Improved Mounting System and Method for an Aquatic Basket

Abstract

A system (100) and method for attaching an aquatic basket (102) to a longline in an aquaculture environment, the system including a basket (102), longline engagement means (104, 105), and a locking bar (106) configured for slidable engagement with one or both of the engagement means and the basket (102).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Field of the Invention This specification relates to improvements in systems, methods, and devices for use in an aquaculture farming environment.

[0002] Background of the Invention There are conventional devices for attaching baskets to longlines. Such devices are cumbersome to operate and require a significant amount of manual resources during harvesting and maintenance operations. Occasionally, if a particular basket becomes defective for some reason, the entire section of the basket may need to be replaced just to replace the damaged basket, making the necessary replacement of the damaged basket a problem. Not only does it require a significant amount of manual work, but there are additional costs associated with replacing the basket or parts of the basket that may need to be replaced. Accordingly, there is a need to provide improved systems, devices, and methods where the drawbacks of conventional systems and devices are less likely to occur. Where prior art publications are referred to herein, it should be clearly understood that this reference does not admit that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or any other country.

[0003] Summary The present disclosure generally relates to systems, devices, and methods for attaching an aquatic basket to a longline or other structure in an aquatic farming environment. It will be understood that when the term "longline" is used, other structures such as a trestle or a ladder are envisioned for use in the embodiments described hereinafter. In one or more preferred embodiments, a locking bar that interacts with the basket and an engagement mechanism that attaches to the longline are described. The locking bar and the engagement mechanism can be configured for use in a variety of situations, including but not limited to use with one or more basket floats and / or basket clips. The locking bar and the engagement mechanism can be configured for a variety of orientations such that the length of the basket is generally parallel to the longline or perpendicular to the longline at another angle, e.g., depending on the required situation. In one preferred aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for attaching an aquatic basket to a longline in an aquaculture environment. The system includes an aquaculture basket configured to hold aquatic life therein, the aquaculture basket having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a length extending from the first end to the second end, the upper surface including at least one void oriented along the length. The system further includes longline engagement means configured to hold the basket to the longline. The system further includes a locking bar configured for slidable engagement between at least one void in the upper surface of the basket and a portion of the longline engagement means, the locking bar configured to releasably secure the basket to the longline engagement means. In another preferred aspect, the present disclosure provides a quick release for engaging an aquaculture basket to a float and a longline. The quick release includes an upper body portion (upper body portion) including a through-aperture configured to receive at least a portion of the longline therethrough. The upper body portion includes engaging means configured to be fixed to the float, and the lower body portion (lower body portion) is configured to slidably receive a portion of a locking bar to fix the basket to the lower body portion. In a further preferred aspect, the present disclosure provides a quick release for engaging an aquaculture basket to a longline. The click release includes a locking bar and a basket clip including a first end configured to clip to the longline and a second end opposite the first end including a bottom bar. The quick release further includes a clip lock including a curvilinear upper surface, an inwardly oriented curvilinear recess configured to receive the bottom bar of the basket clip therein, and a lower surface including engaging means configured to slidably receive the locking bar. In yet another preferred aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of attaching an aquatic basket to a longline in an aquaculture environment. The method includes attaching engaging means to the longline, placing the basket proximate to the engaging means, and sliding a locking bar through the engaging means to fix the basket to the engaging means. In another preferred aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for aquaculture farming. The apparatus comprises a piece of durable material deformable to substantially form an enclosure, such as a basket, for containing farmed aquaculture species. The piece of durable material comprises engagement means by which a first portion of the durable material can engage with its second portion, thereby bringing the durable material into a desired deformed state, and serves as a substantial enclosure. The shape of the durable material is such that, once in the form of an enclosure, there is no substantial gap between the engaged portions that would allow an individual of the farmed aquaculture species to escape from the enclosure. In a further preferred aspect, the present disclosure provides an assembly for attaching an aquaculture basket to a longline. The assembly comprises a plurality of pre-formed thermoplastic components operable together to facilitate rotation of the basket in at least two planes. In yet another preferred aspect, the present disclosure provides an elongate member for attachment along the axis of an aquaculture basket, the elongate member providing rigidity and support to the basket. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. In this specification and the claims, the term "comprising", and derivatives thereof including "comprises" and "comprise", include each of the stated integers and do not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. It will be understood that references herein to "preferred" or "preferably" are for purposes of illustration only. The claims appended hereto and submitted herewith are hereby incorporated by reference into the body of this specification. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, depict certain embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment It will be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. In this specification and the claims, the term "comprising", and derivatives thereof including "comprises, comprise", include each of the stated integers but do not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. It will be understood that references herein to "preferred" or "preferably" are intended for illustration only. The claims appended hereto are hereby incorporated by reference into the text of this specification.

[0006] In one preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides a system for attaching an aquatic basket to a longline in an aquaculture environment. The system includes an aquaculture basket configured to hold aquatic organisms therein. The basket is suitable for a wide range of farmed aquatic life, such as, for example, sea urchins, scallops, oysters, and other shellfish. In this aspect, the basket has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a length extending from the first end to the second end, and the upper surface includes at least one void (aperture) oriented along the length. The system further includes longline engagement means configured to hold the basket to the longline. The system also further includes a locking bar configured to engage with at least one void of the upper surface of the basket and a portion of the longline engagement means to releasably secure the basket to the longline engagement means. The locking bar can engage with the basket and the longline engagement means by any suitable method. In some embodiments, it slidably engages with both so as to releasably lock the basket to the longline engagement means. In some embodiments, it can include a latch mechanism that can include, for example, one or more deformable components that can be latched together.

[0007] In some embodiments, the longline engagement means includes an upper body portion including a through-aperture configured to receive at least a portion of the longline therethrough, and a lower body portion configured to receive (e.g., slidably receive) a portion of the locking bar and to fix the basket to the lower body portion. The longline engagement means can also be configured to engage with a basket float.

[0008] In some embodiments, the longline engagement means is configured to be releasable from the basket while remaining engaged with the float. In some embodiments, it will be appreciated that it is configured to be releasable from the float while remaining engaged with the basket. In some embodiments, the longline engagement means is configured to be positioned between the float and the basket when the basket and the float are engaged.

[0009] Some preferred embodiments include a plurality of longline engagement means configured for engagement with a locking bar, releasably securing the basket to the longline at a plurality of locations.

[0010] In some preferred embodiments, the longline engagement means includes a basket clip and a separate clip lock engageable with each other. The clip lock is configured to slidably receive a portion of the locking bar along the bottom surface of the clip lock and entrap the clip between the locking bar and the clip lock. The clip lock may further include a recess configured to receive the lower portion of the basket clip.

[0011] In another preferred aspect, the present disclosure provides a quick release for engaging an aquaculture basket to a float and a longline. The quick release includes an upper body portion including a through hole configured to receive at least a portion of the longline therethrough. The upper body portion includes a lower body portion configured to slidably receive a portion of the locking bar, engagement means configured to secure the float, and securing the basket to the lower body portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the lower body portion is oriented laterally with respect to the upper body portion such that the basket is fixed to the longline along its length perpendicular to the longline. In some embodiments, the lower body portion is oriented parallel to the upper body portion such that the basket is fixed to the longline along its length parallel to the longline. The upper body portion and the lower body portion each have a substantially equal overall length in some embodiments. The through-hole of the upper body portion may have a complete perimeter such that the longline is threaded through a quick release and engaged with the longline in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the upper body portion may engage the longline in other suitable ways as long as the basket is secured so that it does not inadvertently come off the longline.

[0013] In a further preferred aspect, the present disclosure provides a quick release for engaging an aquaculture basket with a longline. The quick release comprises a locking bar and a basket clip including a first end configured to clip onto the longline and a second end opposite the first end including a bottom bar. The quick release further comprises a clip lock including a curvilinear upper surface, an inwardly oriented curvilinear recess configured to receive the bottom bar of the basket clip therein, and a lower surface including engagement means configured to slidably receive the locking bar. The dimensions of the components of the quick bar should be robust and sufficient to reduce the effects of wear and tear by floating substances (such as sand) in the surrounding water. A further advantage of a robust quick release according to this aspect is that it is less prone to wear than conventional attachment means and is easily replaceable if wear ultimately becomes a problem.

[0014] In some embodiments, the locking bar has a length substantially equal to the length of the basket. The first end of the basket clip may be hook-shaped, which allows it to easily engage and conform to the shape of the longline, while allowing free movement to swing back and forth on the longline for the basket to increase rumbling. In some embodiments, the first and second ends of the basket clip each comprise a through-hole having a central axis parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the clip lock comprises a plurality of feet configured to engage the locking bar. The lower surface of the clip lock may be configured to slidably receive the locking bar in a direction transverse to the longline. The lower surface of the clip lock may also be configured to slidably receive the locking bar in a direction parallel to the longline. Other methods of attaching the clip lock to the basket are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] In yet another preferred aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for attaching an aquatic basket to a longline in an aquaculture environment. The method comprises attaching engagement means to the longline, positioning the basket proximate the engagement means, and sliding a locking bar through the engagement means to secure the basket to the engagement means.

[0016] In some embodiments, the step of sliding the locking bar through the engagement means comprises sliding the locking bar through a plurality of engagement means. The step of sliding the locking bar through the engagement means can comprise sliding the locking bar through engagement means fixed to the float. In some embodiments, the method comprises removing the basket from the float while the float is engaged with the longline. In some embodiments, the method comprises flipping the basket about the longline. The method can comprise flipping the basket about the longline such that the length of the basket is flipped about the longline. It can also comprise flipping the basket about the longline while the float is engaged with the longline and a cage.

[0017] In other preferred aspects, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for aquaculture. The apparatus comprises a piece of durable material that is foldable or deformable to substantially form an enclosure such as a basket for containing cultured aquaculture species. The piece of durable material comprises engagement means by which a first portion of the durable material can engage with a second portion thereof, thereby bringing the durable material into a desired deformed state, as a substantial enclosure. The shape of the durable material, once in the form of an enclosure, has no substantial gaps between the engaged portions that would allow an individual of the cultured aquaculture species to escape from the enclosure. Such gaps exist in prior art devices and form a'siphon' through which the cultured aquaculture species can escape or exit the basket with the water flow through the gap.

[0018] One piece of the durable material may be of any suitable shape, but is preferably a substantially rectangular sheet that can be rolled up and inserted into a substantially cylindrical enclosure. By providing the material as a flat sheet, costs can be reduced from the perspectives of production, transportation, and storage (e.g., by flat-packing the product). The durable material can be of any suitable type, and preferably has durability in a marine environment and can thus comprise a plastic such as polypropylene, for example. The engaging means of the piece of durable material can comprise any suitable components. In some simple but preferred components, it comprises male and female parts for interlocking, such as the arrangement of tabs and slots.

[0019] The apparatus according to this aspect preferably comprises one or more caps for closing any gaps remaining after deforming the durable material into an enclosure form. In a preferred embodiment, the enclosure is substantially cylindrical and preferably has a substantially ovoid cross section. In such an embodiment, the apparatus comprises two caps, one at each end of the enclosure. It will be understood that the attachment of the caps described herein preferably does not provide a gap that is substantially large enough to allow an individual of the cultured aquaculture species to escape from the enclosure. Other configurations are also contemplated in the present disclosure, for example, a piece of durable material that is deformable or foldable to form the entire enclosure or basket such that the caps are unnecessary. Again, this can be of any suitable enclosure or basket shape, but a preferred shape is cylindrical with an ovoid cross section. The piece of durable material before folding or deformation includes a rectangular shape with a substantially ovoid cross section at each of the shorter ends that each have an end cap once folded.

[0020] In a more preferred aspect, the present disclosure provides an assembly for attaching an aquaculture basket to a longline. The assembly comprises a plurality of pre-formed components that are operable together to facilitate rotation of the basket in at least two planes. By enabling rotational movement across multiple planes, the assembly of this aspect of the present disclosure improves the movement of the aquaculture basket, thereby allowing for better rumbling. The assembly is preferably made from durable materials suitable for use in an environment that is exposed to the marine environment for extended periods of time. The at least two planes of rotation may be in any suitable orientation. In some preferred embodiments, they are perpendicular to each other, but this is not necessary.

[0021] In yet another preferred aspect, the present disclosure provides an elongate member for attachment along the axis of an aquaculture basket, providing rigidity and support to the basket. The elongate member can be attached to the aquaculture basket in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, it can simply be clipped to the basket. In other embodiments, it can comprise the locking bar described herein and can be threaded, for example, through a locking void (locking aperture, locking aperture) or other engagement means of the basket. It can be additionally used to releasably engage other components to the basket, such as, for example, a quick release, clip lock, float, assembly, or other device that can be effectively attached to the basket. The elongate member is preferably wide enough to provide shade to the aquaculture species cultured within the basket and is preferably structurally rigid enough to provide additional rigidity to the basket. Some embodiments are elongate members attached to the basket without using a locking bar (e.g., using clips or other means) and are engageable with a separate locking bar as described herein and preferably engage in the same manner as the locking bar. The elongate member according to this aspect (whether or not it comprises a locking bar or is a locking bar) comprises, in some preferred embodiments, a plurality and preferably two or more positions for the attachment of other components.

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figures 1-5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a system 100 for attaching an aquatic basket 102 to a longline in an aquaculture environment. The system 100, in the embodiments depicted in Figures 1-5, includes longline engagement means in the form of a clip assembly 104 that engages the basket 102 via a locking bar 106 that is slidably received within a plurality of loops 108. Sliding the locking bar 106 through the loops 108 not only rounds the basket and secures it in a substantially oval cross-sectional form (further described below), but also engages the clip to the basket to attach the basket to the longline. By sliding the locking bar 106 out of the loops 108, the user can remove the basket 102 from the clip assembly 104 and thus remove it from the longline in an efficient and rapid manner. The preferred elements of the system and their interrelationships are described below.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2, the basket 102 is preferably formed from a sheet 110 of mesh material 112 which may be any suitable marine durable material, but is preferably a plastic such as polypropylene. The sheet 110 includes a first end 114, a second end 116, a first side 118, a second side 120, and a central portion 122. At least one, more preferably a plurality of loop apertures 124 are arranged along the first side 118. Each loop aperture 124 is sized and configured to engage a corresponding loop 108 when the sheet 110 is deformed or wound into a basket configuration. The second side 120 of the sheet 110 includes at least one, more preferably a plurality of loops 108 arranged therealong. The central portion 122 is preferably configured such that when the sheet 110 is rolled into a basket configuration, the central portion 122 is concave along its length or generally concave in a side cross-sectional view. The concave configuration adds strength to the basket and promotes the rumbling of aquaculture species, such as oysters, contained and cultured therein. The basket 102 can be formed in a variety of ways such that, if desired and depending on the intended use, the bottom of the basket is flat or convex. In some preferred embodiments, the basket base is concave, providing for additional strength and assisting in improving the movement of oysters and thereby further improving productivity. Preferably, the basket has a substantially oval cross-section that promotes vibration or movement. The basket can be of any suitable volume. By way of example only, it may be larger or smaller than 15 It, preferably about 20 It to 40 It, enabling more stock to be produced per basket than conventional basket base systems. Some preferred embodiments include one or marked fill lines on the basket to assist the user in knowing how much to fill the basket during operation.

[0025] Once the sheet 110 is rolled into the basket configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, male locator tabs 123 fit (engage) into corresponding female tab apertures 125 to secure the sheet in the basket configuration. FIG. 3 shows an end cap 126 preferably made of a mesh material 128. The end cap 126 includes a hinge 130 and a latch 132 on the opposite side along the width of the end cap. The end cap 126 preferably functions as a swing door when engaged with the basket body to facilitate use. It will be understood that other forms of enclosures may be utilized and that the illustrated end cap is merely exemplary. As described elsewhere herein, in some embodiments, the end cap may be integrally formed with the sheet 110 and be part of the sheet 110.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows a locking bar 106. The locking bar 106 has a proximal end 134, a distal end 136, and a length extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The distal end 136 includes a latch 138 having two tabs 140 configured to engage the locking bar in place when the locking bar 106 slides through the loop 108. The engagement of the locking bar 106 with the loop 108 may be further described in more detail below. The proximal end 134 includes an end stop 142 for limiting the insertion depth of the locking bar into the array of loops. The locking bar 106 includes a plurality of attachment points 144 configured to engage a clip lock 146 (FIG. 5) to secure the basket to the clip lock. The engagement of the locking bar 106 with the clip lock 146 may also be further described below.

[0027] FIG. 5 shows a clip lock 146 that preferably generally has a cross-sectional shape of an arch, or a truncated or flattened oval. The clip lock 146 includes a curvilinear upper surface 148, an inner recess 150 that generally has a curvilinear shape so as to coincide with the upper exterior surface 148, and a lower surface. The lower surface includes a plurality of tabs or engagement feet 154 sized, configured, or shaped to engage with the locking bar 106.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 6, a basket clip 105 is shown. The clip 105 includes a first end 156 in the shape of a hook 158 that generally forms a first through hole 160, and a second end 162 having a bottom bar 164. The flook 158 includes a biased tab 166 that allows the clip 105 to clip onto the longline. The bottom bar 164 preferably forms a second through hole 168 together with the rest of the body of the clip 105. The through holes 160 and 168 each have a central longitudinal axis parallel to each other. It will be appreciated that the through holes can be oriented perpendicular to each other if desired. The bottom bar 164 is preferably thickened, sized, and shaped to fit for engagement with the clip lock 146. The basket clip 105 can be of any suitable shape as long as it engages reversibly and securely with the longline and allows rotation of the clip (and thus the basket once attached) about the axis of the longline.

[0029] Figures 7-11 show the engagement of the locking bar 106 with the loop 108. Figure 7 shows the locking bar 106 with a latch 138 at the distal end 136. The latch 138 preferably includes two depressible tabs 140 configured to latch with a latch catch 139 within the latch catch loop 109 shown in Figure 7A. The latch catch 139 may be formed from two internal protrusions located on the inner surface of the end loop (latch catch loop 109). It will be understood that other configurations are possible for latching the locking bar with the loop without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 8 shows the locking bar 106 slid along the length of the top of the basket 102 in an array of loops. The locking bar 106 is slid distally to the distal end 136 and projects along the array from the last loop (latch catch loop 109), exposing the latch 138 as shown in Figure 9. The end stop 142 at the proximal end 134 prevents any further movement of the locking bar into the loop, as shown in Figure 10. When the locking bar is in its most forward position such that the end stop 142 is against the proximal loop, the attachment point 144 is exposed between each loop 108. In this configuration, the placement of the basket and locking bar combination against and into the lower surface of the clip lock 146 allows for the interdigitation of the feet 154 with the attachment point, and the reverse sliding of the locking bar 106 (shown in Figure 11) slides over the feet 154 to lock the feet 154 to the basket (thus securing the clip lock 146). Before sliding the locking bar 106 over the feet 154, the bottom bar 164 of the clip 105 is inserted into the inner recess 150 such that the clip 105 is rotatable relative to the clip lock 146, and the bottom bar 164 is restricted by the curved inner recess 150. Sliding the locking bar 106 over the feet 154 thus entraps the bottom bar 164 within the inner recess 150, as shown in Figure 1. Pulling the locking bar 106 rearward removes the locking bar from the loop and clip lock, allowing the basket 102 to be easily removed from the longline while the clip assembly remains engaged to the longline.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 12 - 16, a system 200 according to another preferred embodiment of the present specification is shown. The system 200 is similar to the system 100 except that the longline engaging means is configured for co - use with the float 270. Referring to FIG. 12, the float 270 includes an upper casing 272, a lower casing 274, and a locking bar aperture 276. The float 270 further includes a flip adaptor aperture 278 for engagement with the flip adaptor 204. The float 270 also preferably includes a plurality of float casing clips 273 for engaging the upper casing 272 to the lower casing 274.

[0032] The longline engaging means shown in FIG. 13 as the flip adaptor 204 includes an upper body portion 282 and a lower body portion 284. The lower body portion 284 is oriented transversely to the upper body portion 282. The upper body portion 282 includes a longline through hole 286 configured to receive the longline 10 (FIG. 14) therethrough. The upper body portion 282 also includes at least one, more preferably two opposing upper float flanges 288 configured to engage a portion of the float 270.

[0033] Continuing to refer to FIG. 13, the lower body portion 284 includes a locking bar opening 290 configured to slidably receive the locking bar 206 therethrough.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the float and basket combination is assembled by passing the longline 10 through the longline through-hole 286. The basket 202 is positioned relative to the lower body portion 284 with a locking bar 206 similar to the engagement positions described above in the system 100. The locking bar 206 is then slid proximally (in the proximal direction) to engage the basket 202 with the flip adapter 204 as shown in FIG. 14, aligning the length of the basket parallel to the length of the lower body portion 284 of the flip adapter and traversing the longline. Thereafter, the float 270 is engaged with the upper body portion 282 of the flip adapter, sandwiching the flip adapter between the float and the basket and reaching the fully engaged position shown in FIG. 15. Referring to FIG. 16, a locking pin is inserted into the float 270, locking the float to the float locking mechanism 292.

[0035] The basket 202 is removed from the longline by pulling the locking bar 206 rearward while keeping the float engaged with the longline.

[0036] While the basket 202 is engaged with the longline, it may be flipped around the longline such that the length of the basket is flipped around the longline. It will be appreciated that the basket may, if desired, be attached to the longline with a suitably configured flip adapter such that the width of the basket is flipped around the longline.

[0037] It will be understood that the steps described above may be performed in a different order, modified, or some steps may be entirely omitted without departing from the spirit of this specification.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 17-21, a system 300 according to another preferred embodiment of the present specification is shown. System 300 is similar to system 100, except that as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the sheet 310 has a central portion 322 that is concave while the sheet 310 is in the disengaged state. When the sheet 310 is assembled into its engaged state, as shown in FIG. 17, the central portion 322 becomes a flat surface, facilitating the even spreading of oysters or other aquatic organisms within the basket and contributing to the consistent growth of the aquatic organisms.

[0039] FIG. 20 shows a clip lock 346 for engagement with the basket 302 and the locking bar 306. Clip lock 346 is similar to clip lock 146, except that clip lock 346 has a lower surface 352 that extends from a front portion to a rear portion. Lower surface 352 preferably has a shape with an inner surface 354 sized, configured, or shaped to engage the locking bar 306 (FIG. 17). Clip lock 346 more preferably includes an outer surface 394 at its lower end 352 configured to interlock with a tab 395 of the basket 302. In use, clip lock 346 is placed on the assembled basket 302 and then moved downward to snap-fit engage the external tab surface 394 of clip lock 346 with the tab 395 of the basket 302. Thereafter, the locking bar 306 (FIG. 17) can slide on the inner surface 354 to secure the clip lock 346 to the basket. Tab 395 helps to secure clip lock 346 in place on the basket during the sliding of the locking bar 306 through the clip lock. Pulling the locking bar 306 rearward allows for the removal of the locking bar from the loop and clip lock, permitting an easy and quick maintenance procedure for replacing worn parts in the future.

[0040] Figure 21 shows the top surface of the assembled basket 302 including the ID plate or tag 396. The ID plate 396 can be snap-fitted in place with the engagement tabs 398. The ID plate 396 provides the user with the ability to identify individual baskets. The ID plate 396 may be formed as a transparent cover for enclosing a printed label, or it may itself be a printed, laser-etched, or engraved ID tag. Alternatively, the ID plate may include a QR code (registered trademark) or bar code for non-contact scanning and identification. As another alternative, the ID plate may be formed as a cover for housing an RFID chip within a compartment 399 covered by the ID plate 396. The identification associated with the ID plate 396 may include one or more of a company name and a batch number.

[0041] The foregoing description is by way of example only and can be considerably modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. By way of example only, the basket can have a mesh side or a solid side. Graduation markers can be included along the outside of the base of the basket to assist in farm management and promote consistent stocking densities. The basket can be formed from a variety of materials, but preferably is a material resistant to the corrosive effects of salt water where use in sea water is contemplated.

[0042] Other longline engagement means can be used other than hooks or flip adapters. Although use has been described in connection with a flexible structure such as a longline, it will be understood that the engagement means can be configured for use with other rigid structures such as a gantry (e.g., a French gantry), a ladder, or other similar structures.

[0043] Where flotation (which is not necessarily the case) is utilized, various flotation devices may be used. The locking bar may be a solid straight length of rigid material, but may, if desired, be formed as a partially hollow, curved material.

[0044] The engagement means (where used) may be configured such that the length of the basket is transverse to the longline, or (where used) may be configured such that the length of the basket is parallel to the longline. Flipping may follow the orientation of the basket with respect to the longline or other structure when used.

[0045] Some embodiments of the basket according to the present invention include engagement means on the underside of the basket, enabling attachment or engagement with additional components useful for the application at hand. Such engagement means may be of any suitable type, for example, a second locking bar mechanism, or a clip, or reinforced location points for attachment of such components.

[0046] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, or appropriately combined with, or interchanged with, features of other embodiments, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0047] One or more of the various embodiments described in the present disclosure provide the advantage of easy engagement and removal of the basket with a longline or other structure, in a preferred form, significantly increasing the harvesting efficiency that often plagues conventional systems.

[0048] Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The specification and examples are intended to be considered as exemplary only, with the true spirit and scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A locking bar attached along the axis of an aquaculture basket to provide rigidity and support to the aquaculture basket, wherein the aquaculture basket is configured to hold aquatic organisms, and the aquaculture basket has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an upper surface, a lower surface, a length from the first end to the second end, and a plurality of loops arranged along the length, the locking bar having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length from the proximal end to the distal end, the distal end including a latch configured to engage the locking bar in place when the locking bar passes through the plurality of loops, Locking bar.

2. Comprising a plurality of positions for attachment of other components The locking bar according to claim 1.

3. The proximal end includes a termination for limiting the insertion depth of the locking bar into the plurality of loops, The locking bar according to claim 1.

4. The latch includes at least one tab configured to be depressed by the engagement of the locking bar, The locking bar according to claim 1.

5. The locking bar includes a plurality of attachment points configured to engage a clip lock to secure the aquaculture basket to the clip lock, The locking bar according to claim 1.

6. The other component includes one or more of a longline engagement means for engaging the aquaculture basket to a longline, a clip lock, and a float, The locking bar according to claim 2.

7. The plurality of loops are on the upper surface of the aquaculture basket, and the locking bar is configured for slidable engagement with the plurality of loops to secure one or more of the other components, The locking bar according to claim 2.

8. An apparatus for aquaculture, comprising a locking bar and a piece of durable material deformable to substantially form an enclosure for housing cultured aquaculture species, wherein the piece of durable material has engagement means on one side of the piece engageable with the other side of the piece, whereby the piece of durable material is placed in a desired deformed state to form the enclosure. One side of the piece forms a loop outside the enclosure while engaging with the other side, whereby the locking bar locks the rounded piece by passing through the loop. The shape of the piece of the durable material, once in the form of the enclosure, has no substantial gap between the engaged portions that is large enough to allow an individual of the cultured aquaculture species to exit the enclosure. The engaging means is configured to slidably receive the locking bar and deform the piece of the durable material into a desired state. The locking bar has a proximal end, a distal end, and a length from the proximal end to the distal end. The distal end includes a latch configured to engage the locking bar in place once the locking bar has passed through the loop. An apparatus for aquaculture. **Claim 9** The locking bar has a plurality of positions for attaching other components. The apparatus according to claim 8. **Claim 10** The other component includes one or more of longline engaging means for engaging a longline to an aquaculture basket obtained by rounding the piece such that the one side and the other side engage with each other, a clip lock, and a float. The apparatus according to claim 9. **Claim 11** The apparatus includes longline engaging means for engaging a longline to an aquaculture basket obtained by rounding the piece such that the one side and the other side engage with each other. The longline engaging means includes a lower body configured to slidably receive a portion of the locking bar and fix the enclosure to the lower body. The apparatus according to claim 9. **Claim 12** The loop is one of a plurality of loops. The proximal end includes a termination for limiting the insertion depth of the locking bar into the plurality of loops. The apparatus according to claim 8. **Claim 13** The latch includes at least one tab configured to be pushed down by the engagement of the locking bar. The apparatus according to claim 8. **Claim 14** The locking bar has a plurality of attachment points configured to engage a clip lock and fix the enclosure to the clip lock. The apparatus according to claim 8. **Claim 15** The loop is on the upper surface of an aquaculture basket obtained by rounding the piece such that the one side and the other side engage with each other. The locking bar is configured for slidable engagement with the loop and secures one or more of the other components. The apparatus of claim 9.

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