Submerged container for fish

Abstract

A facility (1) for farming fish, the facility (1) comprising a number of enclosed containers (2) configured to be submerged throughout the growth cycle of the fish, a frame structure (3) configured to hold the containers (2), a foundation (4) for the frame structure (3) configured to rest on a seabed (9), a number of buoyant bodies (33) configured to raise at least a portion of the frame structure (3) in a water column (90), a feed supply system (6) for feeding the containers (2), and a water supply system (5) for the containers (2).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a facility for farming fish. More particularly, the invention relates to a facility comprising closed containers. The containers rest on the seabed via a frame structure. The fish are farmed in the closed containers and the containers are kept submerged substantially throughout the growth cycle of the fish. The containers may be provided with means to allow each one to be raised in the water column independently of the other containers. The facility may be provided with closed facilities for collecting and disposing of dead fish, uneaten feed, waste and other debris from the containers.

[0002] Traditionally, fish, particularly salmoniformes, are farmed in cages floating on the water surface. Each cage comprises a container made of a net. The container is closed so that the fish cannot escape from the container. The container is open so that water can permeate through the container. Such cages are of relatively simple construction. A drawback is that the fish in the cage are exposed to parasites, such as salmon lice, which are carried along with the water. Such cages are exposed to waves and wind and are therefore located in relatively protected areas along coastlines.

[0003] It is known to use closed cages that float on the water surface. Such cages are closed with liquid-resistant walls and bottom, thereby preventing the parasites from washing up on the fish. Such cages are supplied with fresh, oxygenated water through a pipe that takes in water from below the depth at which the parasites are expected to reside. Such closed cages are also exposed to waves and wind.

[0004] It is also known to use cages that can be lowered completely below the water level, so that they are lowered below the waves and are not affected by waves or wind. Such cages are formed by a net that surrounds the cage. They can be submerged by being secured to the seabed via wires or other cables and by a winch or equivalent mechanism that raises and lowers the cage in the water column. Salmoniformes are so-called tracheobrachian fishes, with an open tube between their throat and their swim bladder. If the cage is planned to be submerged for long periods of time, an air pocket must be provided at the top of the cage for the salmoniformes to draw in air. Such cages are open to allow water to pass through the cage. The cage is lowered to a depth where the water is expected to be free of parasites. In such cages, there is usually a possibility of retrieving dead fish from a central funnel at the bottom of the cage. There is a limited possibility of collecting uneaten feed, excrement and other debris. Some of this is carried with the water that flows out of the cage.

[0005] Farming of fish in land-based facilities is also known. Land-based facilities avoid problems with waterborne parasites, bad weather, and the lack of air for the salmonids. Land-based facilities require huge investments and rely on advanced cleaning techniques to maintain the quality of the water that is recirculated within the facility. Land-based facilities have multiple large pumps to move all the water in the tanks.

[0006] The present invention aims to ameliorate or reduce at least one of the disadvantages in the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the prior art. This object is achieved by the features defined in the following specification and in the claims that follow.

[0007] The present invention relates to a facility for farming fish that combines the advantages of enclosed and submerged cages, but is not dependent on purified water as are land-based facilities. According to the invention, the facility comprises a number of closed containers for cultivating fish. These containers are fully submerged and rest on the seabed through a frame structure, which holds the containers. The containers are supplied with water from the surroundings near the seabed, and this water is free of parasites, as in the closed cage method. Another advantage is that the water temperature is more stable throughout the year compared to surface water. The water is pumped through the containers. Since the water is not raised, less energy is consumed. The water is not recirculated as in land-based facilities. The water leaving the containers flows into a closed waste treatment system, where it may be purified before entering the receiver. In one embodiment, the containers are supplied with air and feed through a hose from the shore. In this embodiment, the waste treatment system may include a hose to the shore. This allows for a hidden fish farming underwater and does not interfere with maritime traffic.

[0008] The invention more particularly relates to a facility for farming fish, comprising a number of enclosed containers configured to be submerged throughout the growth cycle of the fish, a frame structure configured to hold the containers, a foundation for the frame structure, the foundation being configured to rest on the seabed, a number of buoyant bodies configured to raise at least a portion of the frame structure in a water column, a feed supply system for feeding the containers, and a water supply system for the containers.

[0009] At least one of the containers in the upper portion may be provided with a dome configured to enclose an air pocket, and the facility may include a gas supply system connected to the dome, the gas supply system configured to replenish the air pocket with air or oxygen-containing gas as air in the air pocket is consumed by the fish in the container.

[0010] The lower part of the frame structure may form the foundation. The frame structure may rest directly on the seabed. The frame structure may surround the lower part of the vessel and may protect this part from contact with the seabed.

[0011] In one embodiment, the foundation may be connected to a lower portion of the leg. The facility may include a plurality of legs. The frame structure may be displaceably connected to the legs. A portion of the leg may protrude above the water surface.

[0012] In one embodiment, the frame structure may comprise a lower frame structure and a higher frame structure. The lower frame structure and the higher frame structure may be independently displaceable along the legs. The at least one container may be adapted to be releasably attached to the higher frame structure and to be releasably attached to the lower frame structure. The container may be releasably attached to both the higher frame structure and the lower frame structure.

[0013] The buoyant body may be configured to raise the frame structure in the water column so that an upper portion of the container protrudes above the water surface. The buoyant body may be configured to raise the upper frame structure in the water column so that an upper portion of the container protrudes above the water surface. This has the advantage that the container can be accessed from a boat and handled without the use of diving equipment.

[0014] The facility may include a waste treatment system with a main drain from an outlet at the bottom of the vessel, which has the advantage that the facility collects all discharge from the vessel and conveys it to a treatment facility, and as the waste treatment system is a closed facility it is capable of treating both particulate waste and dissolved waste.

[0015] In the following, examples of preferred embodiments are described which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a facility for farming fish according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] A side view of the facility shown in Figure 1 is shown. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a facility for farming fish in an alternative embodiment, shown to the same scale as FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is the same as FIG. 3 but showing some of the containers for cultivating fish in a raised position. [Diagram 5] This is an enlarged top view of the facility shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] 2 illustrates a side view of the facility shown in FIG. 1 as connected to a land station in one embodiment. [Figure 7] 2 illustrates a top view of the facility shown in FIG. 1 as connected to a land station in one embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a side view of a facility connected to a land station in an alternative embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 shows a top view of the facility as it is connected to a land station in an alternative embodiment. [Figure 10] 9 shows a side view of the long side of the facility shown in FIG. 8 connected to a floating platform in an alternative embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the short side of the facility shown in FIG. 8 connected to a floating platform in an alternative embodiment. [Figure 12] 9 illustrates a top view of the facility shown in FIG. 8 connected to a floating platform in an alternative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] All position indications refer to the positions shown in the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are designated with the same reference numerals, although for clarity, some elements may not have reference numerals in some drawings.

[0018] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are merely schematic diagrams, and the relative proportions of the individual elements may also vary. In the drawings, reference number 1 indicates a facility for farming fish. The facility 1 comprises a number of enclosed containers 2 and a frame structure 3 configured to hold the containers 2. The facility 1 also comprises a foundation 4 configured to rest on the seabed 9. The frame structure 3 is provided with a number of buoyant bodies 33. The buoyant bodies 33 are configured to raise or lower at least one part 31 of the frame structure 3 in a water column 90. The facility 1 includes a water supply system 5 and a feed supply system 6.

[0019] In some embodiments, the facility 1 may include a waste treatment system 7. In some embodiments, the facility 1 may include a gas supply system 8. A first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The facility 1 is shown with eight sealed vessels 2 attached to a frame structure 3. In top view, the frame structure 3 is formed in a rectangular shape, as shown in Figure 5. The frame structure 3 is provided with guides 35 at the four corners, which are attached to the frame structure 3. The guides 35 surround legs 41. The legs 41 are connected at their lower parts 40 to a foundation 4, which rests on the seabed 9, as shown in Figure 2. The legs 41 are shown as a lattice structure with a triangular cross section. See Figure 5. In an alternative embodiment, the legs 41 may be formed as a lattice structure with a rectangular cross section, such as a column or a pylon. The frame structure 3 with the guides 35 is configured to displace up and down along the legs 41. The frame structure 3 and / or the guides 35 are provided with a locking mechanism (not shown) for locking the frame structure 3 to the legs 41 at a desired depth.

[0020] The buoyant bodies 33 are shown in one embodiment in Figures 1 and 2. The buoyant bodies 33 are attached to the guides 35 at the lower portion 350 of the guides 35. The buoyant bodies 33 may have a constant positive buoyancy. The buoyant bodies 33 may have a variable positive buoyancy. The buoyant bodies 33 may be configured to be filled with ballast, such as seawater, and with a gas, such as air. Some of the buoyant bodies 33 may be configured to have a constant buoyancy and some of the buoyant bodies 33 may be configured to be filled with ballast or gas.

[0021] The legs 41 may be long enough so that the top portion 49 projects above the water surface 99, as shown in Figures 2-4. In the figures, the container 2 is shown as a container 2 with a square cross section in top view. See in particular FIG. 5. In alternative embodiments, the container 2 may be formed with a circular cross section or a rectangular cross section (not shown). The cross section may also be formed in a polygonal shape such as a hexagon or octagon (not shown). The container 2 is shown as a liquid-resistant container 21 having liquid-resistant walls 22. The container 2 is provided with a conical bottom 23 and a closed roof 24. The central portion of the roof 24 is formed with a dome portion 25.

[0022] The operations center 10 is shown located within one of the legs 41 and above the water surface 99. The operations center 10 may include a control module, a dwell module, and a power module, such as an assembly for producing electrical energy.

[0023] The water supply system 5 comprises at least one pump 51, which takes in water from the water column 90. On its conveying side, the pump 51 is connected to a water distribution 52, which is provided with an inlet 53 for each vessel 2, which is advantageously arranged in the top 29 or in the roof 24 of the vessel 2. The water leaves the vessel 2 through an outlet 26 at the bottom 23. The water distribution 51 comprises several pipes 55 which together form a main pipe 56 and a branch pipe 57, see in particular FIG. 5. To ensure the supply of water to each vessel 2, the main pipe 56 is divided into two.

[0024] The feed supply system 6 comprises one or more feed silos 61. The feed silos 61 are shown positioned within one of the legs 41. As shown in FIG. 2, the vessel 11 may feed the feed silos 61 in a known manner. (More here.) The feed supply system 6 includes a feed line 63. Each bin 2 is provided with a feed opening 65 in the roof 24 so that feed is supplied to each bin 2 through the feed line 63. The feed is distributed into the interior of the bins 2 in at least one feed spreader (not shown).

[0025] Each vessel 2 is connected at its bottom 23 to a waste treatment system 7 in a liquid-tight manner via an outlet 26, which discharges into a liquid-tight main drain 71, as shown in Figs. 2 to 4. The main drain 71 is configured to carry water, waste, leftover food, other debris and dead fish to a treatment tank 73, which is shown external to one of the legs 41. Treated waste flows from the treatment tank 73 to one or more storage tanks 75, which are shown positioned internally to one of the legs 41. A vessel (not shown) may empty the contents of the storage tanks 75. The water supply system 5 creates an overpressure in each vessel 2. The overpressure causes the water, waste, leftover food and other debris to flow through the main drain 71 to the treatment tank 71.

[0026] The gas supply system 8 comprises one or more gas tanks 81. The gas tanks 81 are shown arranged inside one of the legs 41. The vessel 11 may supply gas to the gas tanks 81 in a known manner, as shown in FIG. 2. The gas may be an oxygen-containing gas. The gas supply system 8 comprises gas lines 83. The gas lines 83 are connected to the gas tanks 83 in a gas-resistant manner. The gas lines 83 branch out and supply gas to each of the domes 25. In an alternative embodiment, the gas supply system 8 includes a compressor (not shown) that takes in air from the surroundings and supplies air to each of the domes 25 via the gas lines 83.

[0027] A second embodiment of the invention is shown in figures 3 and 4. The facility 1 is shown with eight sealed containers 2 attached to a frame structure 3. In top view, the frame structure 3 is formed in a rectangular shape, as shown in figure 5. For ease of understanding, the reference numbers of most of the technical features that are the same as in the embodiment according to figures 1 and 2 have been omitted. The frame structure 3 is divided into a lower frame structure 300 and an upper frame structure 390. The lower frame structure 300 is provided with guides 35a attached to the frame structure 300 at its four corners. The guides 35a surround the legs 41. The upper frame structure 390 is provided with guides 35b attached to the frame structure 300 at its four corners. The guides 35b surround the legs 41. The lower frame structure 300 with the guides 35a is configured to be displaced up and down along the legs 41. The upper frame structure 390 with the guides 35b is configured to displace up and down along the legs 41. The lower frame structure 300 and / or the guides 35a are provided with a locking mechanism (not shown) for locking the lower frame structure 300 to the legs 41 at a desired depth. The upper frame structure 390 and / or the guides 35b are provided with a locking mechanism (not shown) for locking the upper frame structure 390 to the legs 41 at a desired depth.

[0028] The buoyant bodies 33 are attached to the guides 35a at the lower portion 350a of the guides 35a. The buoyant bodies 33 may have a constant positive buoyancy. The buoyant bodies 33 may have a variable positive buoyancy. The buoyant bodies 33 may be configured to be filled with ballast, such as seawater, and with a gas, such as air. Some of the buoyant bodies 33 may be configured to have a constant buoyancy and some of the buoyant bodies 33 may be configured to be filled with ballast or with a gas. The buoyant bodies 33 are attached to the guides 35b.

[0029] The lower frame structure 300 is configured to be releasably connected to each of the containers 2. The upper frame structure 390 is configured to be releasably connected to each of the containers 2. Each of the containers 2 is configured to be selectively releasably attached to the lower frame structure 300, or to the upper frame structure 390, or to both the lower frame structure 300 and the upper frame structure 390. To allow vertical displacement of the containers 2, the branch pipe 57 of the water supply system 5, the feed line 63, the outlet 26 to the main drain pipe 71, and the gas line 83 are all configured with connections (not shown) to each of the containers 2. The connections are configured to seal if the connections are separated. The connections are configured to connect or separate when one part of the connection is vertically displaced relative to another part of the connection.

[0030] A third embodiment of the facility 1 is shown in Figures 6 and 7. The facility 1 of this third embodiment comprises a vessel 2, a frame structure 3 with guides 35, a buoyant body 33, legs 41 and a water supply system 5 as described in the first embodiment. The facility 1 includes an operation centre 100 at the coast 12 which supplies food and gas to the facility 1. The operation centre 100 receives waste from the facility 1.

[0031] The feed supply system 6 includes a feed silo (not shown) on the coast 12, a feed and water mixing system, and a feed supply line 67 from the mixing system to the facility 1. The feed supply line 67 is connected to the feed line 63 in the facility 1.

[0032] The waste treatment system 7 includes a tank (not shown) at the shore 12 for receiving water, waste, leftover food, and other debris from the facility 1. The waste treatment system 7 includes a water distribution pipe 77 from the facility 1 to the shore 12. The water distribution pipe 77 is connected to a main drain pipe 71 at the facility 1.

[0033] The gas supply system 8 comprises a gas tank (not shown) on shore 12. The gas supply system 8 comprises a gas pipe 87 from shore 12 to facility 1. The gas pipe 87 is connected to a gas line 83 at facility 1. In an alternative embodiment, the gas supply system 8 includes a compressor (not shown) that takes in air from the surroundings and supplies compressed air to the gas pipe 87.

[0034] The facility 1 is supplied with electrical energy from the shore 12 through a cable 17. The cable 17 comprises a conductor for the electrical energy, a signal cable for transmitting control signals to the facility 1, and a signal cable for receiving signals from sensors (not shown) in the facility 1.

[0035] A fourth embodiment of the facility 1 is not shown. The facility 1 of this fourth embodiment comprises the vessel 2, the lower frame structure 300 with guides 35a, the upper frame structure 390 with guides 35b, the buoyant body 33, the legs 41 and the water supply system 5 as described in the second embodiment. The fourth embodiment comprises an operation center 100 on the coast 12 as described in the third embodiment. The operation center provides feed and gas to the facility 1. The operation center 100 receives waste from the facility 1. The facility 1 comprises a feed supply line 67, a water pipe 77, a gas pipe 87 and a cable 17 as described in the third embodiment.

[0036] A fifth embodiment of the facility 1 is shown in Figures 8 and 9. The facility 1 of this fifth embodiment comprises a frame structure 3 resting fixedly on the seabed 9. The lower part 30 of the frame structure 3 surrounds the conical bottom 23 of the vessel 2, the outlet 26 and the main drainage pipe 71. In this embodiment, the lower part 30 forms the foundation 4 of the facility 1. The facility 1 comprises a number of mooring lines 13 attached at a first end to the frame structure 3 and attached at a second, opposite end to an anchor 14.

[0037] The frame structure 3 is provided with buoyant bodies 33. The buoyant bodies 33 are attached to an upper portion 39 of the frame structure 3. The buoyant bodies 33 may have a constant positive buoyancy. The buoyant bodies 33 may have a variable positive buoyancy. The buoyant bodies 33 may be configured to be filled with ballast, such as seawater, and with a gas, such as air. Some of the buoyant bodies 33 may be configured to have a constant buoyancy and some of the buoyant bodies 33 may be configured to be filled with ballast or with a gas.

[0038] The water supply system 5 comprises at least one pump 51. The pump 51 takes in water from the water column 90. The water supply system 5 is formed in the same manner as described in the first embodiment and comprises a water distribution section 52, an inlet 53 for each container 2, a number of pipes 55 and an outlet 26 at the bottom 23.

[0039] As described in the first embodiment, the feed supply system 6 includes a feed supply line 63 in the facility 1. The feed supply system 6 includes a feed silo (not shown) on the coast 12, a feed and water mixing system, and a feed supply line 67 from the mixing system to the facility 1. The feed supply line 67 is connected to the feed line 63 in the facility 1.

[0040] The waste treatment system 7 includes a tank (not shown) at the shore 12 for receiving water, waste, leftover food, and other debris from the facility 1. The waste treatment system 7 includes a water distribution pipe 77 from the facility 1 to the shore 12. The water distribution pipe 77 is connected to a main drain pipe 71 at the facility 1.

[0041] The gas supply system 8 comprises a gas tank (not shown) on the shore 12. The gas supply system 8 comprises a gas pipe 87 from the shore 12 to the facility 1. The gas pipe 87 is connected to a gas line 83 at the facility 1 as described in the first embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, the gas supply system 8 includes a compressor (not shown) that takes in air from the surroundings and supplies compressed air to the gas pipe 87.

[0042] The facility 1 is supplied with electrical energy from the shore 12 through a cable 17. The cable 17 comprises a conductor for the electrical energy, a signal cable for transmitting control signals to the facility 1, and a signal cable for receiving signals from sensors (not shown) in the facility 1.

[0043] A sixth embodiment of the facility 1 is shown in Figures 10 to 12. In this sixth embodiment, the facility 1 comprises a frame structure 3 resting fixedly on the seabed 9 as described in the fifth embodiment. The facility 1 comprises a number of mooring lines 13 attached at a first end to the frame structure 3 and at an opposite second end to an anchor 14. The facility 1 comprises a vessel 2 and a frame structure 3 as described in the fifth embodiment.

[0044] In the sixth embodiment, the facility 1 includes a floating platform 15. The floating platform 15 includes an operations center 150. The floating platform 15 also includes a feed silo (not shown), a feed and water mixing system (not shown) as part of a feed distribution system 6, a gas tank (not shown) as part of a gas distribution system 8, and a tank (not shown) as part of a waste treatment system 7 that receives water, waste, leftover feed and other debris from the facility 1. The barge 15 is secured to the seabed 9 by means of a mooring system (not shown).

[0045] As described in the first embodiment, the feed supplying system 6 includes a feed supply line 63 in the facility 1. A feed supply line 67 connects the mixing system and the feed supply line 63.

[0046] The waste treatment system 7 includes tanks (not shown) on the floating platform 15 for receiving water, waste, leftover food and other debris from the facility 1. The waste treatment system 7 includes a drainage pipe 77 from the facility 1 to the floating platform 15. The drainage pipe 77 is connected to a main drain pipe 71 at the facility 1.

[0047] The gas supply system 8 comprises a gas pipe 87 from the floating platform 15 to a gas line 83 in the facility 1 as described in the first embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, the gas supply system 8 includes a compressor (not shown) that takes in air from the surroundings and supplies compressed air to the gas pipe 87.

[0048] The facility 1 may be supplied with electrical energy from the shore 12 via an energy cable (not shown). The facility may be provided with electrical energy from an assembly (not shown) on the floating platform 15. The cable 17 comprises conductors for the electrical energy, a signal cable for transmitting control signals from the operating station 150 to the facility 1, and a signal cable for receiving signals from sensors (not shown) on the facility 1.

[0049] The facility 1 is a closed facility for cultivating fish. The container 2 is a liquid-resistant container 21. The container 2 is submerged and filled with water so that there is no pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the container 2. To this end, the walls 22, the bottom 23 and the roof 24 may be made of thin sheets of metal, polymer or composite material. The facility 1 is arranged so that the fish (not shown) remain submerged from the time they are placed in the container 2 until they are removed from the container 2. Salmoniformes are tracheomorph fishes and need to fill their swim bladders with air. To this end, the container 2 is provided at the roof 24 with a dome 25 filled with air or gas. The fish in the container 2 may fill their swim bladders with air or gas from the dome 25. The dome 25 is supplied with gas or air from the gas supply system 8.

[0050] The water in the vessel 2 is exchanged with oxygen-rich water from the surroundings, which is pumped into the vessel via the water supply system 5. The water leaves the outlet 26 at the bottom 23 and flows into a liquid-resistant main drain 71. The water will carry waste, leftover food, other debris and dead fish. The waste treatment system 7 is configured to purify the water before it is discharged into the receiver. The waste treatment system may include sieves, filters, settling tanks and other equipment known to purify wastewater. As the facility 1 is closed, all wastewater from the facility 1 may be purified.

[0051] The fish in the vessel 2 are fed with known fish feed (not shown). The fish feed is stored in a feed silo in a known manner. The feed is transported from the feed silo to a mixer where it is mixed with water and then pumped in a feed supply system 5 to the vessel 2 in a manner known per se. The feed is distributed inside the vessel 2 via one or more feed spreaders for aqueous feed.

[0052] The frame structure 3 is configured to be raised and lowered in the water column 90 by using the buoyant bodies 33. The frame structure 3 of the first to fourth exemplary embodiments may be raised and / or lowered along the legs 41 after the locking mechanism is released. The frame structure 3 of the fifth and sixth exemplary embodiments may be raised and lowered by carrying a ballast weight (not shown) on each mooring line 13 between the frame structure 3 and the anchor 14. When the frame structure 3 with the container 2 is to be lowered, the ballast weight is filled with water and the buoyancy of the buoyant bodies 33 is adjusted so that the buoyancy is negative. Correspondingly, when the frame structure 3 with the container 2 is to be raised, the ballast weight is filled with air and the buoyancy of the buoyant bodies 33 is adjusted so that the buoyancy is positive.

[0053] The frame structure 3 may be raised in the water column 90 so that the top 29 of the vessel 2 protrudes above the water surface 99. Fish may be placed in the vessel 2 through a hatch (not shown) in the roof 24 or a hatch in the wall 22. Fish may also be removed from the vessel 2 through hatches (not shown) in the roof 24 or wall 22.

[0054] Facility 1 allows for the farming of fish, such as salmonids, in a closed, submerged system from the time the fish are released into containers 2 until they reach a size suitable for slaughter. During the growing period, containers 2 do not need to be raised to the water surface 99.

[0055] The frame structure 3 and vessel 2 are lowered to a sufficient depth that the water inlet of the pump 51 avoids the entry of parasites and algae into the vessel 2 . It should be noted that all the above embodiments are illustrative of the present invention, but are not limiting, and that those skilled in the art may construct alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Reference signs in parentheses in the claims should not be considered as limiting.

[0056] Use of the verb "to comprise" and its different forms does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not stated in the claims. The use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of elements.

[0057] The fact that certain features are mutually recited in different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A facility (1) for farming fish, comprising: The facility (1) comprises a plurality of sealed containers (2) configured to be submerged throughout the growth cycle of the fish; The facility (1) comprises: a frame structure (3) configured to hold the container (2); a foundation (4) for said frame structure (3), said foundation (4) being configured to rest on a seabed (9); a plurality of buoyant bodies (33) configured to raise at least a portion of the frame structure (3) in a water column (90); a feeding system (6) for feeding the container (2); a water supply system (5) for said vessel (2), A facility characterized by:

2. A facility (1) according to claim 1, At least one container (2) in an upper portion (29) is provided with a dome portion (25) configured to enclose an air pocket, and the facility (1) includes a gas supply system (8) connected to the dome portion (25).

3. A facility (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: The lower part (30) of the frame structure (3) forms the foundation (4).

4. A facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, The foundation (4) is connected to the lower part (40) of the leg (41), the facility (1) has a plurality of legs (41), and the frame structure (3) is displaceably connected to the legs (41).

5. A facility (1) according to claim 4, The facility, wherein the upper portion (49) of the leg (41) protrudes above the water surface (99).

6. A facility (1) according to claim 4, The facility, wherein the frame structure (3) comprises a lower frame structure (300) and an upper frame structure (390).

7. A facility (1) according to claim 6, The lower frame structure (300) and the upper frame structure (390) are independently displaceable along the legs (41).

8. A facility (1) according to claim 7, The facility, wherein at least one container (2) is adapted to be releasably attached to said upper frame structure (390) and to be releasably attached to said lower frame structure (300).

9. A facility (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: The buoyant body (33) is configured to raise the frame structure (3) in the water column (90) so that the upper part (29) of the container (2) protrudes above the water surface (99).

10. A facility (1) according to claim 9, The buoyant body (33) is configured to raise the upper frame structure (390) in the water column (90) so that the upper part (29) of the vessel (2) protrudes above the water surface (99).

11. A facility (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: The facility (1) is equipped with a waste treatment system (7).

12. A facility (1) according to claim 11, The waste treatment system (7) comprises a main drain (71) from an outlet (26) at the bottom (23) of the container (2).

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