3D seaweed

Abstract

To provide a three-dimensional seaweed capable of applying gaps, etc. suitable for a growing environment of lobster fries with adjustment of a prescribed pitch, making a core material difficult to be cut even if it is used in a sea area with a fast current velocity in an extended period, and reducing, without falling off from the core material in comparison with a straight shape, an effect of falling-off on a marine environment.SOLUTION: Three flexible braids (11a, 11b and 11c) are twisted together, a plurality of looped string bodies (12) is connected by incorporating each at a prescribed pitch in a lengthwise direction of the braids (11a, 11b and 11c), and the string bodies (12) are arranged sequentially in a spiral pattern in a lengthwise direction thereof while rotating in a circumferential direction of the braids to the braids (11a, 11b and 11c).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to three-dimensional seaweed, for example, three-dimensional seaweed that creates a habitat for spiny lobster larvae (glass shrimp). [Background technology]

[0002] Spiny lobsters are a valuable marine resource. The phyllosoma larvae that hatch from their eggs migrate offshore and spend about a year floating, before returning to coastal areas and metamorphosing into puerulus larvae (glass shrimps) that attach themselves to seaweed. Currently, seaweed species are decreasing along the coasts of Japan due to coastal denudation and other factors, resulting in a shortage of habitat for Puerulus larvae. This suggests that Puerulus larvae that return to the coast are unable to grow and may die.

[0003] Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, there are floating fish reefs that effectively capture microorganisms such as glass shrimp, small animals, and even floating matter in the sea such as seaweed spores, thereby creating a favorable environment for growth. The floating fish reef described in Patent Document 1 comprises a fishing net line made by bundling together fishing nets of a specified length and width into a linear shape with countless gaps between the wires that make up the fishing net, floats that are connected to the upper ends of the fishing net line to hold the fishing net line vertically in the sea, and anchors that fix the lower parts of multiple fishing net lines whose upper ends are connected to the floats to the seabed at specified intervals, and the anchors and floats are used to arrange the multiple fishing net lines in a vertical position in the sea, so that the fishing net lines can capture floating matter in the seawater. In other words, the floating fish reef described in Patent Document 1 uses discarded fishing nets to create a linear fishing net line with countless gaps between the wires that make up the net, creating a habitat for glass shrimp. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-43212 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the floating fish reef described in Patent Document 1 creates a habitat for glass shrimp using fishing net lines, so there are limitations to creating gaps and other features suitable for the habitat of glass shrimp.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for three-dimensional seaweed that can provide a more suitable growth environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] First, A flexible wire strap body, This three-dimensional seaweed is characterized in that a plurality of loop-shaped string-like bodies are connected to each other at a predetermined pitch in the length direction of the linear string band body.

[0008] Second, The three-dimensional seaweed described in the first paragraph is characterized in that the wire band body has a braided structure.

[0009] Third, The three-dimensional seaweed described in the first or second aspect is characterized in that the middle portions of the string-like bodies in the longitudinal direction are respectively connected to the linear string bodies.

[0010] Fourth, A flexible braided cord structure is used for the wire band. The plurality of string-like bodies are connected at a predetermined pitch in the length direction of the wire band body, The three-dimensional seaweed is characterized in that the string-like body is arranged so as to rotate in the circumferential direction of the wire band body and to sequentially draw a spiral in the length direction of the wire band body.

[0011] Fifth, A flexible braided cord structure is used for the wire band. The plurality of string-like bodies are connected to each other in the length direction of the wire string band body, A plurality of the string-like bodies are used, each of which is arranged so as to rotate in the circumferential direction of the wire strap body and to draw a spiral in the length direction thereof, This three-dimensional seaweed is characterized by each linear band being combined in a spiral shape.

[0012] Sixth, The three-dimensional seaweed described in 4 or 5, characterized in that the string-like bodies are loop-shaped and the middle parts of the length of each string-like body are respectively connected to the linear string body.

[0013] Here, three-dimensional seaweed refers to a seaweed with a three-dimensional shape that provides an appropriate environment for the growth of spiny lobster larvae (glass lobster), for example.

[0014] The wire band represents the stem and core. The string-like bodies play a role in forming the dense environment of natural seaweed beds, and represent the parts that extend around the linear band bodies.

[0015] The term "wire, string, or band" as used herein means any of a wire, string, or band. Examples of the wire body include various types of wire. Examples of the string body include a braided structure in which string-like members are braided around a central member that ensures strength and maintains shape, as well as various ropes and chains. Furthermore, examples of the band include various types of tapes and ribbons.

[0016] The type of braid structure is not limited. For example, various square braid structures, various flat braid structures, various round braid structures, etc. can be employed.

[0017] The material of the string-like body is arbitrary, and examples thereof include vinylon, polypropylene, nylon, and a mixture of polypropylene and polyethylene.

[0018] The type of spiny lobster is not limited. For example, spiny lobster, Amami spiny lobster, Kanoko spiny lobster, hairless lobster, and Japanese spiny lobster are listed. Spiny lobster larvae refer to Puerulus larvae (glass shrimp) that are metamorphosed from spiny lobster phyllosoma larvae. Furthermore, three-dimensional seaweed can be used not only for the growth of spiny lobster larvae, but also for the growth of baby shrimp.

[0019] The number of flexible wire straps used is arbitrary, and may be one, or two, three or more may be combined and wound in a spiral shape.

[0020] The gaps formed by the string-like bodies not only serve as habitats for the spiny lobster's Puerulus larvae to juvenile shrimp, but also as food can be made to live within this three-dimensional seaweed, providing food to the spiny lobster larvae and the like. Examples of bait include spider crabs, amphipods, capelins, gastropods, and bivalves.

[0021] The structure for connecting a plurality of string-like bodies to a flexible wire band at a predetermined pitch in the length direction of the wire band is not particularly limited and may be any structure. For example, a wire band serving as a core material for forming the stem may have a plurality of string-like members connected at a predetermined pitch in the length direction of the wire band. The length (height) of the wire strap body is preferably 50 cm to 100 cm.

[0022] The flexible wire strap and string-like body may be made of any material as long as it is durable against seawater. The string-like body can be formed in a straight shape, so that it can be connected to, for example, a wire string band that is a core material in a state where it penetrates through the wire string band. Furthermore, by forming it into a loop shape, it can be connected in a braided state to the braided cord structure that constitutes the wire cord band, for example.

[0023] The length of the string-like body is preferably 10 cm to 30 cm.

[0024] The width (thickness) of the string-like body is preferably 2.4 mm to 7.2 mm, and more preferably 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm, taking into consideration that it will be incorporated into the braided structure that constitutes the wire string band. If the thickness is less than 2.4 mm, the string-like bodies will be in a tightly packed state, leaving almost no gaps for the spiny lobster larvae to enter, which is not preferable. If it is larger than 7.2 mm, the gap will be too large and the spiny lobster larvae will not be able to fit in as a matter of habit.

[0025] The specific gravity of the string-like body is preferably 0.8 to 1.4. If the specific gravity is less than 0.8, the buoyancy is high and the string-like bodies tend to gather upward, which is an inconvenience. If the specific gravity exceeds 1.4, the buoyancy will be low and the string-like bodies will disadvantageously gather downward.

[0026] The connection positions of each cord-like body to the wire strap body are not limited. For example, it may be located at the middle of the string in the length direction or at one end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] The present invention has a structure in which multiple string-like bodies are connected to a flexible wire band at a predetermined pitch in the length direction of the wire band, making it possible to adjust the pitch to create gaps, etc., suitable for the growth environment of glass shrimp.

[0028] When a braided cord structure is used as the wire cord band that serves as the core material, the core material has a higher breaking tension than a single cord, making it less likely to break even if used for a long period of time in sea areas with fast currents.

[0029] A string-like body that is looped and has the middle part of its length incorporated into a braided structure is less likely to fall off the core material than a straight one, even if used for a long period of time in an area with fast currents, and the impact that falling off has on the marine environment can be reduced.

[0030] When the string-like body is arranged so as to form a spiral around the wire band body, the shrimp can easily enter the gap no matter which direction it approaches from around the wire band body.

[0031] Furthermore, twisting three wire bands together into a spiral configuration increases the overall strength and is closer to the densely packed structure of natural seaweed, which is expected to increase the number of glass shrimp and other food organisms that settle on the seaweed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a three-dimensional seaweed according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic state of use of the three-dimensional seaweed of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a portion of the three-dimensional seaweed in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the looped string-like body shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the installation state of the three-dimensional seaweed of FIG. 1 after being thrown onto the seabed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the three-dimensional seaweed of FIG. 1 is connected to a spiny lobster reef. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an adult spiny lobster grown using the three-dimensional seaweed of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] As an example of the present invention, a three-dimensional seaweed made by twisting three wire bands together and combining them in a spiral shape will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to this form.

[0034] 1 to 7, reference numeral 1 denotes a three-dimensional seaweed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a buoy connecting rope 2 is attached to the upper end side of the three-dimensional seaweed 1. The other end of the buoy connecting rope 2 is attached to a buoy 3 . The buoy 3 allows the three-dimensional seaweed 1 serving as a spiny lobster larvae collector to float in the sea in an autonomous manner.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a fixing rope 4 is attached to the lower end of the three-dimensional seaweed 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the other end of the fixing rope 4 is fixed to a mounting block 5 .

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the three-dimensional seaweed 1 is constructed by twisting together three braided cords 11a, 11b, and 11c, each about 1 m long, which serve as the core material, into a spiral shape, and weighs approximately 1 kg.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the braided cord 11 is made by weaving cord-like members around a central member 111 made of a mixture of polypropylene and polyethylene, which serves to ensure strength and maintain shape. The middle part of a looped cord-like body 12, which captures, protects, and raises Puerulus larvae (spiny lobster larvae) 6 (see Figure 2), is connected in a braided state. Each cord-like body 12 is connected to a braided cord 11 made of flexible polypropylene by weaving it at a pitch of about 2 mm in the length direction of the braided cord 11 (see Figs. 3 and 4).

[0039] A pair of small rings (not shown) are attached to both ends (upper and lower ends) of the braid 11 in the length direction by a bowline knot. The three cord-like bodies 12 are connected at their upper and lower ends by hooking small rings at the corresponding ends of each braided cord 11 onto a pair of upper and lower fastening bands (not shown).

[0040] Each string-like body 12 is made of polypropylene and has a length of 200 mm and a width of 4.8 mm, and the middle part of each string-like body 12 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the braided cord 11 in a woven state. Here, each cord-like body 12 is arranged relative to the braid 11 so as to rotate in the circumferential direction of the braid 11 and sequentially draw a spiral in the longitudinal direction thereof. Although not shown in the drawings, the braided cord 11 as a linear cord band and the cord-like bodies 12 arranged thereon constitute a three-dimensional seaweed even when used alone.

[0041] The specific gravity of the string-like body 12 is 1.1.

[0042] Buoy 3 is an approximately ellipsoidal foam float made of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA resin), with a diameter of 195 mm, a weight of 675 g, and a buoyancy of 39.2 N. A 40 cm long vinylon buoy connecting rope 2 is connected to the buoy 3. By inserting and fastening the lower end of this buoy connecting rope 2 into small rings (not shown) arranged at the upper ends of each of the three braided cords 11a, 11b, and 11c, the buoy 3 is connected above the three-dimensional seaweed 1, which is made up of the three braided cords 11a, 11b, and 11c combined in a spiral shape.

[0043] The fixing rope 4 is made of vinylon and is 40 cm long. The upper end of the fixing rope 4 is inserted into small rings (not shown) arranged at the lower ends of the three braided cords 11a, 11b, and 11c and fastened to the small rings, and the installation block 5 is attached below the three-dimensional seaweed 1.

[0044] Next, a method of using the three-dimensional seaweed 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Between May and August, when spiny lobster larvae 6, shown conceptually in Figure 2, return to coastal areas, three-dimensional seaweed 1, weighted down by installation blocks 5, is thrown from a ship 7 into a sandy area about 3 m deep, about 180 m offshore, as shown in Figure 5. When the installation block 5 reaches the seabed, the buoy 3 causes the three-dimensional seaweed 1 to float independently in the sea.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, the three-dimensional seaweed 1 may be installed directly on a spiny lobster reef 8 or a gabion already installed on the seabed by a diver.

[0046] After that, the three-dimensional seaweed 1 is left on the seabed until around October when the seawater temperature drops. As a result, the spiny lobster larvae 6 enter the gaps between the string-like bodies 12 of the three-dimensional seaweed 1 that floats independently in the sea, and by clinging to the string-like bodies 12, they transition to a benthic life. At the same time, small shellfish (bivalves, etc.) and crustaceans (spider crabs, etc.) (not shown), which are food organisms for the spiny lobster larvae 6, also attach to these string-like bodies 12.

[0047] As a result, although the structure is simple and inexpensive, a habitat space for the spiny lobster larvae 11 can be created between the string-like bodies 12, and feed can be continuously supplied to the spiny lobster larvae 11 and fry shrimps being protected and raised without human intervention.

[0048] Furthermore, the three-dimensional seaweed 1 floats independently in the sea due to the buoyant force of the buoy 3, so it is highly resistant to waves and can be installed anywhere. Furthermore, the three-dimensional seaweed 1 is lightweight with a total weight of approximately 2 kg, making it easy to handle.

[0049] Since the braided cord 11 is used as the wire cord band that serves as the core material, the breaking tension of the core material is greater than that of a single cord, and the braided cord 11 is less likely to break even if used for a long period of time in sea areas with fast currents. Furthermore, since each loop-shaped string-like body 12 is woven into the braided cord 11, which serves as the core material of the string-like body 12, at the middle part in the length direction, the string-like body 12 is less likely to come loose from the core material than a straight one, even if used for a long period of time in a sea area with a fast current. This reduces the impact of the string-like body 12 being released onto the marine environment. Furthermore, compared to a straight structure, the spiny lobster larvae 6 and food organisms are less likely to separate from the string-like body 12 even in fast water currents.

[0050] The plurality of cord-like bodies 12 are connected to each other so as to spiral in the length direction of the braided cord 11 while rotating in the circumferential direction of the braided cord 11. Therefore, no matter from which direction the spiny lobster larvae 6 approach the string-like bodies 12 around the braided cord 11, there is a high possibility that one of the string-like bodies 12 will be able to capture it. By using three braided cords 11 twisted together as the three-dimensional seaweed 1, the strength of the three-dimensional seaweed 1 is increased and a wide three-dimensional structure is formed, which makes it possible to increase the number of spiny lobster larvae 6 and food organisms that can settle. In addition, the lobster larvae (including juvenile lobsters)6 that have settled on the surface are highly resistant to waves and are less likely to be attacked by predators.

[0051] Thereafter, the migration season of the spiny lobster larvae 6 ends, and the spiny lobster larvae 6 living in the string-like bodies 12 grow into juvenile lobsters and move to the rocky areas, and then become adult spiny lobsters 9 (see FIG. 7).

[0052] The three-dimensional seaweed 1 can be collected when the baby shrimp move to the rocky area and reused the following year. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 3D seaweed 11 Braided cord 111 Central member 11a Braid 11b Braided cord 11c Braided cord 12 String-like body 2 Buoy connecting rope 3 Buoys 4 Fixing rope 5 Installation Blocks 6. Spiny lobster larvae 7 Ships 8. Spiny Lobster Reef 9 Adult spiny lobster

Claims

1. A flexible wire strap body, The three-dimensional seaweed for creating a habitat for spiny lobster larvae is characterized in that a plurality of loop-shaped string-like bodies, each having a length of 10 cm to 30 cm, a width of 2.4 mm to 7.2 mm, and a specific gravity of 0.8 to 1.4, are arranged so as to spiral in the longitudinal direction of the string-like body while rotating in the circumferential direction of the string-like body, and are connected to each other.

2. 2. The three-dimensional seaweed according to claim 1, wherein the wire band has a braided structure, and the core material is made by twisting three wire bands together in a spiral shape.

3. The three-dimensional seaweed according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the middle portions of the string-like bodies in the length direction are respectively connected to the linear string band bodies.

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