Hatchery for the production of aquatic crustaceans

Abstract

An incubator (1) for the production of aquatic crustacean larvae (3), comprising a main chamber (11) and a lower accumulation chamber (12) located below the main chamber (11). The main chamber (11) and the lower accumulation chamber (12) are separated by a perforation barrier (14) and are in fluid communication with each other. The main chamber (11) comprises a light source (33) configured to illuminate the main chamber (11). The main chamber (11) comprises a water distribution device (16) configured to supply water to the main chamber (11). The incubator (1) also comprises a water outlet (21) formed in the lower accumulation chamber (12), configured to discharge water from the lower accumulation chamber (12) in a first state (S1) of the incubator (1). The hatching device (1) also includes a biomass outlet (28) formed within the lower collection chamber (12), which is configured to discharge water and aquatic crustacean larvae (3) from the lower collection chamber (12) in the second state (S2) of the hatching device (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a hatching apparatus for producing aquatic crustacean larvae. The present invention also relates to a method for producing aquatic crustacean larvae. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In aquaculture processes for fish production, plant-derived feeds are often used in many cases. However, the production of plant-derived feeds affects terrestrial agriculture in that it increases the usage of land, water, and fertilizers, all of which have an environmental impact.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need to replace plant-derived fish feeds. It is known that the biomass of Gammaridae can be utilized not only as part of fish feed, but also as health food and food for human consumption.

[0004] Gammarids are small shrimp-like crustaceans that inhabit the entire Norwegian coast. These are low-tropical crustaceans that have high nutritional value and can grow even in high-density environments. It is known that these organisms can be reared in onshore facilities using inexpensive feed substrates. Onshore hatching apparatuses are independent of environmental changes and can be adapted to the specific needs of crustacean production.

[0005] One of the main challenges for scaling up the production of aquatic crustaceans to an industrial scale is separating the larvae from their parents. This is because it is not uncommon for adult gammarids to eat their own young larvae. Naturally, newly hatched larvae move downward toward the darker water bottom. The larvae escape from light to find hiding places, and thus move away from their parents.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve one or more of the above problems in scaling up the production of aquatic crustaceans to an industrial scale. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An incubator for the production of aquatic crustacean larvae, wherein the incubator is The main room, It is equipped with a lower storage room located below the main room, The main chamber and the lower accumulation chamber are separated by a perforation barrier and are fluidly connected to each other. The main chamber is equipped with a light source configured to illuminate the main chamber, The main chamber is equipped with a water distribution system configured primarily to supply water. moreover, It is equipped with a water outlet formed in the lower collection chamber, The water outlet is configured to discharge water from the lower collection chamber in the first state of the incubation device. moreover, It is equipped with a biomass outlet formed in the lower collection chamber, The hatching apparatus is configured such that the biomass outlet discharges water and aquatic crustacean larvae from the lower collection chamber in the second state of the hatching apparatus.

[0008] Here, the terms "larva" and "young larva" of aquatic crustaceans are synonymous, both referring to aquatic crustaceans that have not yet reached the shape and size of an adult.

[0009] In one embodiment, a water flow is generated from the water distribution device in the main chamber through a perforated barrier to the lower collection chamber.

[0010] In one embodiment, the bottom of the main chamber is in fluid communication with the top of the lower accumulation chamber.

[0011] In one embodiment, a light source is provided above the water level in the main chamber.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of the main chamber and the lower storage chamber are cylindrical, rectangular, square, or other shapes.

[0013] In one embodiment, the shape of the lower storage chamber is tapered from the top to the bottom of the lower storage chamber.

[0014] In some embodiments, the biomass outlet is closed when the hatching apparatus is in the first state.

[0015] In some embodiments, the water outlet is closed when the hatching apparatus is in the second state.

[0016] In some embodiments, the size and shape of the holes in the perforated barrier allow larvae of aquatic crustaceans to move from the main chamber to the lower collection chamber, and prevent adult aquatic crustaceans from moving from the main chamber to the lower collection chamber.

[0017] In some embodiments, the holes in the perforated barrier are circular with a diameter of 10 mm or less, for example 10 mm to 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the holes in the perforated barrier are circular with a diameter between 1 mm and 6 mm, more preferably between 1.5 mm and 2 mm, and the aquatic crustaceans are Gammaridae.

[0018] In some embodiments, the aquatic crustaceans are arranged in the main collection chamber.

[0019] In some embodiments, the hatching apparatus for producing aquatic crustacean larvae is located on land.

[0020] An additional light source may be provided, at least a portion of which is submerged in the water below the water level.

[0021] In some embodiments, the additional light source is configured to illuminate the main chamber.

[0022] The main chamber may be provided with a habitat part for aquatic crustaceans, the habitat part may have a tubular shape with a main axis of the habitat part oriented in the vertical direction, and the surface of the habitat part may be perforated.

[0023] The water outlet includes a water filter, a valve, an overflow pipe and an outflow pipe, wherein the overflow pipe controls the water level in the main chamber.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the water filter retains aquatic crustacean larvae within the hatching apparatus.

[0025] The biomass outlet is provided with a valve, and the valve controls the outflow of aquatic crustacean larvae from the lower accumulation chamber through the biomass outlet.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the aquatic crustacean larvae accumulate at the bottom of the lower accumulation chamber.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the outflow of water and aquatic crustacean larvae through the biomass outlet is controlled by the valve.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the lower accumulation chamber may be provided with a three-way valve in fluid communication with the water outlet and the biomass outlet.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the three-way valve may be positioned at the bottom of the lower accumulation chamber.

[0030] Positioning the three-way valve at the bottom of the lower accumulation chamber has one or more of the following advantages. - Preventing water from stagnating at the bottom of the lower accumulation chamber. - Preventing the generation of hydrogen sulfide caused by bacterial decomposition of feed residues and excreta from the aquatic crustacean larvae.

[0031] The aquatic crustacean larvae may be amphipod larvae, preferably Gammaridae larvae.

[0032] The water may be seawater.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the water may be brackish water, fresh water, or artificially produced seawater.

[0034] The present invention relates to a method for producing aquatic crustacean larvae, wherein in the production method, the method includes the step of providing a main chamber disposed at the top of the lower accumulation chamber, the main chamber and the lower accumulation chamber are separated by a perforated barrier and are in fluid communication with each other, moreover, The process involves supplying water to the main chamber using a water distribution device and supplying it up to the water level, The process involves placing aquatic crustaceans inside the main chamber, The process involves illuminating the main chamber with a light source, A process of forming a water discharge section by a water outlet located in the lower collection chamber, The process includes providing feed between the living areas within the main chamber.

[0035] In one embodiment, a water flow is generated from the water distribution device in the main chamber through a perforated barrier to the lower collection chamber.

[0036] The production method may include a step of discharging water and aquatic crustacean larvae from the lower collection chamber through the biomass outlet, and the water discharge section through the water outlet may be closed.

[0037] In one embodiment, water and aquatic crustacean larvae are expelled once every 24 hours.

[0038] In one embodiment, water and aquatic crustacean larvae are expelled once every 48 hours.

[0039] The production method may include a step of illuminating the main chamber with an additional light source.

[0040] In one embodiment, light from an additional light source provides additional illumination to the main chamber to accelerate the larval migration to the lower accumulation chamber.

[0041] The aquatic crustacean larva may be an amphipod larva, preferably an amphipod larva (Gammaridae).

[0042] The water can be seawater.

[0043] In some aspects, the water may be brackish water, fresh water, or artificially produced seawater. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a hatching apparatus designed for the production of aquatic crustacean larvae, involving water circulation. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a hatching device intended for the production of aquatic crustacean larvae during larval collection. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hatching apparatus used for producing aquatic crustacean larvae, as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hatching apparatus during larval collection, equipped with an additional light source. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the incubation apparatus with the additional light source shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a hatching apparatus equipped with a three-way valve and water circulation, intended for the production of aquatic crustacean larvae. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a hatching device equipped with a three-way valve, intended for the production of aquatic crustacean larvae, during larval collection. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] The following describes an incubator designed for the production of aquatic crustacean larvae.

[0046] Let us refer to Figure 1. Hatching apparatus 1 is disclosed for the purpose of producing aquatic crustacean larvae. Hatching apparatus 1 is used for production on land.

[0047] The incubation apparatus 1 comprises two chambers: a main chamber 11 and a lower storage chamber 12. The main chamber 11 is stacked on top of the lower storage chamber 12. The top 12T of the lower storage chamber is connected to the bottom 11B of the main chamber. These are separated by a perforation barrier 14 that allows fluid communication between the main chamber 11 and the lower storage chamber 12. During the production of aquatic crustacean larvae 3, the perforation barrier ensures that the aquatic crustacean larvae 3 move through the holes in the perforation barrier 14 to the lower storage chamber 12, while the adult aquatic crustaceans 2 remain in the main chamber 11. The aquatic crustacean larvae 3 move towards the bottom 12B of the lower storage chamber.

[0048] In many cases, the main chamber 11 and the lower storage chamber 12 are contained within a single container or tank. The perforation barrier 14 is positioned inside the tank or container to separate the main chamber 11 and the lower storage chamber 12. The top 11T of the main chamber may be closed with a lid.

[0049] The main chamber 11 and the lower storage chamber 12, as well as the tank or container comprising the main chamber 11 and the lower storage chamber 12, may be assembled from different materials, including stainless steel, laminated composite materials, or rotationally molded polymers. The materials used, particularly those used for the lower storage chamber 12, are opaque.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the cross-sections of the main chamber 11 and the lower storage chamber 12 are circular. The cross-section of the lower storage chamber 12 is tapered from the top 12T to the bottom 12B. In the case of the circular cross-section shown in Figure 3, the lower storage chamber 12 is conical.

[0051] The perforation barrier 14 may be formed from a metal or polymer material. The holes in the perforation barrier 14 may be arranged at regular intervals.

[0052] The dimensions and shape of the holes in the perforation barrier 14 are selected to prevent aquatic crustaceans 2 from moving from the main chamber 11 to the lower accumulation chamber 12, while simultaneously allowing aquatic crustacean larvae 3 to move from the main chamber 11 to the lower accumulation chamber 12.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, the incubation apparatus 1 is equipped with a light source 33. The light source 33 is positioned above the water level 8 within the main chamber 11 to illuminate the main chamber 11. The light source 33 provides full-spectrum light that simulates natural light, such as LED light.

[0054] Figure 1 also shows a water distribution device 16 equipped with a water supply unit 17 that provides clean water to the main chamber 11 at a desired temperature. The water distribution device 16 is located inside the main chamber 11. The water distribution device 16 and the water supply unit 17 are typically made of polyethylene or stainless steel.

[0055] Water is filled to a predetermined water level 8 with the assistance of the overflow pipe 22 shown in Figure 1. The overflow pipe 22 is connected to the main chamber 11 and the lower collection chamber 12 via the water outlet 21. Excess water is discharged through the outflow pipe 23.

[0056] The water supplied to the main chamber 11 is treated with a sand filter and ultraviolet light, and has a temperature of 12°C to 18°C. The total amount of water in the incubation apparatus 1 is replaced with fresh water one to three times per day.

[0057] The incubation apparatus 1 further comprises habitats 15 for aquatic crustaceans 2. These habitats 15 are cylindrical with a main axis oriented vertically. The surface of the habitats 15 is perforated. These perforated tubes have multiple holes measuring 6x8mm, a diameter of 5cm, a length of 70cm, and a surface area of ​​150 m². 2 / m 3 It is formed from high-density polyethylene. This allows for effective layering of the habitat 15, which can occupy 50% to 70% of the bottom 11T of the main chamber.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, the outlet 21 of the hatching device 1 is equipped with a water filter 25 and a valve 26. The water filter 25 holds the aquatic crustacean larvae 3 in the lower collection chamber 12 of the hatching device 1. To prevent the aquatic crustacean larvae 3 from escaping from the lower collection chamber 12, the filter has a rating of 300 μm or less.

[0059] Figure 1 also shows that the water outlet 21 is located on the wall of the lower collection chamber 12 so that water can be discharged from the lower collection chamber 12. The hatchery 1 is in a first state S1 in which water is discharged from the outlet 21. The first state S1 generates a water flow from the water distribution device 16 through the main chamber 11 and the lower collection chamber 12 to the water outlet 21. During the production of aquatic crustacean larvae 3, this water flow allows for water exchange within the hatchery 1. The arrows in Figure 1 indicate the outflow of water from the water distribution device 16 and the inflow of water to the water outlet 21.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1, the hatching device includes a biomass outlet 28 and a valve 27 located at the lowest part of the lower collection chamber 12. The valve 27 controls the outflow of the biomass outlet 28.

[0061] In the second state S2 of the hatching device 1, the water outlet 21 is closed and the valve 27 is open. The second state S2 generates a water flow from the water distribution device 16 through the main chamber 11 and the lower collection chamber 12 to the biomass outlet 28. This water flow discharges the aquatic crustacean larvae 3 and water from the lower collection chamber 12 via the biomass outlet 28, thereby enabling the collection of the aquatic crustacean larvae 3. The arrows in Figure 2 indicate the outflow of water from the water distribution device 16 and the inflow of water to the biomass outlet 28.

[0062] The following describes a second embodiment of a hatching apparatus for the production of aquatic crustacean larvae.

[0063] Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the incubation apparatus 1. Only the differences from the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 will be described. The second embodiment of the incubation apparatus 1 includes all the technical features of the first embodiment. Further embodiments include additional light sources 32 and 34. The additional light sources 32 and 34 are positioned within the main chamber 11 to illuminate the main chamber 11. The additional light sources 32 and 34 are located below the water level 8 and are submerged in water. These additional light sources provide full-spectrum light that simulates natural light. These are often LED lights. In contrast to light source 33, the additional light sources 32 and 34 are used only in the second state S2 of the incubation apparatus 1.

[0064] The following describes a third embodiment of a hatching apparatus for the production of aquatic crustacean larvae.

[0065] Figures 6 and 7 show a third embodiment of the hatching device 1. Only the differences from the previously described embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5 will be explained. Figure 6 shows that the water outlet 21 and the biomass outlet 28 are connected to a three-way valve 29 located at the lowest part of the lower collection chamber 12.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the hatching device 1 and the three-way valve 29 are in state S1 when water is discharged from the water outlet 21. The arrows indicate the outflow of water from the water distribution device 16 and the inflow of water to the water outlet 21. In this way, water stagnation at the bottom 12B of the lower collection chamber is avoided. Water exchange or renewal at the bottom 12B of the lower collection chamber prevents the generation of hydrogen sulfide, which can be fatal to aquatic crustacean larvae 3, due to the decomposition of feed residue and excrement from aquatic crustacean larvae 3 by bacteria.

[0067] Figure 7 shows the hatching device 1 and the three-way valve 29 in the second state S2. In the second state S2, the water outlet 21 is closed. As indicated by the arrows in Figure 7, there is a water flow from the water distribution device 16 through the main chamber 11 and the lower collection chamber 12 to the biomass outlet 28.

[0068] The following describes methods for producing aquatic crustacean larvae.

[0069] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate the steps for producing aquatic crustacean larvae 3. This process is a batch process. It is initiated by supplying water from the water distribution device 16 to the main chamber 11 until the water level reaches 8. The water can be seawater, brackish water, or freshwater.

[0070] Next, aquatic crustaceans are placed in the main chamber 11. These aquatic crustaceans may be, for example, amphipods or gammaridae.

[0071] Next, the main chamber is illuminated by the light source 33, and feed is provided between the multiple habitats 15 within the main chamber 11. The light source 33 continues to emit light.

[0072] Water is discharged from the main chamber 11 and the lower collection chamber 12 via the water outlet 21, creating a water circulation within the incubation apparatus 1. This is the first state S1 of the incubation apparatus 1.

[0073] Aquatic crustacean 2 can lay eggs, and once the eggs hatch, the larvae 3 grow while the larvae move to the lower accumulation chamber 12.

[0074] Once the reproduction of aquatic crustaceans 2 begins and the aquatic crustacean larvae 3 move to the lower accumulation chamber 12, the valve 26 of the water outlet 21 closes, and the valve 27 of the biomass outlet 28 opens to discharge water and the aquatic crustacean larvae 3. This is the second state S2 of the hatching device 1. Biomass is discharged once every 24 hours or once every 48 hours.

[0075] To accelerate this process, more light may be additionally provided by additional light sources 32 and 34. The additional light sources 32 and 34 illuminate the main chamber 11 to accelerate the movement of aquatic crustacean larvae 3 to the lower accumulation chamber 12 and biomass outlet 28. The additional light sources are used only when the incubator is in the second state S2 or is about to transition to the second state S2.

[0076] The flow rate of water that flows from the water distribution device 16 in the main chamber 11 into the lower collection chamber 12 and then flows out again through the water outlet 21 or biomass outlet 28 is adjusted to promote spawning, egg hatching, and the movement of larvae into the lower collection chamber 12. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1 Incubator 2 Aquatic crustaceans 3. Larvae of aquatic crustaceans 8 water level 11 Main room 11B Bottom of the main chamber 11T Main chamber top 12 Lower storage room 12B Bottom of the lower storage chamber Top of the 12T lower storage chamber 14 Perforation barrier 15 Habitat 16 Water distribution device 21 Water outlet 22 Overflow pipe 23 Outflow pipe 25 Water Filter 26 valves 27 valves 28 Biomass Outlets 29 Three-way valve 33 Light source 32, 34 Additional light sources S1 First state S2 Second state

Claims

1. An incubator (1) for the production of aquatic crustacean larvae (3), wherein the incubator (1) is The main room (11) and, The system comprises a lower storage chamber (12) located below the main chamber (11), The main chamber (11) and the lower accumulation chamber (12) are separated by a perforation barrier (14) and are in fluid communication with each other. The main chamber (11) is equipped with a light source (33) configured to illuminate the main chamber (11), The main chamber (11) is equipped with a water distribution device (16) configured to supply water to the main chamber (11), moreover, It is equipped with a water outlet (21) formed in the lower accumulation chamber (12), The water outlet (21) is configured to discharge water from the lower collection chamber (12) in the first state (S1) of the hatching device (1). moreover, The system includes a biomass outlet (28) formed within the lower accumulation chamber (12), The biomass outlet (28) is configured to discharge water and aquatic crustacean larvae (3) from the lower collection chamber (12) in the second state (S2) of the hatching device (1), the hatching device (1).

2. The incubation apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein additional light sources (32, 34) are provided and at least a portion of them are submerged in water below the water level (8).

3. The main chamber (11) is equipped with a habitat (15) for aquatic crustaceans (2), The habitat portion (15) is cylindrical and has a main axis of the habitat portion (15) oriented in the vertical direction. The surface of the habitat (15) is perforated. The incubation apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The water outlet (21) is Water filter (25), Valve (26) and, Overflow pipe (22) and outflow pipe (23) An incubator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising, wherein the overflow pipe (22) controls the water level (8) in the main chamber (11).

5. The hatching apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the biomass outlet (28) is equipped with a valve (27), and the valve (27) controls the outflow of aquatic crustacean larvae (3) from the lower collection chamber (12) through the biomass outlet (28).

6. The hatching apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower collection chamber (12) is equipped with a three-way valve (29) that is in fluid communication with the water outlet (21) and the biomass outlet (28).

7. The hatching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the aquatic crustacean larva (3) is an amphipod larva (3), preferably an amphipod larva (3).

8. The hatching apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the water is seawater.

9. In a method for producing aquatic crustacean larvae (3), The process includes providing a main chamber (11) located at the top of the lower storage chamber (12), The main chamber (11) and the lower accumulation chamber (12) are separated by a perforation barrier (14) and are in fluid communication with each other. moreover, The process involves supplying water to the main chamber (11) using a water distribution device (16) and supplying it up to the water level (8), The process involves placing aquatic crustaceans (2) inside the main chamber (11), The process involves irradiating the main chamber (11) with a light source (33), The process of forming a water discharge section by a water outlet (21) located in the lower accumulation chamber (12), A production method comprising the step of providing feed between the living parts (15) in the main chamber (11).

10. The production method according to claim 9, wherein the water discharge section by the water outlet (21) is closed, and the process includes discharging water and aquatic crustacean larvae (3) from the lower accumulation chamber (12) by the biomass outlet (28).

11. The production method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of irradiating the main chamber (11) with additional light sources (32, 34).

12. The production method according to claim 9 or 11, wherein the aquatic crustacean larva (3) is an amphipod larva (3), preferably an amphipod larva (3).

13. The production method (1) according to claim 9 or 12, wherein the water is seawater.

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