

[0173] Since walkways may be installed above the water to access the central pool and the grates, notches may be incorporated into the walkways to facilitate the removal of the grates or parts of the grates. Thus, several notches may be made on the walkway along the circumference of the pool. In the case of non-removable circulators, two notches may be required before and after the area where these circulators are located to accommodate grates.

[0174] The grids can be removed manually or with a mechanical lifting system. The mechanical handling means is preferably of the monorail type equipped with a hoist and a manual trolley. In this case, all or part of the grid frames are equipped with lifting rings. In the case of modular sectioning grids (13), the horizontal panels (131, 132 and 133) are removable in order to facilitate the removal of the grid. Thus, the lifting height is reduced, which implies a lower building cost and easier handling.

[0175] The removal of the sectioning grid (13) can be carried out in several stages: first of all the grid is partially raised, the upper part (132) is disassembled and removed, then the intermediate part (133) is raised then disassembled from the lower part (131) which is then removed.

[0176] Furthermore, in order to remove any biofilm that may have accumulated on the walls and / or bottom of the annular tanks during aquaculture, the frame of the grids may have cleaning means, including:

[0177] - the flaps / seals (33) described previously in relation to [Fig.7] and [Fig.8] with or without a recall system allowing the walls of the annular basin to be scraped and any biofilm to be removed; and / or

[0178] - manual or motorized rotating brushes, positioned vertically on at at least one of the sides of the grid to clean at least one of the walls of the pool, and / or positioned horizontally in the lower part of the grid to clean the floor (or slab) of the pool; and / or

[0179] - one or more rows of pressurized water nozzles.

[0180] It is also possible to implement a sectioning grid specific to cleaning, comprising only a frame without bars and cleaning means as described above. [Fig.9] illustrates, for example, a frame comprising vertical rotating brushes (15) allowing the cleaning of the walls of an annular basin.

[0181] Thus, the grids participate in maintaining the cleanliness of the wetted surface of the annular basin due to their sequential rotation / translation. The three sides in contact with the wetted surfaces of the annular basin can thus be equipped with cleaning means (flap, brush) which can participate in the detachment of any biofilm which has formed on the walls and / or the bottom of the annular basin.

[0182] Furthermore, the installation according to the invention may also comprise means for cleaning the sectioning grids, making it possible to keep them clean, by eliminating biological deposits in order to optimize the passage of water passing through them.

[0183] 4. Water treatment means 120)

[0184] The water treatment means, according to the invention, are positioned outside the fish farming basins.

[0185] Depending on the type of surface available for development, the configuration of the fish farming ponds and the water treatment means can be adapted.

[0186] Thus, according to an embodiment illustrated by [Fig.2], the fish farming basins (10) and the water treatment means (20) are contiguous, that is to say provided in a space attached to the basins, to reduce the size and the length of the water pipes. According to this embodiment, the water treatment means partly surround the external annular basin.

[0187] According to another embodiment illustrated by [Fig.3], the fish farming ponds (10) and the water treatment means (20) are distant. Thus, the water treatment steps can for example be carried out in equipment aligned along a building to facilitate the evacuation of waste and reduce ventilation air ducts.

[0188] These two examples of embodiments allow optimization of the costs and the footprint of the installation.

[0189] Because water treatment can be installed around or completely outside of fish farming ponds, some water treatment steps can be grouped together to further reduce the footprint, such as biofiltration and mechanical or membrane filtration, degassing, defoaming, and oxygenation. In addition, in order to improve the elimination of ammonium, one or more biological treatment(s) can be added as well as a membrane treatment.

[0190] Thus, in relation to [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], the water treatment steps may for example include: extraction of water from the fish farming ponds (10), filtration (21), biological treatment for example using one or two fixed biomass reactor(s) such as an MBBR (“Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor”) (22), degassing (23), oxygenation (24), and reinjection of the water into the fish farming ponds (10). However, other steps such as skimming, or the treatment of particles and organic molecules (feces, flour, geosmin, fatty acids, etc.) may also be implemented.

[0191] Furthermore, the invention also proposes the total or partial pooling of the water treatment steps between two or more different fish farming basins.

[0192] Thus, the installation according to the invention makes it possible to optimize the water treatment steps, while limiting construction and implementation costs. Thus, once the water has been treated, as previously described, it can be recirculated in the fish farming ponds (pre-fattening and / or growth / maturation) using recirculation means, such as a pump or a circulator. The sludge resulting from this treatment can be treated within the installation or transferred to an external installation and recovered.

[0193] 5. Fish farming method using such an installation

[0194] The fish farming method according to the invention comprises pre-fattening and growth / maturation steps, within an installation comprising a central space accommodating a fish farming basin and at least one annular basin. More particularly, the method according to the invention comprises the following steps: - introduction of a batch of young fish into the central basin; - pre-fattening phase of young fish in the central basin, within which a flow of water is generated; - transfer of the batch of pre-fattened fish to an annular basin; - growth / maturation phase of pre-fattened fish in said at least one annular basin, within which the flow rate of the water flow is preferably higher than that of the central basin.

[0195] By "growth / maturation phase" is meant the phase during which the pre-grown fish from the pre-growth phase reaches a mature size and age, and at the end of which the fish is suitable for consumption. A growth / maturation phase may comprise several growth cycles within several annular tanks.

[0196] According to an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises a step of configuring the concentration means, during which the spacing of the bars can be modified. For example, this spacing can be managed by a rack, as described previously, which allows this spacing to be modified by replacing this rack. The section of the bars can be modified by selecting a rack with compatible indentations.

[0197] In addition, the method preferably has a continuous step of treatment and recirculation of the water, implemented by water treatment means and by recirculation means, which can take the form of a pump and / or a variable speed circulator.

[0198] According to a first advantageous variant of the invention, the step of transferring the fish to an annular basin comprises the following steps: concentration of fish in a part of the central basin, using mobile means of concentration, as defined previously (for example, gates with leaves, or a net); opening of a trapdoor in the wall of the central basin included in the part delimited by the concentration means, for the transfer of fish to the adjoining annular basin.

[0199] According to a second advantageous variant of the invention, which can be combined with the first, the growth phase comprises the following steps: insertion of at least two essentially vertical transverse grids movable in translation and removable in an annular basin, defining a section of the annular basin; translation of the grids, during the maturation / growth of the batch of fish within the section; removal of at least one of the grids, after transfer of the batch of fish at the end of a growth cycle to the outside of the annular basin optional cleaning of the removed grid.

[0200] The grid thus cleaned can then be reused for a new growth / maturation cycle within an annular basin.

[0201] The insertion of the sectioning grid can be carried out in several steps comprising the assembly of at least two horizontal panels. According to the example illustrated by [Fig.7] and [Fig.8], firstly, the bottom panel (131) is placed in the annular basin, then the possible intermediate panel (133) is assembled to the lower panel, and finally, the upper panel (132) is assembled to the intermediate panel.

[0202] The transfer of the fish is preferably carried out following a step of concentrating the fish using the concentration means. Thus, in the case of vertical leaves, these can be brought together in order to reduce the section that they define and therefore facilitate the transfer of the fish.

[0203] The removal of the sectioning grid can be carried out in several stages comprising the disassembly of at least two panels. According to an exemplary embodiment described in relation to [Fig.7] and [Fig.8], first of all the sectioning grid (13) is partially raised, the upper part (132) is disassembled and removed, then the possible intermediate part (133) is raised then disassembled from the lower part (131) which is then removed.

[0204] According to a third variant, which can be combined with the first and the second, the growth phase further comprises the following steps: - transfer of the batch of mature fish from the annular basin to a second annular basin; - insertion of at least two essentially vertical transverse grids movable in translation and removable in said second annular basin, defining a section of the second annular basin; - translation of the grids, during the maturation / additional growth of the batch of fish within the section of the second annular basin; - removal of at least one of the grids, after transfer of the batch of mature fish to the outside of the second annular basin.

[0205] The step of transferring the batch of fish from the annular basin to a second annular basin can be implemented using a trapdoor in the wall of the annular basin, the trapdoor being located in a fish concentration area.

[0206] According to an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises a step of configuring the sectioning grids, during which the spacing of the bars can be modified. For example, this spacing can be managed by a rack, as described previously, which makes it possible to modify this spacing by replacing this rack.

Claims

Claims

1. Fish farming installation comprising a central space, at least one annular basin (12) provided around said central space, and means for generating a flow of water flowing in said at least one annular basin (12) at a speed V, characterized in that said central space accommodates a central fish farming basin (11) and in that it comprises means for generating a flow of water flowing in said central basin (11) at a speed v lower than said speed V.

2. Installation according to claim 1 characterized in that the central basin (11) comprises mobile means (14) for concentrating fish within a part of said central basin (11).

3. Installation according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises means (51) for transferring fish from said central basin (11) to said at least one annular basin (12).

4. Installation according to claim 3, characterized in that said transfer means (51) comprise at least one trapdoor in the wall of said central basin (11), through which the fish can pass.

5. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one annular basin (12) is equipped with transverse grids (13) which are essentially vertical and movable in translation in said annular basin (12) and removable, delimiting at least one section within said annular basin.

6. Installation according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises means (15) for cleaning said transverse grids (13).

7. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises water treatment means (20) contiguous to said at least one annular basin.

8. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said installation comprises water treatment means (20) distant from said at least one annular basin.

9. Fish farming method using a fish farming installation according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - pre-fattening of the fish in said central basin (11); - concentration of fish in a part of said central basin (11), using mobile concentration means (14); - transfer of fish to an annular basin (12); - growth and / or maturation of fish in said annular basin (12).

10. Fish farming method according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a continuous step of treatment and recirculation of the water, implemented by water treatment means (20), and by at least one recirculation means.

11. Fish farming method according to one of claims 9 or 10 characterized in that it comprises the following additional steps: - insertion of at least two transverse grids (13) essentially vertical and movable in translation and removable in said annular basin (12), defining a section of said annular basin; - said transfer of fish taking place between said central basin (11) and said section of said annular basin (12); - translation of said at least two grids (13), during the growth and / or maturation of the batch of fish within said section; - removal of at least one of said at least two grids (13), after transfer of the batch of fish at the end of a growth cycle towards the outside of said annular basin (12).

12. Fish farming method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the step of transferring the batch of fish into said section of the annular basin (12) comprises the opening of a hatch (51, 52, 53) in the wall of the central basin (11) included in the part delimited by the concentration means (14), for the transfer of the fish to said annular basin (12).

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