Mooring equipment, systems, and methods for seaweed cultivation and harvesting.

Abstract

A mooring facility 2 for mooring a cultivation structure 8, comprising a cultivation structure connection section 46 configured to connect the cultivation structure 8 to the mooring facility 2, wherein the mooring facility 2 comprises a plurality of anchors 3, a plurality of buoys 22, a plurality of tensioning cables 24, a plurality of anchor cables 32, and a frame cable 42, wherein the frame cable 42 is configured to form a main frame 4 including a repeating pattern 44, the tensioning cables 24 are configured to provide connections between each buoy 22 and the main frame 4, the anchor cables 32 are configured to provide connections between each anchor 3 and the main frame 4, and the buoys 22 are equipped with a tensioning cable holding system 28 configured to adjust the tensioning cable length, the tensioning cable length being the length between the buoy 22 and the main frame 4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a facility for cultivating and harvesting organisms at low trophic levels. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mooring facility for mooring a cultivation structure, wherein the mooring facility includes a cultivation structure connection portion configured to connect the cultivation structure to the mooring facility. A cultivation structure for cultivating organisms at low trophic levels is also disclosed, and the cultivation structure is separable from the mooring facility. The present invention further relates to an aquaculture system for cultivating organisms at low trophic levels and a method for cultivating organisms at low trophic levels.

Background Art

[0002] Cultivating organisms / species at low trophic levels is a sustainable method of producing food when considering the ratio of input energy to output energy and comparing low trophic level species with higher trophic level species. Each time the trophic level increases by one, the energy required to maintain the same weight increases. That is, producing organisms / species at low trophic levels as food is more energy efficient compared to producing species at higher trophic levels.

[0003] For example, the production of seaweed is not only highly energy efficient in food production, but also an excellent method for absorbing carbon dioxide, so it can be an environmentally friendly method that produces food with low energy input.

[0004] <Prior Art and Their Disadvantages> Patent Document 1 discloses a facility for culturing seaweed in a plurality of beds. These beds are configured to connect to a mooring facility, and the seaweed is cultivated in a cultivation facility that hangs loosely from the bed frame. The beds are provided with a plurality of floats to prevent the beds from sinking. The connection of the beds to the mooring facility and the disconnection of the beds from the mooring facility are time-consuming and costly, as it is necessary to submerge the beds in water before the connection / disconnection while the buoys still provide buoyancy.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses an underwater mooring system for mooring a platform at a variable depth underwater. This mooring system includes a coupling for connecting the platform to one or more submerged anchor points, which allows the platform to move vertically relative to one or more submerged anchor points, thereby enabling the platform to be positioned at different depths. This vertical movement is achieved by providing the platform with a variable buoyancy chamber for controlling the depth of the underwater platform.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses a method for adjusting the depth from the surface of an algae cultivation net in order to optimize cultivation conditions throughout the year.

[0007] Patent document 4 discloses a cultivation facility moored to the seabed by a gravity anchor. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-047364 [Patent Document 2] UK Patent Application Publication No. 2598807 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 58-193632 [Patent Document 4] Korean Published Patent No. 10-2013-0034122 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The present invention aims to improve or reduce at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art, or to provide at least a useful alternative to the prior art. This objective is achieved by the features specified in the following description and subsequent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] General description of the present invention The present invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] In a first embodiment, the present invention more particularly relates to a mooring system for mooring a cultivation structure, the mooring system comprising a cultivation structure connection part configured to connect a cultivation structure to the mooring system, The mooring equipment comprises multiple anchors, multiple buoys, multiple tensioning lines, multiple anchoring lines, and frame lines. The mooring equipment is configured such that frame ropes form a main frame that creates a repeating pattern. The tensioning cables are configured to form a connection between each buoy and the main frame. The anchor cables are configured to form a connection between each anchor and the main frame. The buoy is equipped with a tension rope holding system configured to adjust the tension rope length, The tension cable length is the distance between the buoy and the main frame.

[0012] Mooring facilities may be used to moor any structure used for cultivation or aquaculture in aquatic bodies. For example, they may be used for fish farming, seaweed farming, shellfish farming, or any other suitable aquaculture.

[0013] A tensioning cable can be defined as a cable that can be subjected to tension when a mooring facility is placed in a body of water. In this specification, even when a mooring facility is not placed in a body of water, the cable is still referred to as a "tensioning cable."

[0014] The mooring facility is configured to be placed in a body of water and fixed to the seabed via anchors, with buoys forming the superstructure of the mooring facility. Each buoy is equipped with a tensioning rope holding system, and each buoy is connected to the main frame via one tensioning rope. The tensioning rope can take multiple embodiments and may be a chain, fiber rope, steel wire rope, any other suitable type of rope known in the art for use as a tensioning rope, or a combination of the aforementioned types of ropes. Fiber rope is lighter than chain and therefore can reduce the size of the buoy.

[0015] However, chains are more robust with respect to tearing and abrasion, which can be significant near the sea surface. In one embodiment in which the tensioning rope may include a chain near the buoy, the tensioning rope retaining system may be formed such that a bolt can be inserted into a first hole, through a chain link of the chain, and then into a second hole. The first and second holes are secured to the buoy so that the chain is connected to the buoy.

[0016] By having a tensioning rope holding system configured to adjust the tensioning rope length, the main frame can be positioned at different depths below the sea surface. This allows the main frame to be adjusted between a growth depth and a maintenance depth. The maintenance depth can provide easy access to the main frame when maintenance is required and / or when the cultivation structure is connected to or disconnected from a mooring facility. The growth depth may be deeper than the maintenance depth. The growth depth can be dynamically changed depending on growth parameters. Such growth parameters may include, but are not limited to, light exposure, water temperature, nutrient concentration, and the location of the salinity layer. In areas where the temperature of the water body can have large seasonal fluctuations, for example, in areas far north and far south of the equator, it may be beneficial to adjust the growth depth to maintain stable growth conditions. Another advantage is that different lower trophic level species can be cultivated between different seasons, as the depth of the main frame can be adjusted according to the growth parameters of each specific lower trophic level species. Thus, mooring facilities can increase productivity in the specific area where the mooring facilities are installed. The tension cable length can be adjusted stepwise or continuously, depending on the type of tension cable holding system.

[0017] Tensioning lines may be connected directly to the main frame via frame lines, via shackles, via round slings, or via any other suitable means. The main frame may be formed by a single frame line or by multiple frame lines configured to form a repeating pattern. Mooring equipment may be configured to position the main frame in a horizontal or substantially horizontal plane. A repeating pattern can be defined as a pattern that can be repeated area-efficiently. That is, one repeating pattern may be positioned adjacent to another repeating pattern with only a small unproductive area between the two repeating patterns. This "small unproductive area" may be defined as an area that is less than 50 percent of the area within the repeating pattern. In some embodiments, mooring equipment comprising only one repeating pattern is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] The repeating pattern is any arbitrary polygon, selected based on the cultivation structure connected to the mooring facility, which is determined according to the type of low trophic level species to be cultivated. The polygon may be a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, or the like. In some embodiments of the mooring facility, each corner of the repeating pattern may be connected to one buoy via a tension cable.

[0019] This repeating pattern is preferably a quadrilateral. This is because the outer periphery of the main frame is formed symmetrically, so that the number of anchors required to moor the main frame to the seabed can be minimized. The frame cables forming the quadrilateral repeating pattern may comprise a plurality of longitudinal frame cable members and a plurality of transverse frame cable members.

[0020] The mooring facility may be configured such that each corner of the main frame is connected to one anchor via one anchor cable. The anchor and the anchor cable are configured to generate tension in the frame cables. The anchor cable may be connected to the main frame by direct connection to the frame cables, via a shackle, via a round sling, or by any other suitable means. The anchor cable may comprise a chain, a fiber rope, a steel wire rope, or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the first portion of the anchor cable proximate to the anchor may be a chain, and the second portion of the anchor cable closer to the main frame may be a fiber rope. The first portion of the anchor cable comprising the chain may be formed robustly so as not to suffer wear and tear when in contact with the seabed. Accordingly, the weight of the anchor cable can be reduced, as a result of which a smaller buoy can be used, and costs are also reduced.

[0021] The anchor may be a gravity anchor, a suction anchor, a holding anchor, a driven pile, or any other suitable anchor known in the art.

[0022] In embodiments where the repeating pattern is a quadrangle, four anchors may be sufficient to provide the required tension in the frame cables. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal frame cable members may be connected at each end to one anchor via an anchor cable. Additionally or alternatively, each transverse frame cable member may be connected at each end to one anchor via an anchor cable. Having more anchors in the mooring facility may allow the mooring facility to absorb more external forces and maintain the shape of the repeating pattern with higher accuracy.

[0023] By adopting this repeating pattern, it is possible to scale up the main frame and the associated mooring facility, which allows the mooring facility to be easily expanded and make maximum use of the allocated production permit area. The advantages of the repeating pattern and the ability to place the main frame at different depths below the sea surface make areas previously assumed to be unsuitable for low trophic level aquaculture highly productive for seaweed, shellfish, other low trophic level aquaculture products, and even fish farming.

[0024] The anchors and the anchor cables connecting the anchors to the main frame may generate anchoring force, which is split into a horizontal anchoring force component and a vertical anchoring force component at the connection point of the anchor cable to the main frame. The anchors may be positioned spaced apart from the main frame such that tension is generated in the frame cables. The mooring facility may be subjected to external forces such as waves, fluctuating tidal currents, vortex-induced vibrations, and tidal changes. External forces may be absorbed by displacing the position of the mooring facility within the body of water. This may reduce peak loads and allow dynamic absorption of external forces. In some embodiments, the anchor cables may be configured as a tensioned cable anchor arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor cables may be configured to form catenary moorings. Catenary moorings have the advantage of providing flexibility in the position of the main frame within the body of water, whereby the depth of the main frame can be adjusted. Catenary moorings may have a vertical anchoring force component that is greater than the horizontal anchoring force component.

[0025] An anchor cable may be equipped with an anchor buoy. The anchor buoy may be a trawl buoy or any other suitable buoy known in the art. The anchor buoy can be positioned at any location along the anchor cable and may influence how the anchor force in the main frame is divided into horizontal and vertical anchor force components. Another effect of the anchor buoy is that it can lift the anchor cable off the seabed, thereby reducing wear and tear in the anchor cable. Lifting the anchor cable off the seabed provides a more predictable and stable anchor force, as it can keep the load on the supported anchor cable in the main frame constant, especially when the seabed is uneven or when the main frame is adjusted between growth depth and maintenance depth.

[0026] The position of the anchors relative to the main frame, the position of the anchor buoys along the anchor cable, and the size of the anchor buoys can be determined based on the water depth, the size of the mooring facility, and the number of anchors to be included in the mooring facility.

[0027] In some embodiments of the mooring system, the main frame can be held horizontally by connecting each corner of a repeating pattern to one anchor via one anchor cable. To reduce the number of anchors required in the mooring system, the main frame is configured to generate negative buoyancy when submerged in water, thereby maintaining the tension of the tension cables connecting the buoy to the main frame. Negative buoyancy can be generated by frame cables having negative buoyancy.

[0028] In one preferred embodiment, the mooring system may include a counterweight that generates tension in the tensioning lines. A single counterweight may be connected to each tensioning line via a plurality of counterweight lines. A single counterweight may result in a greater anchoring force being generated by the anchor and anchor lines due to the single counterweight being spaced apart from the tensioning lines. In one preferred embodiment, each tensioning line may be connected to one counterweight. The tensioning line may be connected directly to the counterweight or to the frame line. In this case, the frame line is counterweighted via the counterweight line or further connected directly to the counterweight. In one embodiment where a buoy is positioned at each corner of the repeating pattern, the buoy, tensioning lines and counterweight ensure that the main frame is at the correct depth below the sea surface at each corner of the repeating pattern. This reduces the horizontal anchoring force component because the vertical position of each corner of the repeating pattern is maintained by the buoy, tensioning lines and counterweight, and the anchor and anchor lines only need to apply small tension to the frame lines to keep them somewhat straight. The reduced horizontal anchor force component allows for a reduction in the size of anchors, anchor cables, and frame cables, thereby improving the cost-effectiveness of the mooring equipment.

[0029] A tensioning line holding system may be configured to guide and hold the tensioning line within a passage in the buoy. Preferably, the passage extends vertically so as to penetrate approximately the center of the buoy. In another embodiment, the passage may form an inlet and an outlet. The outlet exits the buoy perpendicularly and centrally through a surface configured to face the seabed, while the inlet forms a 90-degree angle with the outlet. The tensioning line guided through the passage in the center of the buoy provides stability during tensioning line length adjustment. This centralized positioning can reduce the complexity of tensioning line length adjustment because it increases the stability of the buoy as it floats in the water compared to when the tensioning line is guided off-center from the center of buoyancy.

[0030] The mooring equipment is configured such that the cultivation structures can be connected to the main frame via cultivation structure connectors. By providing multiple cultivation structure connectors along the frame rope, it is possible to provide easy access at sea surface to a large number of cultivation structure connectors compared to the number of buoys when the main frame is positioned at maintenance depth. In one preferred embodiment where the repeating pattern is rectangular, the cultivation structure connectors may be arranged along the longitudinal frame rope members. Alternatively or additionally, the cultivation structure connectors may be arranged along the transverse frame rope members.

[0031] The cultivation structure connection points may be positioned to be easily accessible from the sea surface, as previously described. “Easily accessible” means being close to the sea surface or at a depth where low-cost tools and equipment can be used to connect or disconnect the cultivation structure from the mooring facility. Easily accessible cultivation structure connection points from the sea surface allow the cultivation structure to be connected to or disconnected from the mooring facility in a cost-effective manner. Maintenance and inspection of the cultivation structure are also facilitated at the maintenance depth.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the cultivation structure connection may include a float. The cultivation structure connection may further include a connecting rope, which allows the cultivation structure connection to be positioned at a shallower depth than the main frame, allows the cultivation structure, personnel, and equipment to move freely relative to the main frame in the sea surface, and reduces the complexity of connecting and disconnecting the cultivation structure. The float may be a buoyancy rope, a small buoy, a trawl buoy, or any other suitable device.

[0033] During the harvesting of cultivated seaweed, the mooring facility may be configured such that the harvested portion of the main frame is positioned at the maintenance depth, while a different portion of the unharvested main frame is positioned at the growth depth. This can improve the quality of the seaweed or organisms at the lower trophic levels.

[0034] In rough weather, the mooring equipment may be configured so that the main frame can be lowered to the rough weather depth. This allows the main frame and any connected cultivation structures to be positioned below the depth affected by the rough weather. At the rough weather depth, only the buoys and tensioning lines may be affected by the rough weather.

[0035] In a second embodiment, the present invention more particularly relates to a cultivation structure for cultivating organisms at lower trophic levels, wherein the cultivation structure is detachable from a mooring facility. The cultivation structure comprises a lower member, an upper member, and a base rope. The cultivation structure is formed such that multiple base material cables connect the upper and lower members. Organisms at the lower trophic levels may include, for example, macroalgae such as seaweed, or mollusks.

[0036] The upper and lower members may be made from or comprise HDPE, aluminum, or any other suitable material. The base rope may be a fiber rope, but those skilled in the art may select different ropes depending on the environment and growing parameters.

[0037] The cultivation structure may be configured such that multiple cultivation structures can be connected in series using ropes, carabiner hooks, shackles, or other suitable connecting devices.

[0038] The base rope may include multiple ropes arranged in parallel between the upper and lower members. Alternatively, the base rope may be arranged to intersect between the upper and lower members, or to form a net. The upper and lower members may be configured to guide a single rope that passes alternately between them to form the base rope.

[0039] The cultivation structure may comprise a plurality of upper members and a plurality of lower members. Each upper member may be connected to one lower member on each side via a substrate cable and have no other supporting members. If substrate cables become entangled with adjacent substrate cables, it may hinder the harvesting of cultivated crops. The upper members may be formed to provide buoyancy when submerged in water. In one embodiment, where the upper members are configured to generate buoyancy and connect to a mooring facility, and the lower members generate negative buoyancy, the substrate cables may form a V-shape. Thus, the combination of buoyancy in the upper members and negative buoyancy in the lower members can gently tension the substrate cables in this embodiment, thereby keeping all substrate cables straight and evenly spaced and preventing entanglement.

[0040] "Applying gentle tension" can be defined as a situation where, when exposed to external forces such as waves or currents, the tension in the substrate rope is sufficient to prevent entanglement with adjacent substrate ropes within the cultivation structure.

[0041] To reduce handling complexity, it may be beneficial to allow the cultivation structure to float on the water surface when installing it in a body of water. In addition to the upper member generating buoyancy, the lower member may be formed to provide buoyancy when submerged in the water. In this embodiment, the lower member may be configured to connect to a mooring facility. This allows the cultivation structure to be pre-assembled and seeded at a distance before being towed, positioned, and connected to a mooring facility that may have cultivation structure connections positioned in an easily accessible location at the water surface. This makes the installation of the cultivation structure very efficient.

[0042] After the cultivation structure is connected and submerged, the upper member gently tensions the base rope due to buoyancy in the upper member, while the lower member may float at a shallower depth compared to the main frame of the mooring equipment due to buoyancy in the lower member. Thus, sufficient distance can be ensured between the cultivation structure and the mooring equipment. In this embodiment, the base rope may form a roof-like drop structure, which is the opposite direction to the V-shaped drop structure previously described. The upper and lower members may be the same shape, in which case they can be distinguished by their relative position to the mooring equipment. In one embodiment, the upper member may float at a shallower water depth than the lower member.

[0043] Buoyancy in the upper and lower members can be generated by connecting buoyancy devices, such as floats or trawl buoys, to the upper and lower members. In one preferred embodiment, the upper and / or lower members may be formed with integrated buoyancy chambers. This reduces the number of floating objects when the cultivation structure is handled at sea level and further reduces the risk of injury to personnel and equipment during the process of connecting and disconnecting the cultivation structure from mooring facilities.

[0044] As previously described, the cultivation structure may be configured such that the substrate ropes are gently tensioned to reduce the risk of entanglement between adjacent substrate ropes when submerged in a body of water. Multiple substrate ropes may have substantially the same length. In embodiments where the substrate ropes are gently tensioned, being substantially the same length can generate equal tension in all substrate ropes. This can reduce the risk of entanglement without requiring additional means to support or space the substrate ropes. Gently tensioned substrate ropes allow for narrower spacing between them compared to cases where the tension between substrate ropes varies. This can increase the yield within the allocated permitted production area.

[0045] The cultivation structure may be equipped with a quick-connect mechanism for connecting the cultivation structure to a mooring facility. The quick-connect mechanism may be a connecting ring, a carabiner, a shackle, or other suitable mechanism known to those skilled in the art. Each of the quick-connect mechanisms can reduce the time and cost required to connect the cultivation structure to and disconnect it from the mooring facility.

[0046] The lower and upper members may be equipped with a quick-release mechanism for detaching multiple substrate ropes. At least one of the upper and lower members may be equipped with a slotted member and a locking member. The slotted member may be configured to position the substrate ropes in the slots. The locking member may be configured to lock the substrate ropes in the slots so that they connect to the slotted member. The slotted member may be equipped with multiple slots evenly spaced from one end to the other so that the substrate ropes are arranged parallel to each other between the upper and lower members. The locking member may be formed to lock multiple substrate ropes to the slotted member simultaneously, or one locking member may be used to lock the substrate ropes to the slotted member. Alternatively, the locking member may be configured to lock one substrate rope or a specific number of substrate ropes to the slotted member, in which case multiple locking members would be required for each slotted member. The quick-release mechanism for the substrate ropes allows multiple substrate ropes to be released from the cultivation structure simultaneously, which may improve the harvesting efficiency of cultivated seaweed or other lower trophic organisms.

[0047] In one embodiment of the quick-release mechanism, the slotted member may have a plurality of L-shaped slots. The L-shaped slots may be configured so that a rope retainer can slide into the L-shaped slot through an entrance at one end and then slide to the opposite end of the L-shaped slot. When positioned within the L-shaped slot, the rope retainer may be fixed axially with respect to the base rope and the slotted member. A locking member may be hinged to the slotted member and rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the rope retainer can slide out through the entrance, thereby exiting the L-shaped slot. In the locked position, the locking member may prevent the rope retainer from exiting the L-shaped slot. By positioning the locking member in the locked position, all base ropes with rope retainers positioned within the L-shaped slots can be connected to the slotted member. By positioning the locking member in the unlocked position, all base ropes with rope retainers positioned within the L-shaped slots are released from the slotted member.

[0048] In a second embodiment of the quick-release mechanism, the slotted member may have a plurality of U-shaped slots. The U-shaped slots may be formed in a shape that fits the base rope. The locking member and the slotted member may be configured such that when the locking member is connected to the slotted member, the locking member presses and clamps each base rope against the bottom of the U-shaped groove, thereby connecting the base rope to the slotted member. This is beneficial for reducing the complexity of connection and disconnection.

[0049] In a third aspect, the present invention relates more particularly to an aquaculture system for cultivating organisms at lower trophic levels. The aquaculture system comprises a mooring facility according to the first aspect of the present invention and a plurality of cultivation structures according to the second aspect of the present invention. The cultivation structure is connected to the mooring facility. The cultivation structure can be connected to the mooring facility via multiple cultivation structure connections.

[0050] The mooring equipment can be configured such that when the cultivation structure is connected to the mooring equipment and the main frame is lowered to the cultivation depth, a gentle tension is applied to the base ropes. In a preferred embodiment, by configuring the distance between the cultivation structure connections and providing appropriate buoyancy in the upper members, it may be possible to apply a gentle tension to the base ropes, thereby reducing the risk of entanglement, allowing for longer base ropes, and minimizing the spacing between base ropes. This can result in a cost-effective and highly productive aquaculture system.

[0051] Knowing the dimensions of the cultivation structure and the expected weather in the area where the aquaculture system is to be placed allows for determining the "appropriate buoyancy" that applies gentle tension to the base rope.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, when the cultivation structure floats on the sea surface, it forms a floating distance between each of the quick-connection mechanisms configured to connect to a mooring facility. After the cultivation structure is connected to the mooring facility and submerged in the water, it forms a submerged distance between each quick-connection mechanism. The submerged distance may be shorter than the floating distance due to the buoyancy generated by the upper members. This floating distance may be longer than or approximately the same as the distance between the cultivation structure connections in the mooring facility, thereby reducing the complexity in connecting or disconnecting each cultivation structure from the mooring facility.

[0053] The system may include multiple mooring facilities and multiple cultivation structures. The repeating pattern forming the main frame in the mooring facilities allows a single aquaculture system to be adapted in form and size to suit the body of water in which it is located. The adaptability of the aquaculture system allows for the close placement of multiple mooring facilities, thereby further increasing the productivity of the body of water.

[0054] In a fourth embodiment, the present invention relates more specifically to a method for cultivating organisms at lower trophic levels, the method being: The present invention includes the step of providing an aquaculture system according to a third aspect of the present invention. And this method is, The steps include pre-assembling multiple cultivation structures, The steps include: seeding the substrate rope off-site, Steps for towing multiple pre-assembled cultivation structures to mooring equipment, It may include.

[0055] Pre-assembling cultivation structures and sowing seeds in remote locations can increase productivity by utilizing specialized facilities. The cultivation structures can be submerged in water immediately after sowing, ensuring the seeds are placed in a favorable environment before being towed to mooring facilities.

[0056] Furthermore, this method is The steps include adjusting the tension cable length between the buoy and the mainframe so that the mainframe is positioned at maintenance depth, The steps include connecting the cultivation structure to the main frame via the cultivation structure connection part, The steps include adjusting the tension cable length between the buoy and the main frame so that the main frame is positioned at the growth depth, It may include.

[0057] As previously explained, adjusting the tension cable length allows the main frame to be positioned at maintenance depth, making the cultivation structure connections easily accessible from the sea surface. When the cultivation structures are first connected to the mooring facility, the entire main frame of the mooring facility can be positioned at maintenance depth. If multiple cultivation structures are connected to the mooring facility in specific areas of the main frame, those areas of the main frame can be lowered to the growth depth, while the rest of the main frame remains at maintenance depth. Once all cultivation structures are connected to the mooring facility, the facility is configured so that all parts of the main frame are positioned at the growth depth. The growth depth may not be a specific depth below the sea surface, but may vary depending on temperature, nutrient levels, and other cultivation parameters.

[0058] Furthermore, this method may include the step of adjusting the tension cable length between the buoy and the main frame to optimize the growth conditions of organisms at specific lower trophic levels being cultivated in the cultivation structure.

[0059] If a body of water is located in an area where environmental factors such as temperature and nutrient levels fluctuate seasonally, it may be desirable to adjust the rearing depth for optimal rearing. The tensioning cable length can be adjusted mechanically in steps or continuously.

[0060] Furthermore, this method is The steps include adjusting the tension cable length between the buoy and the mainframe so that the mainframe is positioned at maintenance depth, Steps include separating the cultivation structure from the mooring equipment, The steps of harvesting organisms at lower trophic levels, It may include.

[0061] The mainframe can be positioned at maintenance depth so that the cultivation structure connection, which connects the cultivation structure to the mooring facility, is easily accessible from the sea surface. The cultivation structure can be detached from the mooring facility and harvested on-site. Alternatively, the cultivation structure can be detached from the mooring facility and towed to a remote location for harvesting. This allows the cultivation structure to remain in the water until just before harvesting, which can improve the quality of the harvested seaweed or other lower trophic organisms. This can also increase harvesting efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0062] [Figure 1] This figure shows a first embodiment of an aquaculture system for cultivating organisms at lower trophic levels, such as seaweed. [Figure 2] This figure shows a cross-sectional view along AA, as shown in Figure 1, at different scales. [Figure 3] This figure shows a side view of a cultivation structure connected to multiple cultivation structure connections. [Figure 4a] This figure shows a cross-sectional view along BB, as shown in Figure 1, with cultivation structures removed for clarity. [Figure 4b] This figure shows the same cross-sectional view as in Figure 4a, but with the mainframe positioned at a shallower depth than in Figure 4a. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a method for connecting a cultivation structure to a mooring facility. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a method for detaching a cultivation structure from a mooring facility. [Figure 7] This figure shows a second embodiment of an aquaculture system, which includes multiple mooring facilities and multiple cultivation structures, on a different scale than Figure 1. [Figure 8a] This figure shows one embodiment of the upper and / or lower member. [Figure 8b] This figure shows one embodiment of the upper and / or lower member. [Figure 9a] This figure shows one embodiment of a buoy. [Figure 9b] This figure shows one embodiment of a buoy. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0063] Examples of preferred embodiments shown in the attached drawings are described below.

[0064] Descriptions of positions in the diagrams refer to the positions indicated in the diagrams. In the diagrams, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numeral. For clarity, in some diagrams, some components may not be given reference numerals. Those skilled in the art will understand that the diagrams are merely schematic. Also, the relative dimensional relationships of individual components may differ from those in reality.

[0065] Figure 1 shows an aquaculture system 1 (best shown in Figure 2) located in a body of water 9, and the aquaculture system 1 comprises multiple cultivation structures 8 connected to a mooring facility 2.

[0066] Refer to Figures 1 and 2 here. The mooring facility 2 comprises a plurality of buoys 22 floating on the sea surface 94. Each buoy 22 is connected to the main frame 4 via tensioning lines 24. The tensioning lines 24 and the main frame 4 are connected to a counterweight 26 via counterweight lines 262. The main frame 4 comprises a frame rope 42 composed of a plurality of longitudinal frame rope members 420 and a plurality of transverse frame rope members 422 that together form a plurality of repeating patterns 44. The repeating pattern 44 is rectangular in shape and, in the shown embodiment, is repeated 10 times in a 2 × 5 matrix. Each corner of the repeating pattern 44 is connected to a buoy 22 via one tensioning line 24 and to a counterweight 26 via one counterweight line 262. Each corner of the repeating pattern 44 that forms part of the outer circumference 45 of the main frame 4 is connected to an anchor rope 32. The anchor rope 32 is connected to the main frame 4 at one end and to an anchor 3 at the opposite end. Anchor 3 is fixed to the seabed 92, thereby fixing the mooring equipment 2 to the seabed 92. The anchor rope 32 has a chain on a first section 320 which is positioned closer to the anchor 3 than the main frame 4. A second section 322 of the anchor rope 32 has a polyester rope and is connected to the main frame 4. The anchor buoy 34 is connected to the anchor rope 32 at the point where the first section 320 of the anchor rope 32 is in contact with the second section 322 of the anchor rope 32. The anchor rope 32 forms a catenary at the point where the anchor buoy 34 lifts the first section 320 from the seabed 92. The catenary configuration in the anchor rope 32 is configured so that the main frame 4 has some degree of flexibility in its position within the water body 9. One anchor 3 and one anchor rope 32 are aligned and connected at each end of each longitudinal frame rope member 420 and each end of each transverse frame rope member 422. Tension is applied to the frame cable 42 within the main frame 4, maintaining the shape of the repeating pattern 44.

[0067] The main frame 4 is provided with a plurality of cultivation structure connection points 46 along each longitudinal frame cable member 420. Each cultivation structure connection point 46 includes a connecting cable 462, a float 464, and a carabiner hook 466. The cultivation structure 8 is connected to the mooring facility 2 by the carabiner hook 466 being connected to a connecting ring 87 on the cultivation structure 8.

[0068] Buoy 22 is equipped with a tensioning rope holding system 28 configured to adjust the tensioning rope length. The tensioning rope length refers to the length of the tensioning rope 24 between buoy 22 and the main frame 4. Buoy 22 will be described in more detail later in relation to Figures 9a and 9b. The mooring facility 2 is configured such that the main frame 4 is positioned at a cultivation depth of 200, and as a result the cultivation structure 8 is completely submerged in the water area 9.

[0069] Figure 3 shows a cultivation structure 8 connected to a plurality of cultivation structure connections 46, where each cultivation structure connection 46 is connected to a single longitudinal frame cable member 422. The rest of the mooring equipment 2 is omitted from Figure 3 for simplification. The cultivation structure 8 comprises a plurality of upper members 84 and a plurality of lower members 82. The lower members 82 and upper members 84 are provided with an integrated buoyancy chamber 83 (best shown in Figure 8a). Each upper member 84 is connected to one lower member 82 on each side of the upper member 84 via a plurality of base ropes 86. The base ropes 86 extend from a first end 88 of the cultivation structure 8 to a second end 89 at the end of the cultivation structure 8 opposite to the first end 88. The base ropes 86 form the cultivation structure 8 by connecting the lower members 82 and the upper members 84. Each cultivation structure 8 comprises eight base ropes 86 (best shown in Figure 1). The lower member 82 is connected to the cultivation structure connection part 46 on the main frame 4 via a carabiner hook 466 and a connecting ring 87, as shown in more detail in the enlarged view enclosed in a circle. The integrated buoyancy chamber 83 provides buoyancy when the lower member 82 and upper member 84 are submerged in the water body 9.

[0070] Refer to Figures 1, 2, and 3 here. The distance between each longitudinal frame cable member 420 is adjusted so that when the lower member 82 of the cultivation structure 8 is connected to the cultivation structure connection part 46 of the main frame 4, the upper member 84 of the cultivation structure 8 floats at a shallower depth than the lower member 82. Thus, the base cable 86 is gently tensioned by the buoyancy in the upper member 84. The base cable 86 forms a roof-like drop structure 862 between one upper member 84 and one lower member 82 positioned on each side of the upper member 84.

[0071] Now, refer to Figure 1. As previously explained, the mooring facility 2 is configured such that the frame ropes 42 are under tension. The longitudinal frame rope members 420 that form part of the outer circumference 45 of the main frame 4 are pulled toward the center of the mooring facility 2, while the remaining longitudinal frame rope members 420 are kept straight. The straight longitudinal frame rope members 420 have one upper member 84 on each side, whereas the curved longitudinal frame rope members 420 do not have two upper members 84 on each side, so the longitudinal frame rope members 420 are pulled toward the center of the mooring facility 2.

[0072] Figure 4a shows an aquaculture system 1 along a single longitudinal frame cable member 420, with the cultivation structures 8 omitted for simplification. Each longitudinal frame cable member 420 includes a plurality of cultivation structure connections 46 configured to connect the cultivation structures 8 to a mooring facility 2. As shown in Figure 2, the mooring facility 2 is configured such that the main frame 4 is positioned at a cultivation depth 200, resulting in the cultivation structures 8 being completely submerged in the water area 9. The cultivation depth 200 positions the main frame 4 1 to 8 meters below the sea surface 94.

[0073] Figure 4b shows the mooring facility 2 configured such that the main frame 4 is positioned at a maintenance depth of 220. In this configuration, the tensioning cable length is adjusted so that the length of the tensioning cable 24 between the buoy 22 and the main frame 4 is shorter than when the main frame 4 is at the cultivation depth 200 shown in Figure 4a. Thus, the main frame 4 is positioned at a shallower depth at the maintenance depth 220. This allows for easy access from the sea surface 94 to the cultivation structure connection section 46 for connecting or disconnecting the cultivation structure 8 to the mooring facility 2. At the maintenance depth 220, the cultivation structure 8 can be positioned between the sea surface 94 and 1 meter below the sea surface 94.

[0074] Figure 5 shows a method for installing a cultivation structure 8 in the mooring facility 2. The cultivation structure 8 is pre-assembled at a separate location (not shown) and towed to the mooring facility 2 by a boat 96. The lower member 82 and upper member 84 provide buoyancy and therefore float on their own in the water 9, making it possible to tow the cultivation structure 8 with minimal effort. The mooring facility 2 is configured such that the main frame 4 is positioned at the maintenance depth 220 before the boat 96 tows and positions the cultivation structure 8 against the mooring facility 2. The cultivation structure 8 is then connected to the cultivation structure connection 46 in the mooring facility 2. The boat 96 can move along the sea surface 94 above the main frame 4, only needing to avoid hitting the cultivation structure connection 46 and the buoy 22. This is repeated until no more cultivation structures 8 can be connected to the mooring facility 2. The main frame 4 is then lowered to the growing depth 200. The tension cable length can be adjusted during the breeding season depending on the temperature and nutrient concentration in water body 9.

[0075] In Figure 6, seaweed (not shown) is growing and needs to be harvested. The mooring facility 2 is adapted so that the main frame 4 is raised from the cultivation depth 200 to the maintenance depth 220, and as a result the cultivation structure 8 is easily detached from the mooring facility 2. Boat 96 tows the cultivation structure 8 from the mooring facility 2 to the harvesting site (not shown), where the seaweed is harvested.

[0076] Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of an aquaculture system 1 equipped with multiple mooring facilities 2 arranged in a space-efficient manner. In the illustrated embodiment, only one mooring facility 2 has a cultivation structure 8 connected to it.

[0077] Figure 8a shows one embodiment of the lower member 82 or the upper member 84. They may be identical in shape and differ only in their position in the mooring facility 2. This reduces the complexity during the pre-assembly of the cultivation structure 8. The lower member 82 and the upper member 84 include an integrated buoyancy chamber 83 and a quick-release mechanism 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the quick-release mechanism 80 includes a slotted member 81 and a locking member 85. The slotted member 81 includes a plurality of U-shaped slots 810 formed to fit the base rope 86. The U-shaped slots 810 are evenly spaced along the slotted member 81, thereby arranging the base rope 86 parallel between each upper member 84 and each lower member 82 within the cultivation structure 8. The locking member 85 and the slotted member 81 are configured such that when the locking member 85 is connected to the slotted member 81, the locking member 85 presses and clamps each base material cable 86 against the bottom of the plurality of U-shaped grooves 810, thereby connecting the base material cable 86 to the slotted member 81.

[0078] Figure 8b shows a locking member 85 connected to a slotted member 81, where the base rope 86 is clamped at the bottom of the U-shaped groove 810 by the locking member 85.

[0079] Figure 9a shows buoy 22, and Figure 9b shows a cross-sectional view along CC shown in Figure 9a. Buoy 22 includes a tensioning rope holding system 28 configured to adjust the tensioning rope length, i.e., the length of the tensioning rope 24 between buoy 22 and the main frame 4. The tensioning rope holding system 28 includes a passage 282 that guides the tensioning rope 24 outward from the surface 284 facing the seabed 92 through the center of buoy 22 when buoy 22 is floating in the water 9. The tensioning rope length is adjusted by adjusting the length of the tensioning rope 24 between buoy 22 and the main frame 4 and locking the tensioning rope 24 in a desired position relative to buoy 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the tensioning rope 24 is a chain in which a bolt 286 is inserted into a first hole 287, through a chain link in the tensioning rope 24, and then through a second hole 288 to be locked in a desired position. The first hole 287 and the second hole 288 are fixed to buoy 22. A winch (not shown) can be used to adjust the length of the tensioning rope 24. This winch can be fixed to the buoy 22 or to a boat. The boat can be positioned adjacent to the buoy 22 before adjusting the tensioning rope length. In one embodiment where the winch is fixed to the buoy 22, the tensioning rope holding system 28 may be part of the winch.

[0080] It should be noted that the embodiments described above are illustrative rather than limiting of the present invention, and that a person skilled in the art can design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Any reference numerals placed in parentheses in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims. The use of the verb “comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the existence of elements or steps other than those described in the claims. The articles “a” or “an” preceding an element do not exclude the existence of multiple such elements.

[0081] The fact that specific means are described in different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these means cannot be used advantageously.

Claims

1. A mooring facility (2) for mooring a cultivation structure (8), comprising a cultivation structure connection part (46) configured to connect the cultivation structure (8) to the mooring facility (2), The mooring equipment (2) comprises a plurality of anchors (3), a plurality of buoys (22), a plurality of tensioning lines (24), a plurality of anchoring lines (32), and a frame line (42). The mooring equipment (2) is configured such that the frame rope (42) forms a main frame (4) that forms a repeating pattern (44), The tensioning cable (24) is configured to provide a connection between each of the buoys (22) and the main frame (4), The anchor cable (32) is configured to provide a connection between each of the anchors (3) and the main frame (4). The buoy (22) is equipped with a tension rope holding system (28) configured to adjust the tension rope length, The mooring facility (2) is characterized in that the tensioning cable length is the length between the buoy (22) and the main frame (4).

2. The mooring equipment (2) according to claim 1, A mooring facility (2) is configured such that the anchor rope (32) forms a catenary mooring.

3. A mooring facility (2) according to claim 1 or 2, The anchor rope (32) is connected to a mooring facility (2) that includes an anchor buoy (34).

4. A mooring facility (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The mooring equipment (2) is equipped with a counterweight (26), The mooring equipment (2) is configured such that when the mooring equipment (2) is placed in the water area (9), the counterweight (26) generates tension in the tensioning rope (24).

5. A mooring facility (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The tension cable holding system (28) is configured to guide and hold the tension cable (24) within the passage (282), A mooring facility (2) wherein, when the buoy (22) is floating in the water (9), the passage (282) protrudes from the buoy (22) through a surface (284) configured to face the seabed (92) from the center of the buoy (22).

6. A mooring facility (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The mooring facility (2) is provided with a float (464) at the cultivation structure connection part (46).

7. A cultivation structure (8) for growing organisms at the lower trophic levels, which is detachable from the mooring equipment (2), The cultivation structure (8) comprises a lower member (82), an upper member (84), and a base material cable (86), The cultivation structure (8) is characterized in that a plurality of base material ropes (86) are formed to connect the upper member (84) and the lower member (82).

8. A cultivation structure (8) according to claim 7, The cultivation structure (8) is formed such that the upper member (84) provides buoyancy when submerged in the water (9).

9. A cultivation structure (8) according to claim 7 or 8, A cultivation structure (8) in which the lower member (82) is formed to provide buoyancy when submerged in the water body (9).

10. A cultivation structure (8) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, A cultivation structure (8) in which the plurality of base material ropes (86) have substantially the same length.

11. A cultivation structure (8) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, The cultivation structure (8) is provided with a quick connection mechanism (87) for connecting the cultivation structure (8) to the mooring equipment (2).

12. A cultivation structure (8) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, A cultivation structure (8) wherein the lower member (82) and the upper member (84) are equipped with a quick-release mechanism (80) for detaching the plurality of base material ropes (86).

13. A farming system (1) for cultivating organisms at the lower trophic levels, The aquaculture system (1) comprises a mooring facility (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a plurality of cultivation structures (8) according to any one of claims 7 to 12. Aquaculture system (1) characterized in that the cultivation structure (8) is connected to the mooring equipment (2).

14. Aquaculture system (1) according to claim 13, The cultivation structure (8) is connected to the mooring facility (2), Aquaculture system (1), wherein the mooring equipment (2) is formed such that when the main frame (4) is lowered to the cultivation depth (200), tension is gently applied to the base material rope (86).

15. A farming system (1) according to claim 13 or 14, The aquaculture system (1) comprises a plurality of mooring facilities (2) and a plurality of cultivation structures (8).

16. A method for cultivating organisms at a lower trophic level, comprising the step of providing an aquaculture system (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. The method according to claim 16, The steps include pre-assembling multiple cultivation structures (8), The steps include: seeding the base material rope (86) off-site, A method comprising the step of towing the plurality of pre-assembled cultivation structures (8) to the mooring equipment (2).

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, The steps include adjusting the tension cable length between the buoy (22) and the main frame (4) so ​​that the main frame (4) is positioned at the maintenance depth (220), The steps include connecting the cultivation structure (8) to the main frame (4) via the cultivation structure connection part (46), A method comprising the step of adjusting the tension cable length between the buoy (22) and the main frame (4) so ​​that the main frame (4) is positioned at the growth depth (200).

19. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, A method comprising the step of adjusting the tension cable length between the buoy (22) and the main frame (4) in order to optimize the cultivation conditions for a particular lower trophic level organism to be grown in the cultivation structure (8).

20. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, The steps include adjusting the tension cable length between the buoy (22) and the main frame (4) so ​​that the main frame (4) is positioned at the maintenance depth (220), The steps include: separating the cultivation structure (8) from the mooring equipment (2), A method comprising the step of harvesting organisms at the lower trophic levels.

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