Marine forest block structure and seaweed bed reef equipped with marine forest block structure

Abstract

To provide a marine forest block structure that allows seaweed to flourish and grow even in areas with large tidal variations and can prevent feeding damage from algae-eating aquatic organisms.SOLUTION: A marine forest block structure 10 is capable of floating in the ocean below sea level to allow seaweed to flourish and grow, and is equipped with a seaweed bed base block 20 on whose upper surface a seaweed bed 21 that allows seaweed to flourish and grow is formed, a float 30 for floating the seaweed bed base block 20, and a mooring device 40 for floating the seaweed bed base block 20 in the ocean and mooring it to the seabed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a marine forest block structure for preserving and improving a marine forest where seaweed grows and develops, and a technique for providing a seaweed bed reef equipped with the marine forest block structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, seaweed beds and reefs for the growth of algae have been created by piling up natural rocks, or tetrapods, concrete blocks, and various concrete products, with natural stones placed between them, and various other ideas have been devised. Large algae include kelp, Eisenia bicolor, Ecklonia elegans, and Kurome, which form colonies of seaweed called underwater forests. These underwater forests are known as the "cradles" of the sea and are spawning grounds for fish and shellfish, as well as a barricade to protect farmed fish.

[0003] However, in recent years, seaweed has been disappearing from coastal waters around the country due to factors such as rising seawater temperatures caused by global warming. In addition, in areas with large tidal ranges, for example tidal ranges of about 3 meters, sunlight does not reach the seaweed at high tide sufficiently, making it difficult for the seaweed to photosynthesize. This has resulted in a dramatic decline in seaweed colonies (so-called underwater forests). Furthermore, the algae are dying out due to various reasons, such as damage caused by herbivorous fish and shellfish in the sea, resulting in a phenomenon known as "rocky shore denudation," in which the fish and shellfish that lived in the seaweed beds decline.

[0004] "Blue carbon" is attracting attention as a new method of absorbing carbon dioxide to prevent global warming, which can be said to be a direct or indirect cause of the rocky coastal desertification phenomenon. The term "blue carbon" was coined by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2009 and refers to carbon absorbed in marine ecosystems such as seaweed beds and shallow areas. Blue carbon ecosystems include seagrass beds, seaweed beds, salt marshes, tidal flats, and mangrove forests. Some of the carbon dioxide emitted onto the earth is photosynthesized in marine ecosystems and stored as organic carbon. On the other hand, organic carbon absorbed through photosynthesis in land forests is called green carbon. Furthermore, blue carbon has the ability to absorb and fix carbon at a rate equal to or greater than that of green carbon in forests.

[0005] However, as mentioned above, the seaweed communities, which are blue carbon ecosystems, have been severely damaged by the phenomenon of rocky shore denudation, resulting in a decline in the so-called blue carbon. As part of efforts to resolve this issue, it is necessary to restore and create lost seaweed beds in order to conserve and improve the blue carbon ecosystem.

[0006] In this regard, various methods and forms for creating underwater forests have been developed in the past. For example, the method of creating underwater forests in Patent Document 1 involves attaching seaweed seedlings to some of the columns of a construction structure consisting of multiple columns erected on a base, and then allowing seaweed to grow on the other columns via spores released from the seaweed seedlings. The seaweed seedlings that grow on these columns become nuclei and spread throughout the entire construction structure. Seaweed also grows luxuriantly around them.

[0007] In addition, in the underwater forest creation method described in Patent Document 2, multiple groups of creation structures, each consisting of a plurality of creation structures with seaweed seedlings attached, are formed at intervals from one another. A fishing area into which a fishing net can be inserted is formed between the seaweed beds formed by these creation structure groups. The columnar structures, each consisting of a column erected on a base and with seaweed seedlings attached, are arranged in multiple rows that are approximately perpendicular to the direction of the ocean current and approximately parallel to one another. This creates a good seaweed bed, ensuring stable reproduction of fish and shellfish, and is also arranged in a way that is suitable for fishing operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-69878 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2000-23593 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, construction structures are installed on the seabed, but the seabed is not necessarily flat and often has undulating elevations. In this case, the base of the construction structure is often installed at an incline, so the pillars installed vertically on the base are also inclined. In the above construction structures and construction structure groups, in order to promote the attachment and growth of seaweed spores on multiple or numerous pillars, it is important that each pillar is installed vertically. In fact, it requires a great deal of effort and equipment to flatten the seabed to a certain extent in order to install each pillar vertically.

[0010] In addition, the base and lower part of the pillars of the above construction structures may be buried by the accumulation of sand and mud on the seabed, which reduces seaweed growth by half. In this case, even if seaweed grows on the upper part of the pillars, it may be subject to damage by herbivorous fish and shellfish. Even if the pillars are installed, it is not necessarily sufficient to prevent damage by herbivorous fish and shellfish.

[0011] In addition, as mentioned above, in areas where the tidal changes are extreme due to global warming, sunlight does not reach the area sufficiently, especially at high tide, making it difficult for seaweed and other organisms to photosynthesize. However, conventional construction structures and groups of construction structures are unable to deal with this as they are installed on the seabed.

[0012] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides an underwater forest block structure that enables seaweed to flourish and grow even in sea areas where the tides are severe due to global warming, or regardless of the undulating state of the seabed, and that can prevent damage from being eaten by algae-eating fish and shellfish.

[0013] Furthermore, the project aims to provide seaweed beds within designated areas that will enable the cultivation of herbivorous fish and shellfish, thereby preserving and improving the blue carbon ecosystem and helping to combat global warming and revitalizing the declining fishing industry. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The invention described in claim 1 is an underwater forest block structure that can be floated in the ocean below sea level to allow seaweed to grow and thrive, characterized in that it comprises a seaweed bed base block having a seaweed bed formed on its upper surface for allowing seaweed to grow and thrive, a float that floats the seaweed bed base block, and a mooring device that floats the seaweed bed base block in the ocean and moored it to the seabed.

[0015] The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that the seaweed bed base block has an open-top hole for a seaweed bed formed on its upper surface, and peat mortar is placed inside this hole for the seaweed bed to allow seaweed to grow and flourish.

[0016] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that the seaweed bed base block is provided with a plurality of seaweed cartridge hole portions formed in parallel at appropriate intervals on the upper surface, and a seaweed cartridge with an opening on the upper surface that is inserted and removed from the seaweed cartridge hole portions and contains peat mortar for promoting the growth and cultivation of seaweed.

[0017] The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that a plurality of seaweed seed-bearing bodies having at least one of seaweed spores, juvenile bodies or mature bodies attached thereto are dispersed and placed in peat mortar.

[0018] The invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that the peat mortar is made by mixing peat containing organic acids effective for the growth and cultivation of seaweed with a cement solidification material.

[0019] The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that the seaweed bed base block has a support pillar that is inserted in the vertical direction at approximately the center of the upper surface, the support pillar extending downward from at least the underside of the seaweed bed base block, and the lower end of the support pillar connected to the mooring device.

[0020] The invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that the support pillars are made of a material having buoyancy.

[0021] The invention described in claim 8 is characterized in that the mooring device is configured by connecting the seaweed bed base block with a chain to an anchor block that has the function of fixing it to the seabed.

[0022] The invention described in claim 9 is a seaweed bed reef in which a plurality of underwater forest block structures are installed within a predetermined area, The underwater forest block structure is a structure that can be floated in the ocean below the sea surface to allow seaweed to grow and thrive, and is characterized by comprising a seaweed bed base block with a seaweed bed formed on its upper surface for seaweed to grow and thrive, a float that floats the seaweed bed base block, and a mooring device that floats the seaweed bed base block in the ocean and moors it to the seabed.

[0023] The invention described in claim 10 is characterized in that a fish cage is formed by surrounding the entire periphery of multiple underwater forest block structures within a specified area with fishing nets.

[0024] The invention described in claim 11 is characterized in that the multiple underwater forest block structures are arranged at intervals so that each seaweed bed base block does not come into contact with adjacent seaweed bed base blocks even when tilted at 30° to the perpendicular line passing through the connecting parts of the anchor blocks. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to claim 1 of the present invention, since a seaweed bed is formed underwater below sea level, even if the tides of seawater are large due to global warming, the depth from the sea surface can be adjusted to maintain a constant level so that sunlight always hits the seaweed. The depth of the seaweed bed base block from the sea surface can be adjusted by a mooring device. Therefore, seaweeds can reliably thrive and grow in the seaweed bed, which helps prevent coastal erosion. Furthermore, since the seaweed bed base block is moored by a mooring device and floats in the sea, damage caused by algae-eating fish and shellfish can be prevented. Furthermore, since algae-eating fish and shellfish can be fed from the thriving seaweed, it becomes possible to cultivate algae-eating fish and shellfish. Furthermore, since seaweeds grow and grow, it becomes possible to cultivate fish.

[0026] According to claim 2 of the present invention, the peat mortar becomes a seaweed bed for the luxuriant growth and cultivation of seaweed. After the luxuriant growth and cultivation of seaweed and the harvesting are repeated several times over a period of several years, the peat mortar needs to be replaced. However, since the seaweed bed is formed in the hole for the seaweed bed at the top opening, the peat mortar can be easily replaced from the sea, for example, by using a crane mounted on a ship.

[0027] According to claim 3 of the present invention, by inserting a plurality of seaweed cartridges into a plurality of seaweed cartridge holes, the peat mortar contained in each seaweed cartridge becomes a seaweed bed for growing and cultivating seaweed. After the seaweed is grown and harvested several times over a period of several years, the peat mortar needs to be replaced. At this time, each seaweed cartridge can be easily replaced with a new peat mortar by removing it from the seaweed cartridge hole and inserting a new seaweed cartridge into the seaweed cartridge hole. Furthermore, the seaweed cartridge removed from the seaweed cartridge hole can be used again after being replaced with a new peat mortar.

[0028] According to claim 4 of the present invention, a plurality of seaweed seedling-attached bodies are dispersed and put into peat mortar, so that the attachment and growth of seaweed is promoted by the spores, juveniles or mature bodies of seaweed that have already attached to the seaweed seedling-attached bodies.

[0029] According to claim 5 of the present invention, the peat mortar contains organic acids such as fulvic acid and humic acid, which are effective for seaweed, and can promote the growth and growth of seaweed. The organic acids mediate iron ions, which improve the growth of seaweed.

[0030] According to claim 6 of the present invention, the support pillar passes through approximately the center of the upper surface of the seaweed bed base block in the vertical direction and extends downward from the lower surface of the seaweed bed base block, so that the center of gravity of the entire structure is located below the seaweed bed base block. In addition, since the lower end of the support pillar is connected to the mooring device, the support pillar is constantly pulled downward. As a result, the upper surface of the seaweed bed base block is maintained in a stable state approximately parallel to the sea surface.

[0031] According to claim 7 of the present invention, when the support is made of wood, the wood itself has buoyancy, so that the seaweed bed base block floats. Furthermore, the wood itself energizes the fish.

[0032] According to claim 8 of the present invention, the anchor block can be easily installed at a predetermined position regardless of the unevenness of the seabed. By changing the connection point of the chain, the depth from the sea surface to the top surface of the seaweed bed base block can be easily adjusted. In addition, since the seaweed bed base block is connected by a chain, it is difficult for algae-eating fish and shellfish to climb the chain, so damage caused by them can be prevented.

[0033] According to claim 9 of the present invention, all of the multiple underwater forest block structures within a given area can achieve the same effect as that of claim 1, forming seaweed beds under the sea and ensuring the flourishing of seaweed. As a result, the blue carbon ecosystem can be preserved and improved, contributing to measures against global warming and revitalizing the declining fisheries industry.

[0034] According to claim 10 of the present invention, by using a net cage, it is possible to feed algae-eating fish and shellfish from the lushly growing seaweed, which makes it possible to cultivate algae-eating fish and shellfish. Also, since the seaweed grows and grows, it makes it possible to cultivate fish.

[0035] According to claim 11 of the present invention, even if the sea becomes rough due to weather, adjacent seaweed bed base blocks are less likely to collide with each other, thereby improving the durability of the underwater forest block structure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an entire marine forest block structure according to the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seaweed cartridge used in the marine forest block structure of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an entire marine forest block structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an entire marine forest block structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a seaweed bed reef according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Hereinafter, a marine forest block structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the underwater forest block structure 10 of this embodiment basically comprises a seaweed bed base block 20 having a seaweed bed 21 formed on its upper surface where seaweed grows and cultivates, a float 30 for floating the seaweed bed base block 20, and a mooring device 40 for floating the seaweed bed base block 20 in the sea and mooring it to the seabed.

[0038] 1 and 5, in the underwater forest block structure 10, the seaweed bed base block 20 floats due to the buoyancy of the float 30, but the mooring device 40 can keep the seaweed bed base block 20 floating in the sea at a certain depth below the sea surface. Therefore, the depth from the sea surface to the top surface of the seaweed bed base block 20 can be adjusted by the mooring device 40. A feature of the underwater forest block structure 10 of this embodiment is that the seaweed bed base block 20 allows seaweed to flourish and grow while floating in the sea below the sea surface.

[0039] The purpose of the seaweed bed base block 20 is basically to form a seaweed bed 21 for growing and cultivating seaweeds on the upper surface, and various forms can be devised for this purpose. For example, a hole for a seaweed bed that opens at the top can be formed on the upper surface of the seaweed bed base block 20, and peat mortar for growing and cultivating seaweeds can be placed inside this hole for a seaweed bed.

[0040] Therefore, the peat mortar provided on the upper surface of the seaweed bed base block 20 becomes the seaweed bed 21 where seaweed grows and develops. In the case of this embodiment, after the seaweed has grown and grown and been harvested several times over the course of several years, the peat mortar needs to be replaced, but because the seaweed bed 21 is formed in the hole for the seaweed bed in the top opening, the peat mortar can be replaced from the sea, for example, by a crane mounted on a ship.

[0041] Peat mortar is made by mixing peat, which contains organic acids that are effective for the growth and cultivation of seaweed, with a cement solidifying material. Therefore, peat mortar can promote the growth of seaweed because it contains organic acids such as fulvic acid and humic acid, which are effective for seaweed. The aforementioned organic acids mediate iron ions, which improve the growth of seaweed. In addition, organic acids generate negative ions when mediating iron ions to seaweed, and these negative ions contribute to purifying seawater. In addition, peat mortar contains proteins that are effective against plankton, and these bind with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) ions and are absorbed by the plankton. Phytoplankton also contribute to the growth of zooplankton. Furthermore, since peat mortar weighs only about 1.1 kg / L and is easy to handle, it is possible to replace the peat mortar from a small boat.

[0042] In another embodiment of the underwater forest block structure 10, as shown in Fig. 1, a plurality of holes 22,...,22 for seaweed cartridges are formed in parallel at appropriate intervals on the upper surface of a seaweed bed base block 20. In this embodiment, the cross section is circular, but it may be rectangular or another cross section shape, and is not particularly limited.

[0043] Furthermore, the multiple seaweed cartridges 23,...,23 are formed so that they can be inserted and removed into the multiple seaweed cartridge holes 22,...,22, and each seaweed cartridge 23,...,23 is a cylindrical container with an opening at the top, and contains peat mortar 21a which allows seaweed to grow and flourish. It is preferable that each of the seaweed cartridges 23, 23 is formed to be compatible with any of the seaweed cartridge holes 22, 22. It is preferable that the seaweed cartridge holes 22 and the seaweed cartridges 23 have a circular cross section because they can be easily processed to be compatible, but there is no particular limitation on the cross-sectional shape of these.

[0044] Each of the seaweed cartridges 23 will now be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 2, the seaweed cartridge 23 is a cylindrical container with an open top, and contains peat mortar 21a for growing and cultivating seaweed. In the peat mortar 21a, eight steel bars 23a, 23a for seaweed survival are inserted deeply into the bottom of the seaweed cartridge 23 at appropriate intervals in Fig. 2. The steel bars 23a, 23a for seaweed survival are seaweed seedling attachment bodies to which spores, young bodies or mature bodies of seaweed are attached in advance. Therefore, the spores, young bodies or mature bodies of seaweed that have been previously attached to each of the steel bars 23a, . . . , 23a for seaweed attachment are dispersed and thrown into the peat mortar 21a, which further promotes the attachment and growth of the seaweed.

[0045] The seaweed seed attachment body is not limited to the material and shape of the steel bar 23a for seaweed survival. For example, it may be in the shape of a rod, a plate, a chip, a small piece, a long piece, or other shapes. The material is not limited to steel, and it may be other metals, wood, or other materials.

[0046] 2, the seaweed cartridge 23 has a hook portion 23b formed at the approximate center of the circular upper opening, which protrudes upward from the surface of the peat mortar 21a. For example, the hook portion 23b is a U-shaped rod, and the U-shaped end of the hook portion 23b is fixed to the bottom of the seaweed cartridge 23. When the seaweed cartridge 23 is pulled out from the seaweed cartridge hole 22, it can be easily pulled out by hooking the lifting hook to the hook portion 23b. Conversely, the seaweed cartridge 23 can be transported by hooking the lifting hook to the hook portion 23b and inserted into the desired seaweed cartridge hole 22.

[0047] The present inventors have produced cylindrical seaweed cartridges 23 of four different sizes, types A, B, C, and D, as embodiments of the seaweed cartridge 23. Type A has a diameter of 12 cm and a height of 15 cm. Type B has a diameter of 18 cm and a height of 15 cm. Type C has a diameter of 12 cm and a height of 30 cm. Type D has a diameter of 18 cm and a height of 30 cm. Of the above, it was found that the 30 cm high cylindrical type (Types C and D) can dissolve the peat inside the seaweed cartridge 23. By setting the size as above, it is possible to match the size of the seaweed spores to be embedded and the size of the seaweed when grown, and it also becomes easier to release the mixed ingredients.

[0048] As a result of the above, by inserting multiple seaweed cartridges 23,...,23 into multiple seaweed cartridge holes 22,...,22, the peat mortar 21a,...,21a contained in each seaweed cartridge 23,...,23 becomes a seaweed bed 21 where seaweed can flourish and grow. After the seaweed has been grown and harvested several times over the course of several years, the peat mortar 21a, . . . , 21a must be replaced. At this time, the seaweed cartridge 23 can be easily removed from the seaweed cartridge hole 22. Furthermore, by inserting a new seaweed cartridge 23 into the seaweed cartridge hole 22, the peat mortar 21a can be easily replaced with a new one. Furthermore, the seaweed cartridge 23 removed from the seaweed cartridge hole 22 can be reused after being replaced with a new peat mortar 21a.

[0049] Next, the floating body 30 will be described in detail. The float 30 need only provide buoyancy to float the seaweed bed base block 20. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the float 30 is made of polystyrene foam 31, and is attached so that buoyancy is transmitted to the entire underside of the seaweed bed base block 20. The float 30 is approximately the same size as the underside of the seaweed bed base block 20, and has a sufficient thickness to obtain the necessary buoyancy. Polystyrene foam 31 is easy to mold, making it desirable in that it can be easily adapted to the shape and size of the seaweed bed base block 20.

[0050] In this embodiment, a support 24 is attached to the seaweed bed base block 20 at approximately the center of the top surface of the block. In other words, a support hole 25 is formed in both the seaweed bed base block 20 and the float 30, and the support 24 is inserted into the support hole 25. The upper end of the support 24 protrudes upward from the top surface of the seaweed bed base block 20, and a stopper hole 24a is formed in this protruding portion, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support 24. A stopper 24b that engages with the top surface of the seaweed bed base block 20 is inserted into the stopper hole 24a. The lower end of the support 24 extends downward from the bottom surface of the seaweed bed base block 20, and the lower end of the support 24 is connected to the mooring device 40.

[0051] As described above, because the support pillars 24 pass vertically through approximately the center of the upper surface of the seaweed bed base block 20 and extend downward from the lower surface of the seaweed bed base block 20, the center of gravity of the entire structure is located below the seaweed bed base block 20. Moreover, because the lower ends of the support pillars 24 are connected to the mooring devices 40, a downward pulling force is always applied to the support pillars 24. Meanwhile, the buoyancy of the seaweed bed base block 20 is suppressed by the stoppers 24b on the upper ends of the support pillars 24. For these reasons, the upper surface of the seaweed bed base block 20 is maintained in a stable state approximately parallel to the sea surface.

[0052] It is desirable for the support 24 to be made of a material that has buoyancy, but this is not a limitation. For example, if the support 24 is made of wood, the wood itself has buoyancy, which contributes to floating the seaweed bed base block 20. Furthermore, wood itself is desirable because it energizes fish. In this embodiment, oak trees are used for the support 24. Oak trees contain unique components that allow shipworms to breed, and these shipworms become food for fish.

[0053] The seaweed bed base block 20 described above has the lower ends of the struts 24 connected to the mooring device 40, but is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the struts 24 do not have to be used, and the float 30 may be of another embodiment. Furthermore, the seaweed bed base block 20 can be connected to the mooring device 40 at approximately the center of the lower end, or at any multiple points. Alternatively, it can be connected to the mooring device 40 in other embodiments. However, in any of the above cases, it is necessary to maintain a stable state in which the upper surface of the seaweed bed base block 20 is approximately parallel to the sea surface.

[0054] Further, other embodiments of the floating body 30 will be described. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the floating body 30 is a float 32 made of a sealed steel pipe. This float 32 is attached and fixed so as to surround the outer periphery of the side of the seaweed bed base block 20. Although an integrated float 32 is shown in FIG. 3, separate floats 32 can be attached to each side of the seaweed bed base block 20. In addition, by adjusting the volume inside the float 32, sufficient buoyancy according to the seaweed bed base block 20 can be obtained, and the whole structure becomes compact. Moreover, the steel pipe has sufficient strength to withstand large impacts such as tidal currents, and therefore protects the seaweed bed base block 20 from various impacts. The material and shape of the float 32 may be other forms and are not particularly limited.

[0055] In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the float 30 is a plastic sphere 33. A plurality of plastic spheres 33,...,33 are attached at appropriate intervals along the outer periphery of the upper part of the seaweed bed base block 20. In this embodiment, eight hooks 33a,...,33a are provided at appropriate intervals along the outer periphery of the upper surface of the seaweed bed base block 20, and the eight plastic spheres 33,...,33 are connected to each of the hooks 33a,...,33a by connecting members such as chains 33b,...,33b.

[0056] These plastic spheres 33 are inexpensive, and the number of plastic spheres 33 can be increased or decreased depending on the size and weight of the seaweed bed base block 20. Furthermore, even if one sphere 33 is damaged by some kind of impact, it can be covered by the other spheres 33, ..., 33, and the damaged sphere 33 can be easily replaced. The material and shape of the spheres 33 may be other forms and are not particularly limited.

[0057] Next, the mooring device 40 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the mooring device 40 of this embodiment has a configuration in which the seaweed bed base block 20 is connected by a chain 42 to an anchor block 41 that has a function of fixing the block to the seabed. The anchor block 41 is a block that has the role of transmitting the anchor block 41 so as to be almost fixed to the seabed. In Fig. 1, the method of connecting the seaweed bed base block 20 and the anchor block 41 with a chain 42 is as follows: one end of the chain 42 is connected to the hook portion 41a of the anchor block 41 via a shackle 43, and a hook portion 24c is provided at the lower end of the support 24 attached to the seaweed bed base block 20, and the other end of the chain 42 is connected to the hook portion 24c via the shackle 43.

[0058] Therefore, the anchor block 41 can be easily installed at a predetermined position regardless of the unevenness of the seabed. In other words, even if the anchor block 41 tilts or even lies on its side due to the unevenness of the seabed, it has no effect on the function of the seaweed bed foundation block 20 because it is connected by the chain 42. Also, by changing the connection point of the chain 42, the depth from the sea surface to the top surface of the seaweed bed foundation block 20 can be easily adjusted. Also, because the seaweed bed foundation block 20 is connected by the chain 42, it is difficult for the herbivorous fish and shellfish 51 to climb the chain 42, so feeding damage can be prevented.

[0059] Next, the overall function of the above-mentioned marine forest block structure 10 will be described. The marine forest block structure 10 of this embodiment forms a seaweed bed 21 underwater below sea level as shown in Figures 1 to 5, so that even if the tides of seawater are large due to global warming, the depth from the sea surface can be adjusted to maintain a constant level so that the seaweed is always exposed to sunlight. This is because the depth of the seaweed bed base block 20 from the sea surface can be adjusted by the mooring device 40 as described above. As a result, the seaweed grows and flourishes in the seaweed bed 21, forming the underwater forest 11.

[0060] In addition, since the seaweed bed base block 20 is moored by a mooring device 40 and floated in the sea, damage caused by seaweed-eating fish and shellfish 51 can be prevented.

[0061] Therefore, it is possible to restore the seaweed colonies (underwater forests 11) that are on the verge of depletion due to the rocky shore denudation phenomenon, and since the lushly grown seaweed can be used to feed herbivorous fish and shellfish 51 living on the seabed, it becomes possible to cultivate the herbivorous fish and shellfish 51. In addition, since the seaweed flourishes, it becomes possible to cultivate fish 52. As a result, it is possible to have the seaweed colonies (underwater forests 11) absorb a large amount of blue carbon, and to contribute to revitalizing the fishing industry through the cultivation of seaweed, sea urchins, and fish 52.

[0062] Next, the seaweed bed reef of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The seaweed bed reef 1 of this embodiment is formed by installing a plurality of underwater forest block structures 10 of this embodiment within a predetermined area, as shown in Fig. 5. All of the plurality of underwater forest block structures 10,...,10 within the predetermined area can provide the same effects as described above, so the seaweed bed reef 1 is formed in the sea below sea level, and seaweeds grow and prosper, forming underwater forests 11,...,10. As a result, the seaweed bed reef 1 of this embodiment forms a so-called "seaweed forest" with underwater forests 11, ..., 10 in a profusion, which contributes to preserving and improving the blue carbon ecosystem and to combating global warming and revitalizing the declining fishing industry.

[0063] The above-mentioned multiple underwater forest block structures 10,...,10 can be arranged so that each seaweed bed base block 20,...,20 does not come into contact with adjacent seaweed bed base blocks 20,...,20 even when tilted at 30° with respect to a perpendicular line passing through the connecting portions (hook portions 41a) of the anchor blocks 41,...,41. As a result, even if the sea becomes rough due to weather, adjacent seaweed bed base blocks 20,...,20 are less likely to collide with each other, improving the durability of each marine forest block structure 10,...,10.

[0064] Furthermore, the seaweed bed reef 1 of this embodiment can form a fish cage 2 in which a plurality of underwater forest block structures 10, . . . , 10 within a predetermined area are entirely surrounded by a fishing net 3. As a result, the lushly growing seaweed can be used to feed the phytophagous fish and shellfish 51, making it possible to cultivate the phytophagous fish and shellfish 51. In addition, the lushly growing seaweed forms underwater forests 11, . . . , 10, making it possible to cultivate fish 52. [Industrial Applicability]

[0065] The present invention has applicability in a wide range of fields related to the conservation and improvement of seaweed communities (underwater forests), which are blue carbon ecosystems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1 Seaweed beds 2 Fish farms 3 fishing net 10 Underwater forest block structure 11 Underwater forest 20 Seaweed Bed Base Block 21 Seaweed Bed 21a Peat mortar 22 Seaweed cartridge hole 23 Seaweed cartridge 23a Steel bar for seaweed attachment (seaweed seedling attachment body) 23b Hook part 24 Support 24a Stopper hole 24b Stopper 24c Hook section 25 Post hole section 30 Floating body 31 Styrofoam 32 Float (steel pipe) 33 Plastic sphere 33a Hook 33b Chain 40 Mooring device 41 Anchor block 41a Hook part 42 Chain 43 Shackle 51 Herbivorous fish and shellfish 52 Fish

Claims

1. An underwater forest block structure that can be floated underwater under the sea surface and used to grow seaweed, A seaweed bed base block having a seaweed bed formed on its upper surface for growing and cultivating seaweed; A float for floating the seaweed bed base block; A mooring device that floats the seaweed bed base block in the sea and moor it to the seabed; A marine forest block structure comprising:

2. The underwater forest block structure described in claim 1, characterized in that the seaweed bed base block has an open-top hole for a seaweed bed formed on its upper surface, and peat mortar for growing and cultivating seaweed is placed inside this hole for the seaweed bed.

3. The seaweed bed base block is A plurality of seaweed cartridge holes formed in parallel at appropriate intervals on the upper surface; A seaweed cartridge having an open top and containing peat mortar for growing seaweed, which is inserted and removed into the seaweed cartridge hole; The marine forest block structure according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The underwater forest block structure described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the seaweed bed base block is formed by dispersing a plurality of seaweed seedling-attached bodies having at least one of seaweed spores, juvenile bodies or mature bodies attached thereto into peat mortar.

5. 5. The underwater forest block structure according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the peat mortar is made by mixing peat containing organic acids effective for the growth and cultivation of seaweed with a cement solidification material.

6. The underwater forest block structure described in claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the seaweed bed base block has a support pillar inserted in the vertical direction at approximately the center of its upper surface, the support pillar extending downward from at least the underside of the seaweed bed base block, and the lower end of the support pillar connected to the mooring device.

7. The underwater forest block structure according to claim 6, characterized in that the support columns are made of a material having buoyancy.

8. 2. The underwater forest block structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the mooring device is configured by connecting the seaweed bed base block with a chain to an anchor block equipped with a function of fixing the block to the seabed.

9. A seaweed bed reef in which a plurality of underwater forest block structures are installed within a specified area, The underwater forest block structure is The structure allows seaweed to flourish and grow by floating underwater. A seaweed bed base block having a seaweed bed formed on its upper surface for growing and cultivating seaweed; A float for floating the seaweed bed base block; A mooring device that floats the seaweed bed base block in the sea and moor it to the seabed; A seaweed bed reef characterized by comprising:

10. The seaweed bed reef according to claim 9, characterized in that a fish cage is formed by surrounding a plurality of underwater forest block structures in a predetermined area entirely with a fishing net.

11. The seaweed bed reef described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the multiple underwater forest block structures are arranged at intervals so that each seaweed bed base block does not come into contact with an adjacent seaweed bed base block even if it is tilted at 30° to a perpendicular line passing through the connection part of the anchor blocks.

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