Shellfish farming and / or seaweed farming installation

Abstract

Shellfish and / or seaweed farming installation. The shellfish farming installation (1) comprises a plurality of buoys (7), a mooring line (3), a plurality of links (9) each connecting a respective buoy (7) to the mooring line (3), a plurality of shellfish farming supports (5) and / or seaweed farming supports, each connected to the mooring line (3) and suitable for receiving shellfish (2) and / or seaweed, and at least two mooring blocks (15) each connected to one end of the mooring line (3) by a flexible link (16), forming an anchor. The installation (1) includes at least one power supply (19). Each buoy (7) includes a winch (17). Each link (9) is connected to its respective buoy (7) by attachment to the winch (17) of that buoy (7). The winch (17) is powered by the electrical power source (19) of this buoy to wind and unwind the link (9) attached to it.The installation further includes at least one controller (23) arranged to control the winches (17) and configured to set in motion one or more winches (17) to raise or lower all or part of the hawser (3).

Description

Title of the invention: Shellfish farming and / or seaweed farming installation

[0001] The invention relates to the field of shellfish farming.

[0002] Shellfish farming, particularly mussel farming, is a traditional and complex field that has changed little over time. Traditionally, shellfish are farmed using various methods that depend on marine conditions. For example, bouchots (mussel beds) are found on the west and east coasts of the Cotentin Peninsula, in the bays of Saint-Brieuc and Mont-Saint-Michel, and on the coasts of Vendée and Charente-Maritime. There are also aquaculture platforms on the Thau Lagoon and flat-bottomed cultivation, particularly in southern Brittany.

[0003] These shellfish farms are located near the coast. In the 1980s, particularly to escape coastal pollution, some shellfish production was moved offshore, with the associated challenges: currents, wind, swell, storms, etc. To adapt to these conditions, flexible structures called longlines were developed. These are supports on which the shellfish grow, connected to mooring lines several hundred meters long. These lines are fixed to concrete blocks, or mooring blocks, and supported by a series of floats.

[0004] There are three main categories of systems, so-called “subsurface” systems, so-called “floating” systems and so-called “subfloating” systems.

[0005] Along the Languedoc-Roussillon coast, so-called "subsurface" lifelines are kept submerged. These lifelines are made with submerged floats that maintain the mooring line at a chosen distance from the seabed. These lifelines are protected from bad weather by a few meters of water, generally five meters, and give satisfactory results. These lifelines are suitable for sites without tides and with low swell levels. These lifelines are marked by surface buoys.

[0006] Floating shellfish harvesting systems have been developed for sites with significant tidal influence, particularly in Brittany. These systems consist of a series of floats, each attached to a support rope. The floats follow the ebb and flow of the sea. Thus, the shellfish remain at a constant level relative to the sea, regardless of weather conditions. These floating systems have the advantage of being easily accessible by boat. However, if these systems are installed in sites exposed to harsh weather, they are subjected to considerable stress that can damage them. Their deployment has proven to be very limited due to low yields and shellfish deterioration.

[0007] So-called "sub-floating" lines represent a compromise between "floating" and "subsurface" lines. Sub-floating lines are kept below the water's surface with slender floats that are added as the shellfish grow. Alternatively, the mooring line is connected to conventional floats by ropes, the length of the ropes defining the depth of the line. The mooring line is then constantly submerged, regardless of the tide or weather, while remaining accessible from a boat. These lines are suitable for sites with significant depths. They can therefore be deployed in sheltered and less sought-after locations.

[0008] Subfloating lines are satisfactory in that they allow access to numerous sites while remaining protected from swells and storms. However, their productivity remains insufficient, particularly in terms of meat yield. Furthermore, these lines are not suitable for storms or heavy swells. In swells exceeding 5 m, these lines suffer significant damage.

[0009] In all cases, when it is necessary to access a submerged mooring line, the maneuvers to be carried out are complex, tedious, or even dangerous (for example, when the maneuvers are performed by a diver). Therefore, there is no floating shellfish farming system adapted to great depths and heavy swells that offers simple implementation and high yields, particularly in terms of shellfish meat content.

[0010] The invention improves the situation. To this end, it proposes a shellfish farming installation comprising a plurality of buoys, a mooring line, a plurality of links each connecting a respective buoy to the mooring line, a plurality of shellfish farming supports, each connected to the mooring line and suitable for receiving shellfish, and at least two mooring blocks, each connected to one end of the mooring line by a flexible link, forming an anchor. The installation includes at least one power supply. Each buoy includes a winch. Each link is connected to the respective buoy by attachment to the winch of said buoy. The winch is powered by the power supply to wind and unwind the link attached to it. The installation further includes at least one controller arranged to control the winches and configured to operate one or more winches to raise or lower all or part of the mooring line.

[0011] The Applicant realized that varying the height of the mooring line according to currents or water temperature could improve shellfish production. Indeed, it is now possible to determine the most favorable conditions for shellfish growth. Currents allow for the renewal of nutrients near the shellfish, while water temperature is a good indicator of the quality and quantity of phytoplankton. In fact, the latter develops Their nutritional value varies depending on the water temperature. Surface phytoplankton, for example, is considered more nutritious.

[0012] The Applicant has developed a new system that allows both the protection of the supports and the shells in case of bad weather and the variation of the height of the hawser to improve the production of the shells in calm weather and to facilitate their exploitation.

[0013] Thus, when the swell exceeds a chosen height, the mooring line is lowered sufficiently to protect the shellfish. Similarly, in calm weather, the depth of the mooring line is adjusted to improve production, particularly in terms of meat yield.

[0014] The invention also makes it easier for divers to work during monitoring or production operations. Indeed, for deep-sea operations, divers are limited in time if they want to avoid time-consuming decompression stops. By bringing the towline to the surface for these operations, divers avoid this constraint and can work longer on the supports with less risk.

[0015] The invention also reduces the time shellfish farmers spend adding or removing buoys as the shellfish develop and gain weight. This reduces the physical strain and significantly lowers labor costs, increasing profitability.

[0016] In one embodiment, the power supply includes at least one renewable electrical energy source and / or an electrical storage battery. The installation is independent of fossil fuels.

[0017] In one embodiment, each buoy includes a controller and a power supply. Each buoy is independent of the other buoys.

[0018] In one embodiment, at least one controller automatically controls the winches based on information about ocean currents, water temperature, or swell, the information being either real-time or forecasts. The installation operates without external human control.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least some of the buoys include at least one of the following: a current sensor configured to measure the speed of a water current and / or a direction of the current and to provide the measured data to at least one controller, a temperature sensor configured to measure a water temperature as a function of depth, and to provide the measured data to the controller, a wave sensor, the wave sensor being configured to measure, determine and provide the controller with information on the height, period and direction of the wave.

[0020] In one embodiment, the links have an unwound length of between 0.5 m and 100 m, preferably between 2 m and 50 m.

[0021] In one embodiment, the links are fixed to the hawser in a substantially constant manner, and spaced from 5 to 50 m, preferably from 10 to 20 m.

[0022] In one embodiment, the rearing supports are spaced 0.2 m to 1 m apart, preferably 0.5 m apart.

[0023] In one embodiment, each buoy is autonomous.

[0024] The invention also relates to a method of using a shellfish farming installation comprising a shellfish farming stage which includes the operation of controlling the depth of the mooring line according to sea state data and / or instructions received locally or remotely.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description, taken from illustrative and non-limiting examples shown in the drawings: - Fig. 1 illustrates a shellfish farming installation according to one aspect of the invention, and - Fig. 2 illustrates a shellfish farming installation according to another aspect of the invention.

[0026] The drawings and the description below contain, essentially, elements of a definite nature. They may therefore not only serve to better understand the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0027] A shellfish farming installation 1, or line, comprises at least one hawser 3 and a plurality of shellfish farming supports 5 attached to the hawser 3. The supports 5 receive shellfish 2. The shellfish 2 grow in or on the supports 5. The supports 5 may be baskets, traps, nets, or ropes. In the example described here, ropes are used as supports.

[0028] The supports 5 are distributed along the hawser 3 at regular intervals. In the example described here, the supports 5 are spaced between 20 cm and 1 m apart, preferably 50 cm.

[0029] Still in the example described here, the ropes forming supports 5 are each fixed at least at one of their ends to the hawser 3. This fixing can be achieved in various ways, for example by a shackle or by a knot.

[0030] The hawser 3 measures, in the example described here, between 10 m and 500 m and can reach 1000 m. Also in the example described here, each rope forming support 5 measures between 1 m and 50 m, preferably between 5 m and 10 m.

[0031] The installation 1 further comprises a plurality of buoys 7 floating on the surface of the water. In the example described here, the buoys 7 are arranged in a line. This facilitates the maintenance of the lines and the harvesting of the shellfish 2. The buoys 7 are capable of floating at the surface of the sea and to support a significant load corresponding at least to the weight of the shells at the end of their growth.

[0032] The installation 1 also includes a plurality of links 9, each having a first end 11 and a second end 13. Each link 9 is connected by its first end 11 to a respective buoy 7 and is attached to the mooring line 3 by its second end 13. As with the supports 5, the attachment of the links 9 to the mooring line 3 can be achieved in various ways. In the example described here, this attachment is made by means of a shackle. The links 9 thus connect the buoys 7 to the mooring line 3. In the same way that the buoys 7 are arranged at regular intervals, the links 9 are attached to the mooring line 3 at regular intervals. The interval between two successive links 9 corresponds to the interval between two successive buoys 7. The interval between two links 9 is between 5 and 50 m, preferably between 10 and 20 m. Links 9 can have an unspooled length of between 0.5 m and 100 m, preferably between 2 m and 50 m.

[0033] In the example described here, the links 9 are flexible and made of rope. Alternatively, the links 9 can be made of wire cable or chain.

[0034] The installation 1 shown in [Fig. 1] comprises two mooring blocks 15, generally concrete blocks, each connected to the mooring line 3 by an anchor rope 16. Conventionally, each mooring block 15 is attached to one end of the mooring line 3. Alternatively, the installation 1 could comprise a plurality of mooring blocks 15. The mooring blocks 15 provide anchorage for the installation 1 and prevent it from drifting with the current. For example, to reinforce their anchorages, the mooring blocks 15 can be fixed to the seabed by means of piles. The piles can, for example, be connected to the mooring blocks 15 by a cable or chain with a length between 2 m and 15 m.

[0035] Each buoy 7 further comprises a winch 17. Each winch 17 is connected to the respective link 9 and is fixed to the first end 11 of said link 9. The winch 17, by its movement, allows the link 9 attached to it to be wound and unwound. The winch 17 may be fixed to the outside of the buoy 7 or, preferably, it is integrated inside the buoy 7.

[0036] The winch 17 may include a motor driving a shaft around which the link 9 is wound. Alternatively, the winch may include a reduction gear at the motor output. Alternatively, the winch may include a device for raising or lowering the link, for example, a rack and pinion.

[0037] Each buoy 7 includes a power supply 19. The power supply 19 provides electrical power to the winch 17 to enable its operation. The power supply 19 may include a generator and an electrical storage battery. The power supply 19 may include a renewable electrical energy source, such as a photovoltaic panel, a wind turbine, etc. In the example described here, the generator is a photovoltaic panel 21. The electrical power source 19 may be a fuel-based electrical energy source. Alternatively, the electrical power source may be a standalone electrical storage battery, which may be changed or recharged by the shellfish farmer. Alternatively, the electrical power source may be an electrical outlet suitable for connection to an external power source.

[0038] Alternatively, the installation 1 includes a single power supply providing power to each buoy 7. The single power supply is then connected to each buoy 7 by an electrical cable.

[0039] The installation 1 further includes at least one controller 23 configured to control the operation of the winches 17. The controller 23 is configured to set in motion one or more winches 17. The controller 23 is configured to send commands to the winches 17 so as to wind and unwind the links 9 and to raise or lower all or part of the hawser 3.

[0040] The controller 23 can be operated in a non-automated manner, i.e., it is operated by a person. In this embodiment, the controller 23 is capable of receiving instructions locally or remotely in order to control the operation of the winches 17 to bring the hawser 3 to a chosen depth.

[0041] Alternatively, the controller 23 features automated operation. The controller 23 is then configured to receive sea state information. This sea state information may include information on ocean currents, including their speed and direction, water temperature as a function of depth, phytoplankton, or swell. The sea state information may be real-time or forecast data.

[0042] When the sea state information is forecast, it is possible to anticipate the climatic conditions near the installation 1 and to prevent the risks of damage.

[0043] Sea state information makes it possible, in particular, to determine whether there is a risk of damage to the shellfish 2. The risk can be calculated based on predetermined thresholds derived from various pieces of information. When one or more of these thresholds are exceeded, generally in the event of a storm or heavy swell, the controller 23 sends commands to the winches 17 to lower the mooring line 3 to a depth where the risk of damage to the shellfish 2 is low. In the event of storms or heavy swell, the mooring line 3 may even be laid on the seabed.

[0044] The installation 1 can also be configured to place the mooring line 3 at a height that promotes the cultivation of shellfish 2 in calm weather. Depending on the Using information on current, phytoplankton and water temperature, controller 23 controls the operation of winches 17 to place the mooring line 3 at the desired depth.

[0045] In conventional shellfish farming installations, the depth of the mooring line is determined so that the shellfish are protected from light swells, but not from heavy swells or storms. Typically, the mooring line is 5 to 7 meters deep. This depth is kept relatively constant by buoys that the shellfish farmer adds or removes throughout the shellfish growth cycle. Consequently, the shellfish remain at the same depth in calm weather as well as in swells, which hinders meat growth and increases the risk of shellfish loss. This is because the richest phytoplankton is generally found near the water's surface. Therefore, protection from light swells, while necessary to limit losses during farming, is also very detrimental to meat productivity.Furthermore, in the event of heavy swells or storms, the shells can suffer significant damage.

[0046] The invention not only solves the productivity problem, but also protects against heavy swells and storms. Indeed, adjusting the depth of the mooring line 3 and therefore of the shells 2 allows them to be protected against swells or storms, and to be placed in an ideal position for their growth when the weather is calm.

[0047] The sea state information received by the controller 23 can be provided by a device external to the installation 1. The sea state information can, for example, be measured and analyzed by the shellfish farmer and then provided to the controller 23. In this embodiment, the controller 23 then includes an input for sea state information.

[0048] The installation 1 may include at least one current sensor 25 capable of measuring the speed and direction of the sea current. The installation 1 may also include several current sensors 25 at different depths. The current sensor 25 may be, for example, a Doppler current profiler, which provides speed and direction at several different levels in a water column. The current sensor 25 is configured to provide current information to the controller 23.

[0049] The installation 1 may include at least one temperature sensor 27 capable of measuring the water temperature as a function of depth. The temperature sensor 27 is configured to provide water temperature information to the controller 23.

[0050] Current and water temperature information can be useful in determining the depths most suitable for shellfish development 2. Indeed, water temperature affects the nutritional quality of phytoplankton. Surface phytoplankton is thus recognized as being very nutritious.

[0051] The installation 1 may include at least one wave sensor 29 capable of measuring wave height, frequency, and intensity. The controller 23 may be configured to lower the mooring line 3 when the measured wave exceeds a predetermined threshold. This threshold may vary according to the size and maturity level of the shellfish 2.

[0052] Alternatively, the installation 1 may further include an oxygen sensor and / or a spectrophotometer and / or a water acidity sensor, commonly used in shellfish farming. The installation 1 may include a multi-parameter probe suitable for monitoring water quality. These sensors or probes are configured to provide water quality information to the controller 23.

[0053] In one embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 1], the installation 1 may include a specific buoy 31 supporting the wave sensor 29 and, where applicable, the current sensor 25, the temperature sensor 27, the oxygen sensor, the spectrophotometer, and / or the water acidity sensor. Alternatively, one of the buoys 7 supports the wave sensor 29 and, where applicable, the current sensor 25, the temperature sensor 27, the oxygen sensor, the spectrophotometer, and / or the water acidity sensor.

[0054] In one embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 2], each buoy 7 comprises a wave sensor 29 and, where applicable, a current sensor 25, a temperature sensor 27, a spectrophotometer sensor, an oxygen sensor, and / or a water acidity sensor. More precise and localized sea state information is thus obtained. The controller 23 then adapts the commands sent to the various winches 7.

[0055] Alternatively, the installation 1 includes one or two common sensors for all the buoys 7, selected from a current sensor 25, a temperature sensor 27, and a wave sensor 29, while each buoy 7 individually includes the other sensor(s). For example, the installation 1 may include a single wave sensor 29 so as to allow the controller 23 to determine whether all the supports 5 and the shells 2 should be protected simultaneously in the event of a storm or heavy swell. Each buoy 7 may include a current sensor 25 and a temperature sensor 27 so as to allow the controller 23 to determine locally at what depth to place the shells 2 in calm weather.

[0056] It therefore appears that the current sensor 25, the temperature sensor 27, the wave sensor 29, the oxygen sensor, the water acidity sensor and the spectrophotometer sensor make it possible to acquire or determine sea state information, or sea state data, which can be used by the controller 23.

[0057] In one embodiment, the installation 1 includes a controller 231 for each buoy 7. The winch 17 of each buoy 7 can be individually controlled. The commands sent to the winches 17 can be shared or individual. Each winch 17 can be configured to vary the depth of the mooring line 3 at its connection point 9. The depth of the mooring line 3 can be adjusted locally based on sea state information.

[0058] The winches 17 can also be controlled in a coordinated manner. Each winch 17 is then configured to receive an identical command to those of the other winches 17. This makes it possible to obtain a uniform depth of the hawser 3.

[0059] In other words, the shellfish farming system can include a plurality of buoys operating autonomously. Each buoy can operate individually based on sea state information received from sensors associated with the buoy or received via a sea state information input. Each buoy can then locally vary the depth of the mooring line independently of the other buoys. Each buoy can vary the depth of the mooring line according to the maturity level of the shellfish. Each buoy can include its own energy source. Each buoy can thus operate independently, without intervention from the shellfish farmer.

[0060] Method for using the shellfish farming installation

[0061] During shellfish farming 2, the installation 1 is configured to vary the depth of the rope 3. It is advantageous to raise and lower the rope 3 in two main situations.

[0062] In the event of heavy swells or storms, the mooring line 3 is lowered to move the supports 5 away from sea level so as not to damage them. The further the supports 5 are from sea level during heavy swells, the less relative movement there is between the supports 5. This considerably reduces the risk of collision and therefore damage to the installation 1 and the shells 2.

[0063] If wave information exceeds a predetermined threshold, provided by the wave sensor 29 or by an external device, the controller 23 can send a command to the winches 17 to lower the mooring line 3 and move it away from sea level. When the wave information is below the predetermined threshold, the controller 23 can send a command to the winches 17 to raise the mooring line 3.

[0064] In calm weather, the controller 23 can control the operation of the winches 17 to position the mooring line 3 at a depth suitable for the development of shellfish 2. The depth is determined by the shellfish farmer, or based on sea state information. This sea state information is provided to the controller 23 by an external device or supplied where appropriate by current sensors 25, temperature sensors 27 or other sensors.

[0065] A shellfish farming installation according to the invention has been described. However, the invention also applies to seaweed farming installations. The supports are then suitable for receiving seaweed. Alternatively, the seaweed grows on the mooring line.

[0066] In other words, a shellfish farming line comprises a rope, or line, attached to floats by means of flexible links, such as a rope or cable. Cultivation ropes are attached to the line. Shellfish grow on these ropes. Each float includes a winch for winding the flexible link that connects it to the line. This winding raises or lowers the line, and therefore all the shellfish growing on the cultivation ropes and attached to the line. The winches are electrically powered, for example, by a solar panel. The winches are controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) that can determine the height at which the line should be based on water quality or agitation. The PLC receives information from various sensors that can be mounted directly on the line or nearby.

Claims

Demands

1. A shellfish farming and / or seaweed farming installation (1) comprising: - a plurality of buoys (7), - a mooring line (3), - a plurality of links (9) each connecting a respective buoy (7) to the mooring line (3), - a plurality of shellfish farming (5) and / or seaweed farming supports, each connected to the mooring line (3) and suitable for receiving shellfish (2) and / or seaweed, - at least two mooring blocks (15) each connected to one end of the mooring line (3) by a flexible link (16), forming an anchor, characterized in that the installation (1) comprises at least one power supply (19) and each buoy (7) comprises a winch (17), each link (9) being connected to the respective buoy (7) by attachment to the winch (17) of said buoy (7), which winch (17) is powered by the power supply (19) for winding and unwinding the tie (9) attached to it,the installation (1) further comprising at least one controller (23) arranged to control the winches (17) and configured to set in motion one or more winches (17) to raise or lower all or part of the hawser (3).

2. Installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein the power supply (19) comprises at least one renewable electrical power source and / or an electrical storage battery.

3. Installation (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each buoy comprises a controller (231) and a power supply (19).

4. Installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one controller (23) controls the winches (17) automatically based on information about ocean current, water temperature or swell, the information being real-time information or forecasts.

5. An installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the buoys (2) comprise at least one among a current sensor (25) configured to measure the speed of a water current and / or a direction of the current and to provide the measured data to at least one controller (23), a temperature sensor (27) configured to measure a water temperature as a function of depth, and to provide the measured data to the controller (23), a wave sensor (29), the wave sensor (29) being configured to measure, determine and provide to the controller (23) information on the height, period and direction of the wave.

6. Installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the links (9) have an unwound length of between 0.5 m and 100 m, preferably between 2 m and 50 m.

7. Installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the links (9) are fixed to the hawser (3) in a substantially constant manner, and spaced from 5 to 50 m, preferably from 10 to 20 m.

8. Installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rearing supports (5) are spaced from 0.2 m to 1 m, preferably from 0.5 m.

9. Installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each buoy (7) is self-contained.

10. A method of using an installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a shellfish and / or seaweed rearing step, said shellfish and / or seaweed rearing step comprising the operation of controlling the depth of the mooring line (3) based on sea state data and / or instructions received locally or remotely.

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