Harvesting units, systems, and methods for benthic marine organisms

Abstract

The present invention relates to a harvesting system and method for benthic marine organisms, the harvesting system comprising at least one suction pump device comprising a pump having an inlet and an outlet, a motor attached to the pump and adapted to drive the pump, a rigid inlet pipe attached to the inlet of the pump and having a suction nozzle, and a frame adapted to pivotally support the at least one suction pump device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments herein relate to harvesting units for benthic marine organisms. Embodiments herein also relate to systems including one or more harvesting units, and methods for use of the units and systems. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Benthic marine organisms, such as scallops, sea anemones, sponges, corals, starfish, sea urchins, worms, bivalves, crabs, or crustaceans, are animals that live in or on the seabed and are a valuable resource. However, fishing for benthic marine organisms is practiced everywhere on a very small scale. This is mainly due to the fact that no suitable method for harvesting marine organisms from the seabed has been found to date. From 1986 to 1992, a large-scale fishery for Icelandic scallops was conducted in Norway using bottom trawl fishing. This was a highly profitable and beneficial fishing method. At the same time, bottom trawl fishing proved to be highly inefficient and unsustainable for the environment and resources. Dredging shellfish places a heavy burden on the fishery in question, 100% of the time. This harvesting method was terminated by authorities in the early 1990s and declared illegal. Since then, no one has found a technological solution for the sustainable large-scale harvesting of benthic marine organisms, as there are no suitable biologically and environmentally friendly methods for harvesting organisms that live on the bottom of the seabed.

[0003]

[0003] Today, no solution exists for the large-scale fishing of bottom-dwelling marine organisms. They are caught in small quantities by diving. This is inefficient, relatively expensive, and seasonal. Additionally, it has the potential for disaster due to limited light, cold, and weather conditions. The only known technique for capturing bottom-dwelling marine organisms is bottom trawling. Dredging is a poor solution for bottom trawling of marine organisms because dredging comes at the expense of the bottom environment. As mentioned above, this method is prohibited in Norway. Trawling is also a much less efficient solution than the proposed solution. With trawling, approximately 95% of what is hauled up on deck is rock, sand, and bycatch. Additionally, approximately 70% of the catch is damaged by the trawl net. It is also an unsustainable method for the marine environment because the seabed is eroded and damaged during fishing.

[0004]

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a gentle harvesting unit, system, and method for bottom-dwelling marine life that gently retrieves and transports the catch. There is also a need for a harvesting unit that follows the seabed without damaging the seabed.

[0005]

[0005] The present invention is a solution to the aforementioned problems, a harvesting method and system that is friendly to both the environment and the marine ecosystem. Species that should not be harvested are carefully selected. In addition, small organisms are also selected, allowing the stock to continue to grow and contribute to its sustenance in a way that is far superior to trawl fishing, where the entire catch is brought on board.

[0006]

[0006] Patent publication JPH0643A describes a system for collecting crustaceans from the seabed, in which the crustaceans are first detached from the bottom and then brought to the deck of a vessel. A pipe, a nozzle, and an inlet are fixed to a sled-like assembly having a shoe with a support stay. The crustaceans on the seabed are detached from the seabed with the help of a high-pressure fluid, sucked up with the help of a negative pressure generated by blades / vanes, and carried to the surface with the fluid flow, where they are then further transported via a lift pump.

[0007]

[0007] Patent publication JPS5486597U describes a system in which crustaceans are detached from the seabed with the help of multiple high-pressure nozzles. The crustaceans are then sucked up to the sea surface via hose connections and finally stored in a container on a vessel. The system consists of a sled-like object with shoes, a support, and multiple nozzles. The nozzles are supplied with fluid via hoses from a pump on the vessel. The seabed recovery system comprises a sled designed to be dragged along the seabed with the help of a tow rope attached to the vessel.

[0008]

[0008] Norwegian Patent No. 333031 describes a device for retrieving objects from the seabed using a hydraulic arm controlled from an ROV or surface vessel, the device being mounted on the ROV / hydraulic arm and consisting of a nozzle, a suction chamber, a negative pressure pump and an exhaust system, which uses suction to retrieve the object and has a nozzle specially constructed to retrieve the particular object.

[0009]

[0009] GB2332848A describes an apparatus for harvesting seabed crustaceans, comprising a cage and blades mounted on a frame adapted to be towed along the seabed. A supply pipe discharges fluid under high pressure adjacent to the blades to create turbulence, and a suction pipe removes material collected in the cage. The blades are adapted to release the catch from the seabed and are adjustable so that the angle and depth of blade penetration can be changed. The suction pipe preferably operates as an air lift pump.

[0010]

[0010] GB1207906A teaches a suction dredging apparatus for harvesting mollusks and the like. The apparatus includes dredging means for recovering mollusks from the seabed, recovery means defining a migration channel for the mollusks, and means for supplying high pressure gas to guiding means at a point adjacent to the dredging means, whereby the buoyancy and velocity of the gas induce movement of the mollusks through the channel.

[0011]

[0011] GB1156547A teaches a marine dredging that raises mollusks from the seabed and continuously transfers them to a surface vessel that tows the dredging.

[0012]

[0012] US2003 / 172557A1 teaches an apparatus for harvesting crustaceans from the seabed, comprising a pressurized water source, at least one water jet arranged to direct water received from the water source towards the sediment containing the crustaceans, a sorting plate for receiving the sediment containing the crustaceans excavated by the at least one water jet and separating the crustaceans from the sediment, a collection chamber for receiving the separated crustaceans, and dual lifting compartments, one connected to the pressurized water source for engulfing the crustaceans for lifting them from the collection chamber and transporting them to the sea surface, and the other arranged to receive pressurized air to increase the transport speed and lifting force while damping vibration of the crustaceans as they are transported to the sea surface.

[0013]

[0013] US2204584A teaches an apparatus for removing material such as oysters and shellfish from the seabed, which comprises a hydraulic dredge that conveys a stream of water into a nozzle through a vertical passage while the nozzle is directed towards the seabed to remove the material, which is suspended in the stream of water through the passage and can be pulled up to, for example, a surface vessel where it can be retrieved and stored.

[0014]

[0014] US3783536A teaches an apparatus for recovering biological or geological material from the seabed, comprising a surface vessel, a downward conduit, a second conduit disposed within the first downward conduit, first and second endless belt conveyors disposed within the conduits, a suction pump disposed on the surface vessel, and an upper portion of the second conduit connected to a suction pump inlet.

[0015]

[0015] FR2735329A describes a fishing gear consisting of an underwater frame attached to a fishing vessel that drags the gear along the seabed. The underwater frame carries guides and a suction head positioned towards the front part of the frame, which creates a vacuum that transports material from the seabed onto a platform located a fixed distance from the front frame part. Carriers above and in front of the suction head form support for the upper edge of the net, allowing it to capture organisms passing over the suction head. A transfer duct transports organisms captured by both devices from the underwater frame to the surface vessel.

[0016]

[0016] Further known solutions are disclosed in documents WO2003088742A1, US7036295B1, CN206821751U, WO2018231064A1.

[0017]

[0017] A common feature of recoveries that pull or drag a frame with suction means along the seabed is that the tubing between the nozzle and the pump, whether on a hanging frame or surface vessel, can bend and change direction. This can cause unnecessary stresses and damage to the catch as it travels through the tubing. This is particularly important in the areas close to the inlet and outlet of the pump.

[0018]

[0018] The drawbacks of the prior art relate to the suction nozzle and pump, and the path between them. To be able to follow the seabed, the prior art discloses a suction nozzle that can be raised and lowered relative to the seabed. This causes the tube between the suction nozzle and the pump to bend, thereby creating unfavorable conditions for the marine life that is sucked up from the seabed and disposed of in the cage.

[0019]

[0019] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve at least two problems: how to prevent damage to the catch during harvesting, and how to prevent damage to the seabed during harvesting. Summary of the Invention

[0020] According to one embodiment, there is provided a harvesting system for benthic marine organisms, the harvesting system comprising at least one suction pump device, At least one suction pump device a pump having an inlet and an outlet; a motor attached to the pump and adapted to drive the pump; a rigid inlet pipe attached to the inlet of the pump and equipped with a suction nozzle; and a frame adapted to pivotally support at least one suction pump device. The suction pump device is pivotally connected to the frame or a portion thereof via a corresponding pivot member, and the at least one suction pump device and the inlet tube are pivotable about the pivot member, and the pump, motor, and rigid inlet tube are all pivotable about the hinge, allowing the suction nozzle to move relative to the frame without changing the path of travel for any catch traveling through the assembly.

[0021]

[0021] According to some embodiments, the suction pump device is a centrifugal pump operably connected to an electric motor adapted to drive the centrifugal pump, the centrifugal pump having a rotating shaft aligned with at least a portion of the inlet pipe and the electric motor.

[0022]

[0022] According to some embodiments, the suction nozzle is rigidly attached to the inlet tube.

[0023]

[0023] According to some embodiments, the suction nozzle is movably connected to the inlet pipe via a joint arrangement.

[0024]

[0024] According to some embodiments, the joint arrangement is a joint, a ball joint, a rotating flange joint, or a deflectable intermediate member.

[0025]

[0025] In some embodiments, the nozzle comprises a leading rubber seal portion and a trailing rubber seal portion, each of which comprises a support at one end connected to the nozzle or inlet pipe.

[0026]

[0026] According to some embodiments, the actuator device is attached to a rigid inlet tube, pump or motor having one end attached to the frame or part thereof and the other end adapted to rotate the suction pump device around a pivot member.

[0027]

[0027] According to some embodiments, the actuator device is a winch or linear actuator.

[0028]

[0028] According to some embodiments, a holder frame is fixed to the suction pump device to hold and support it, and the suction pump device is pivotally connected to the frame via a pivot member.

[0029]

[0029] According to some embodiments, the frame is provided with a sensor unit and the inlet pipe, pump or motor is provided with a corresponding sensor unit arranged to record whether the sensor unit and the corresponding sensor unit are in contact.

[0030]

[0030] According to some embodiments, the harvesting system further comprises a collection unit, the collection unit comprising at least a screening device located between the outlet and a collection section of the collection unit.

[0031]

[0031] According to some embodiments, the frame comprises a main frame structure having a forward portion and a reward portion, the two pivot members are located in the forward protruding portion, the motor of the suction pump device is located at least partially further forward than the two pivot members, and the suction nozzle protrudes from the frame at least in the reward direction.

[0032]

[0032] According to some embodiments, the frame comprises at least one thruster adapted to steer the direction of the harvesting system during towing.

[0033]

[0033] According to some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of suction pump devices supported within a common frame, each suction pump device comprising a corresponding inlet pipe and suction nozzle.

[0034]

[0034] According to some embodiments, each suction pump device is provided with a corresponding recovery unit.

[0035]

[0035] According to some embodiments, the present invention relates to a harvesting unit comprising a suction pump device having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the pump being attached to a rigid inlet pipe having a suction nozzle directed towards the seabed, the harvesting unit being adapted to be pivotally supported on a frame by at least one pivot member, and the suction pump device comprising a pump and a motor for driving the pump.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a method for harvesting benthic marine organisms from the seabed, the method comprising: lowering a harvesting system as claimed in claims 1 to 16 from a vessel to the seabed via a towing and launching system; moving the nozzle 8 and inlet pipe 7 to an angle towards the seabed; using one or more suction pump devices to suck up the benthic marine organisms through one or more suction nozzles directed toward the seabed; separating the catch from bycatch and foreign matter using a screening device; sending the crustaceans to a recovery unit; towing the harvesting unit along the ocean floor using a vessel; controlling and adjusting the position of the suction nozzle by rotating each suction pump device about a pivot point; Includes.

[0037]

[0037] According to some embodiments, the method includes a step of adjusting the position of the suction nozzle either passively or actively.

[0038]

[0038] Various aspects of the embodiments herein, including particular features and advantages thereof, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] 1 shows the harvesting system from the side. [Figure 2] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a harvesting system. [Figure 3] 1 shows the harvesting system from the front. [Figure 4] 1 shows the harvesting system from above. [Figure 5] 1 shows the harvesting system from above. [Figure 6] 1 shows the harvesting system from above. [Figure 7a-7b] The harvesting system is shown in two different positions. [Figure 8] An enlarged view of the suction nozzle is shown. [Figure 9] 1 shows a harvesting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040]

[0039] Next, the embodiments herein will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments are shown. However, this application should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. The disclosed features of the exemplary embodiments may be combined as readily understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Directions such as front, rear, side, up, and down will be described with reference to the drawings and will generally be understood with the unit and system in normal use being towed forward.

[0041]

[0040] Well-known functions or constructions are not necessarily described in detail for the sake of conciseness and / or clarity.

[0042] In FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated using a frame structure 1 adapted to be towed through a body of water by a vessel (not shown) at a depth just above the seabed. The frame 1 is suspended and towable by mounting members 16, and a harvesting system can be connected to the vessel by a rope or tow line. A suction pumping device 3, 11 including a pump 3 with a motor 11 adapted to drive the pump 3 is pivotally attached to the frame 1. The harvesting system can be deployed and retrieved by a vessel having a towing and launching system. Once deployed, the harvesting system can be towed by suction a predetermined distance above the seabed to harvest benthic marine organisms, such as, but not limited to, clams, worms, oysters, crustaceans such as shrimp, and ostracods. The pump 3 can be a centrifugal pump, and the motor 11 can be a waterproof electric motor or a hydraulically driven motor.

[0043] The frame 1 is adapted to pivotally support at least one suction pump device 3, 11, whereby the suction pump device 3, 11 is rotatably connected to the frame 1 via a corresponding hinge, such as a pivot member 9 attached to the frame 1 or a part thereof. The at least one suction pump device 3, 11 and the inlet pipe 7 are therefore pivotable about the pivot member 9. With this arrangement, the entire suction assembly (nozzle 8, pipe 7, pump 3, and motor 11) rotates about the hinge 9 to define a suction path for the catch that does not change depending on the angle that the inlet pipe 7 has with respect to the ground or horizontal plane. Due to the weight of the motor 11 on one side of the pivot member 9 and the pump 3, nozzle 8, and pipe 7 on the other side, the suction assembly is preferably balanced so that the nozzle 8 can passively follow changes in the seabed. Depending on the weight of the components, only the motor can be located on the forward side of the pivot member, or the motor and pump can be located on the forward side of the hinge, or the motor, pump, and part of the inlet pipe 7 can be located on the forward side of the hinge. Preferably, the nozzle side has greater momentum around the pivot member 9 than the motor side, so that if, for example, the seabed rises and the nozzle 8 is forced upward relative to the frame 1, the nozzle 8 will lower itself once the upward force stops. In this way, the nozzle 8 can follow the shape and curvature of the seabed without damaging it. If a large obstacle, such as a rock, is encountered, the nozzle 8 will be forced upward without damaging the nozzle 8 or the inlet pipe 7. With this configuration, the suction nozzle 8 can be moved higher or lower relative to the frame 1 and the recovery unit 2 by rotating around the hinge 9. During rotation, or from one angle to another, the path of any marine life traveling from the inlet pipe 7 to the pump outlet 13 remains unchanged. The only change is where the outlet 13 is positioned in the collection basket 2 .

[0044] 2, the pump 3 comprises an inlet 12 and an outlet 13, the inlet 12 of the pump being attached to a rigid inlet pipe 7 with a suction nozzle 8 directed towards the seabed. The inlet 12 is aligned along a direction corresponding to an axis XX, which is the axis of rotation of the pump 3 and the electric motor 11, and the outlet 13 is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the axis XX. In the illustrated embodiment, a directional guide 17 is located at the outlet 13 adapted to change the direction of discharge from the pump 3. The directional guide 17 may be a curved pipe, a cone, etc. FIG. 2 further shows that the pump 3 has an axis of rotation X aligned with at least a portion of the inlet pipe 7.

[0045] In another embodiment, the harvesting unit or system may comprise a hydraulic or electric actuator device 14, one end of which is attached to the frame 1 or a part thereof and the other end of which is attached to the rigid inlet pipe 7, for raising and / or lowering the inlet pipe 7 relative to the frame 1 and the seabed. The entire suction assembly (nozzle 8, pipe 7, pump 3, and motor 11) can thus be actuated by the actuator 14 so that it can rotate about the hinge 9. The actuator device 14 may be a winch 14 attached to the frame 1, with one end of the winch attached to the inlet pipe 7 or a part thereof, as shown in FIG. 8. The actuator 14 may also be a linear actuator, with one end attached to the frame and the other end attached to part of the suction assembly (nozzle 8, pipe 7, pump 3, and motor 11). The actuator may be used for active compensation of the distance of the nozzle 8 to the seabed, so that the nozzle 8 can follow the curvature of the seabed while the frame is towed at a constant depth below the vessel. The present invention therefore provides a system for either active or passive compensation of the angle and rotation of the pipe 7, and thus the distance of the nozzle 8 from the bottom of the frame 1. Both active and passive compensation can be used to counteract vessel heave or changes in the depth and curvature of the seabed. In a passive configuration, the nozzle 8 follows the seabed due to its own weight and will follow the curvature of the seabed as it is towed along it. In an active configuration, a camera or sensor placed on the frame can record data of the seabed in front of or below the harvesting unit, and the recorded data can be processed by a processing device that can control an actuator 14 to raise and lower the nozzle 8 (rotating the suction assembly (nozzle 8, pipe 7, pump 3, and motor 11) around the pivot member 9) in response to changes in the seabed or vessel heave. In one embodiment of the present invention, the suction nozzle 8 can be arranged to be raised and lowered relative to the frame 1 with the aid of a hydraulic or electric actuator 14. A pulley / wire / motor arrangement 14 can also be used for this purpose.This simplifies how each individual nozzle 8 and inlet pipe 7 can be adjusted and positioned depending on the characteristics of the subsea topology. This is achieved with the help of cameras or sensors placed at various points on the harvesting unit and providing feedback to a control system connected to the suction nozzle actuator.

[0046]

[0045] In another embodiment, the harvesting system can be provided with power from a vessel adapted to tow the harvesting system, such as providing power to the motors and / or providing control signals and power to operate, control, and steer and actuate the motors, actuators, and possibly any thrusters 15.

[0047] Situations may arise where an operator or user needs to know the position of the suction assembly (nozzle 8, pipe 7, pump 3 and motor 11) relative to the frame 1. The present invention may therefore comprise a sensor unit 191 on the frame 1 and a corresponding sensor unit 192 on the nozzle 8, pipe 7, pump 3 or motor 11 arranged to register whether the sensor unit 191 and the corresponding sensor unit 192 are in contact or not. A communication device may provide communication between the vessel or control elements on the vessel.

[0048] To collect the catch released from the outlet 13 of the pump 3, the harvesting system may include a collection unit 2, which includes at least a screening device 20 located between the outlet 13 and a collection section 21 of the collection unit 2. The screening device 20 is adapted to separate the catch from bycatch. This may be to separate different sizes of the same species or different species. The bycatch may consist, for example, of rocks, seaweed, dead vegetation, and unwanted species. Preferably, if multiple harvesting units are suspended in the frame, each harvesting unit will include its own collection unit 2; if multiple units are used in the system, the system will include a collection unit 2 for each harvesting unit. In one embodiment of the harvesting system, the collection unit 2 is provided with wire mesh, lattice, or netting in its walls and bottom. The collection unit 2 can be configured in many different ways, for example, as a drained box, a slotted box, perforated netting, wire mesh, lattice, or solid walls. The advantage of these devices is that they can perform a final classification of the catch and discard minor contaminants that were not detected in the initial screening device 20. Screening devices 20 can, in principle, use size, specific gravity and gravity, optical imaging and image analysis, mechanical sorting, ultrasonic analysis (Doppler, acoustic impedance, sizing), or the use of multiple ultrasonic transmitters to separate unwanted material from the desired catch.

[0049] As seen in FIG. 1 , the frame 1 may comprise a main frame structure having a forward portion and a reward portion, with two hinges 9, 9′ located on either side of the forward-projecting portion 10 of the frame, with the electric motors 11 of the suction pump devices 3, 11 located at least partially further forward than the two hinges 9, and the suction nozzles 8 projecting the frame 1 at least in the reward direction. The frame 1 may be a frame arrangement adapted to structurally support one or more harvesting units with recovery units 2, in addition to supporting features such as one or more cameras and sensors, thrusters 15, and attachment means 16 for directional indicators, actuators 14, and tow lines. As seen in FIG. 3 , the system frame 1 may comprise at least one thruster 15 adapted to steer the orientation of the unit or system relative to the towing direction. FIGS. 3 and 4 show an embodiment in which two thrusters 15, 15′ are disposed on the frame 1. The present invention further relates to a system as seen in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 5, in which a number of harvesting units are located and suspended within a common frame 1.

[0050] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the harvesting system is viewed from the front, with two sets of suction pump devices 3, 11, 3', 11' each with a corresponding inlet pipe 7 and suction nozzle 8, rotatably mounted and suspended within a frame 1. Each suction pump device 3, 11, 3', 11' is suspended by two pivot members 9, 9', 9'', 9''', respectively located on either side of the suction pump device 3, 11, 3', 11', with the rotation axes YY of the pivot members 9, 9', 9'', 9''', intersecting the axis XX perpendicularly.

[0051] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, where the harvesting system is viewed from above, with two sets of suction pump devices 3, 11, 3', 11' each with a corresponding inlet pipe 7 and suction nozzle 8 rotatably mounted and suspended within a frame 1. Each suction pump device 3, 11, 3', 11' is suspended by two pivot members 9, 9', 9'', 9''', respectively located on either side of the suction pump device 3, 11, 3', 11', the rotation axes YY of the pivot members 9, 9', 9'', 9''' intersecting the axis XX perpendicularly.

[0052]

[0051] Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, viewed from the front of the harvesting system, in which three sets of suction pump devices 3, 11, 3', 11', 3", 11", each with its corresponding inlet pipe 7 and suction nozzle 8, are rotatably mounted and suspended within a frame 1. Each suction pump device 3, 11, 3', 11', 3", 11", is suspended by two pivot members 9, 9 located on either side of the suction pump device 3, 11, 3', 11', 3", 11", respectively.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, with the harvesting system viewed from above, with four sets of suction pump devices 3, 11, 3′, 11′, 3″, 11″, 3′″, 11′″ each with corresponding inlet pipes 7 and suction nozzles 8 rotatably mounted and suspended within a frame 1. While the invention is shown with one, two, three, and four sets of suction pump devices 3, 11 with corresponding inlet pipes 7 and suction nozzles 8 suspended within a single frame 1, it should be understood that any number of suction pump devices can be fitted within the frame to cover a larger area of ​​the seabed. There is no practical limit to the weight. If buoyancy is required due to the weight of the harvesting system, the system can be equipped with flotation elements. Because each unit is self-contained, the harvesting units can be modularly configured depending on seabed conditions, production capacity, and vessel capabilities.

[0054] As can be seen in Figures 7a and 7b (as well as Figure 4), the suction pump device 3, 11 can be suspended or fixed to a holder frame 18 that at least partially surrounds, for example circularly, at least a portion of the suction pump device 3, 11. The holder frame can be fixedly attached to the suction pump device 3, 11 and can include a first portion of a pivot member 9. In this configuration, the frame 18 can include a corresponding second portion of a pivot member such that the two frames 1, 18 can pivot relative to one another. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, each suction pump device 3, 11 can be suspended by two pivot members 9, one on each side of the pump device 3, 11.

[0055] 7a and 7b show an embodiment of the harvesting system in two different positions. In FIG. 7a, the axis XX is the rotation axis of the pump 3 and the electric motor 11, which follows the center of the inlet pipe 7 and is positioned at a first angle relative to the horizontal plane. In this position, the nozzle 8 is lowered to the seabed. In FIG. 7b, the axis XX is at a second angle relative to the horizontal plane, which is smaller than the first angle, and the nozzle 8 and the inlet pipe 7 are raised relative to the position in FIG. 7a to a position where they are partially between the frame 1. The frame 1 and the recovery unit 2 can therefore have a space open to the seabed so that the raised nozzle 8 and the inlet pipe 7 can be at least partially between part of the frame 1 and part of the recovery unit 2. This space can be a gap or an open tunnel arrangement below the frame 1 and the recovery unit 2. For example, the frame can have a substantially inverted U-shape, and the corresponding recovery unit 2 can have the same.

[0056] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the suction nozzle 8. The suction nozzle 8 may be fixedly and rigidly attached to the inlet pipe 7, or may be integral. However, there may be situations where the nozzle 8 needs to be finely adjusted, such as when the seabed is minutely varied or the seabed organisms are very delicate. In these circumstances, the present invention may comprise an articulated nozzle 8. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention may comprise a joint arrangement 6, whereby the suction nozzle 8 is movably attached to the inlet pipe 7. The joint arrangement 6 may comprise an actuator adapted to raise and lower the suction nozzle 8 relative to the inlet pipe 7. The joint may be used to absorb shocks and impacts from the surface to ensure that sudden forces are not transmitted to the pump and / or motor. The joint arrangement 6 may be a deflectable joint, a ball joint, a rotating flange joint, or a deflectable intermediate member such as a rubberized section within the pipe. In an alternative embodiment, the joint arrangement 6 may comprise an actuator adapted to tilt the suction nozzle 8 relative to the inlet pipe 7. 8, the nozzle may be provided with a leading rubber seal 4 and a trailing rubber seal 5 located at the leading and trailing ends of the opening of the suction nozzle 8 to enhance the suction effect. Furthermore, the suction nozzle 8 may be provided with a reinforcing member 22 between the suction nozzle 8, the joint arrangement 6 or the inlet pipe 7, and the leading rubber seal 4 and the trailing rubber seal 5.

[0057] 9 shows a harvesting unit comprising a suction pump device 3, 11 with an inlet 12 and an outlet 13, the pump inlet 12 being attached to a rigid inlet pipe 7 with a suction nozzle 8 adapted to be pointed towards the seabed, the harvesting unit being adapted to be pivotally supported relative to the frame 1 by at least one pivot member 9. The harvesting unit may further comprise a protective cage 23 surrounding the motor 11 and / or a holder frame 18 attached to and surrounding the suction pump device 3, 11 or parts thereof, the holder frame 18 being adapted to be pivotally coupled to the frame 1.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the harvesting unit is equipped with vertical and / or horizontal thrusters 15 designed to precisely adjust or support the positioning of the harvesting unit relative to the seabed. It is advantageous for the harvesting system if the vertical or horizontal thrusters 15 can independently position the harvesting unit in the x-axis, y-axis, and / or z-axis, respectively, depending on the characteristics of the seabed. This makes the harvesting operation more efficient.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, a control and monitoring system is present, adaptable to regulate at least one or more of the components of the suction pump device 3, 11, the actuator 14, and the thruster 15. The harvesting system can advantageously be managed, monitored, and controlled in its entirety from the vessel. The harvesting efficiency of the harvesting unit is influenced by two main parameters: the individual crustacean density and the characteristics of the seabed. To achieve optimal harvesting efficiency, it is necessary to be able to map the catch in the area where the harvesting will be carried out prior to the fishing operation. By using one or more cameras and light sources, which may be mounted on the harvesting unit, the operator or control system will have a preliminary picture of the nature of the seabed topography and the location of crustacean concentrations on the seabed. Image recognition can be used here, and sensors mounted at various points on the harvesting unit can scan the seabed and the area where crustaceans will be harvested, for example, 0-50 meters ahead (so-called predictive image analysis). Based on this collected information, the operator or control system can determine or predict (visually or via an algorithm) in which direction the harvesting system should move to maximize the harvest. At the same time, this allows the operator to see or receive information that can be avoided to prevent unnecessary negative impacts on the environment if the seabed consists of sensitive plants / corals. During the charting and harvesting phase, the control and monitoring system can process and record the coordinates of the harvesting unit in operation (e.g., via GPS, tracker, or other positioning device) so that they can be stored and thereby avoid future harvesting in the same location. Documentation of where the harvesting unit has been can also be a requirement set by fisheries authorities as part of harvesting concessions and reporting.

[0060] The harvesting system can be used by first lowering the harvesting unit or system from the vessel via a towing and launching system lowered to the seabed, and then angled the nozzles 8 and inlet pipes 7 toward the seabed. By activating the motors and pumps 3, 11, benthic marine organisms on the seabed are sucked up through one or more suction nozzles 8 aimed toward the seabed. The catch can then be separated from bycatch and foreign matter using a screening device 20, and the benthic marine organisms are delivered to a recovery unit 2 supported by the frame 1. To cover unevenness in the seabed, the harvesting system is towed along just above the seabed by the movement of the vessel, and the suction nozzles 8 are controlled and adjusted by rotating each suction pump device 3, 11 about a pivot point 9. The position of the suction nozzles 8 can be adjusted either passively or actively. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1: Frame 2: Recovery unit 3: Pump 4: Tip rubber seal 5: Rear end rubber seal 6: Joint placement 7: Inlet pipe 8: Suction nozzle 9: Pivot member 10: Protruding part of the frame 11: Motor 12: Pump inlet 13: Pump outlet 14: Actuator device 15: Thruster 16: Attachment means for tow line 17: Exit Direction Guide 18: Holder frame 191: Sensor unit 192: Compatible sensor unit 20: Screening device 21: Recovery Department 22: Reinforcement material 23: Cage

Claims

1. 1. A harvesting system for benthic marine organisms, comprising: at least one suction pump device (3, 11), The at least one suction pump device (3, 11) a pump (3) with an inlet (12) and an outlet (13); a motor (11) attached to the pump (3) and adapted to drive the pump (3); The harvesting system comprises: a rigid inlet pipe (7) fitted to the inlet (12) of the pump (3) and equipped with a suction nozzle (8); a frame (1) adapted to pivotally support said at least one suction pump device (3, 11); The suction pump device (3, 11) is pivotally connected to the frame (1) or a part thereof via a corresponding pivot member (9), and the at least one suction pump device (3, 11) and the inlet pipe (7) are pivotable around the pivot member (9).

2. the suction pump device (3, 11) being a centrifugal pump (3) operatively connected to an electric motor (11) adapted to drive the centrifugal pump (3); 2. Harvesting system according to claim 1, wherein the centrifugal pump (3) has an axis of rotation (X) aligned with at least a part of the inlet pipe (7) and with the electric motor (11).

3. 3. Harvesting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suction nozzle (8) is rigidly attached to the inlet pipe (7).

4. 3. Harvesting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suction nozzle (8) is movably connected to the inlet pipe (7), the movably connection comprising a joint arrangement (6).

5. 5. Harvesting system according to claim 4, wherein the joint arrangement (6) is a joint, a ball joint, a rotating flange joint or a deflectable intermediate member.

6. The nozzle (8) has a leading end rubber seal portion (4) and a trailing end rubber seal portion (5), 6. The harvesting system according to claim 1, wherein the leading rubber seal (4) and the trailing rubber seal (5) each have a support at one end connected to the nozzle (8) or the inlet pipe (7).

7. 7. A harvesting system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an actuator device (14) is attached at one end to the frame (1) or part thereof and at the other end to the rigid inlet pipe (7), pump (3) or motor (11) adapted to rotate the suction pump device (3, 11) around the pivot member (9).

8. 8. Harvesting system according to claim 7, wherein the actuator device (14) is a winch or linear actuator.

9. 9. A harvesting system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a holder frame (18) holds and supports the suction pump device (3, 11) and pivotally connects the suction pump device (3, 11) to the frame (1).

10. The frame (1) is provided with a sensor unit (191), 10. A harvesting system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inlet pipe (7), pump (3) or motor (11) is provided with a corresponding sensor unit (192) arranged to record whether the sensor unit (191) and the corresponding sensor unit (191) are in contact.

11. The harvesting system further comprises a recovery unit (2), 11. A harvesting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the recovery unit (2) comprises at least a screening device (20) located between the outlet (13) and a recovery section (21) adapted to recover the catch.

12. The frame (1) comprises a main frame structure having a forward portion and a reward portion; Two pivot members (9) are located on the forward projecting portion (10), the motor (11) of the suction pump device (3, 11) is at least partially located further forward than the two pivot members (9); Harvesting system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the suction nozzle (8) protrudes from the frame (1) at least in the reward direction.

13. 13. Harvesting system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the frame comprises at least one thruster (15) adapted to steer the direction of the harvesting system during towing.

14. The system comprises a plurality of suction pump devices (3, 11) supported in a common frame (1); 14. Harvesting system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein each suction pump device (3, 11) comprises a corresponding inlet pipe (7) and suction nozzle (8).

15. A harvesting unit comprising a suction pump device (3, 11), It has an inlet (12) and an outlet (13), The inlet (12) of the pump is attached to a rigid inlet pipe with a suction nozzle (8) directed towards the seabed; The harvesting unit is adapted to be pivotally supported on a frame (1) by at least one pivot member (9).

16. 1. A method for harvesting benthic marine organisms from the ocean floor, comprising: lowering a harvesting system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 from a vessel to the seabed via a towing and launching system; moving the nozzle (8) and inlet pipe (7) at an angle towards the seabed; using one or more suction pump devices (3, 11) to suck up benthic marine organisms through one or more suction nozzles (8) directed towards the seabed; Separating the catch from by-catch and foreign matter using a screening device (20); sending the crustaceans to a recovery unit (2); towing the harvesting unit along the seabed using the vessel; controlling and adjusting the position of the suction nozzle (8) by rotating each suction pump device (3, 11) around the pivot point (9); A method comprising:

17. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the method comprises the step of either passively or actively adjusting the position of the suction nozzle (8).

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