Natural kelp cultivation device, and method for cultivating natural kelp using the natural kelp cultivation device.

Abstract

To provide a natural kelp growing apparatus that can grow natural kelp with a simple and inexpensive configuration without spending a lot of money and to provide a method for propagating natural kelp using the natural kelp growing apparatus.SOLUTION: A natural kelp growing apparatus comprises: an appressorium made of resin; a rope with one end attached to the bottom of the appressorium; an anchor weight attached to the other end of the rope; a prevention part provided in the middle of the rope and preventing sea urchins that feed on natural kelp from climbing up the appressorium along the rope; and a float attached to the top of the appressorium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the growth of natural kelp. More specifically, the present invention relates to a natural kelp growth apparatus capable of germinating and growing natural kelp and easily transplanting and moving it, and a method for growing natural kelp by expanding the growth location of natural kelp using the apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the amount of natural kelp has been decreasing, which has affected the kelp catch. The causes of the decrease in natural kelp include predation by sea urchins, rising sea water temperature, environmental changes caused by artificial structures (harbor improvement), and reduction of nutrient salts. Although the production of cultured kelp has become widespread to stabilize the kelp catch, since cultured kelp also uses natural kelp as the mother alga, the decrease in natural kelp also affects the production of cultured kelp.

[0003] The most influential factor in the decrease of natural kelp is predation by sea urchins. When a large number of sea urchins occur in places with high sea water temperature, the feeding activity by sea urchins becomes active, and all the young shoots of kelp that originally germinate in the low water temperature period are eaten up, resulting in a sharp decrease in the kelp in the first year. Then, the non-segmented coral moss (non-segmented calcareous algae) that has a calcium carbonate skeleton and becomes as hard as a stone propagates and covers the surface of rocks and stones where kelp does not adhere, inhibiting the attachment of the zoospores of kelp and further preventing the reproduction of kelp.

[0004] Some methods for regenerating or growing natural kelp have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 58-59454) is a technique for growing the spores (zoospores) of natural kelp by attaching them to an artificial kelp reef made of a ceramic block. This technique provides an optimal feeding ground for sea urchins rather than preventing predation by sea urchins. Also, when the location where the artificial kelpy reef is installed is not appropriate or when kelp cannot grow, it is not easy to transplant or discard.

[0005] Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-110612) describes a technology for cultivating kelp by suspending wood ash ceramics with artificial seedlings attached in a curtain-like fashion in the sea. While this technology can prevent damage from sea urchins, it does not contribute to the proliferation of natural kelp. That is, even if the kelp grows for two years and releases zoospores, and the released zoospores attach to rocks on the seabed and germinate successfully, if sea urchins are breeding there, it cannot prevent damage from sea urchins. Furthermore, even if it is found that the location where this device is installed is not suitable, it is not easy to relocate it. Moreover, even if the kelp on the wood ash ceramics withers and dies, it is difficult to retrieve the wood ash ceramic curtain, clean it, attach new artificial seedlings, and return it to the sea. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 58-59454 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-110612 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a natural kelp cultivation device that enables the cultivation of natural kelp with a simple and inexpensive configuration without incurring significant costs, and a method for cultivating natural kelp using this natural kelp cultivation device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a natural kelp cultivation device installed in the sea. The natural kelp cultivation device comprises a resin attachment device, a rope with one end attached to the lower part of the attachment device, an anchor weight attached to the other end of the rope, a prevention part provided in the middle of the rope to prevent sea urchins that feed on natural kelp from climbing up the rope to the attachment device, and a float attached to the upper part of the attachment device.

[0009] The holder may also include multiple attachment members connected so as to be aligned vertically in the sea. The holder is preferably made of polyethylene pipe.

[0010] The rope is preferably long enough so that the attachment device is positioned at a depth where sunlight can reach it, and more preferably long enough so that the central part of the attachment device in the vertical direction is positioned at a depth of 1.3m to 1.7m below the sea surface.

[0011] The present invention further provides a method for cultivating wild kelp. This method includes a first installation step of installing the above-described wild kelp cultivation devices in either or both the habitat of wild kelp and the surrounding sea area at the time of wild kelp zoospore release. The method further includes a confirmation step of checking the germination status of wild kelp in the attachment chambers of the wild kelp cultivation devices, and a growth step of retrieving any wild kelp cultivation devices in which germination has not been confirmed, and leaving the wild kelp cultivation devices in which germination has been confirmed to grow. The method further includes a relocation step of moving some of the germinated wild kelp cultivation devices to a non-breeding area of ​​wild kelp before the wild kelp grown in the germinated wild kelp cultivation devices in which germination has been confirmed begins to wither, and a second installation step of installing new multiple wild kelp cultivation devices in either or both the location and the surrounding sea area at the time of zoospore release of wild kelp grown in the germinated wild kelp cultivation devices that were not relocated in the relocation step. A portion of the natural kelp is harvested in the first harvesting process.

[0012] The method preferably further includes a third installation step of installing a new set of multiple natural kelp growing devices in either or both the non-breeding area and the surrounding sea area where the germinated natural kelp growing device was relocated, and a second harvesting step of harvesting a portion of the natural kelp in either or both the non-breeding area and the surrounding sea area. The relocation step preferably includes a step of relocating a further portion of the germinated natural kelp growing device, and / or a portion separate from the germinated natural kelp growing device, to a kelp cultivation facility. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, by using a natural kelp cultivation device with a simple and inexpensive configuration, it is possible to easily install the device in a location suitable for natural kelp cultivation and move it as needed without incurring significant costs. After use, it can be easily collected to prevent marine pollution and the outflow of waste plastics. Furthermore, according to the present invention, natural kelp can be cultivated even in places where it would not normally grow (for example, sandy areas), thus enabling the proliferation of natural kelp. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram of a natural kelp cultivation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram of a natural kelp cultivation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of cultivating natural kelp using a natural kelp cultivation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a conceptual diagram of a facility for cultivating natural kelp in its second year using a natural kelp cultivation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0016] (Natural kelp cultivation device) Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a natural kelp cultivation device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "device 1") according to one embodiment of the present invention. Because device 1 has a simple and inexpensive configuration, it is possible to cultivate natural kelp without incurring significant costs. Furthermore, device 1 can be easily installed in a location suitable for natural kelp cultivation, moved or relocated as needed, and easily recovered after use to prevent marine pollution and the outflow of waste plastics. Installation, relocation, movement, and recovery of device 1 can be easily carried out using existing kelp work vessels.

[0017] The device 1 has an adherer 2 which serves as a substrate for the attachment of zoospores and the growth of natural kelp. The adherer 2 is preferably such that the zoospores of natural kelp can settle thereon, it is easy to handle, inexpensive, has long-term durability, and can be reused by washing. As the material of the adherer 2, for example, resins such as polyethylene and rigid vinyl chloride can be used, and it is more preferable to use polyethylene. The shape of the adherer 2 can be a pipe shape, a flat plate shape, a rod shape, etc., but a pipe shape is more preferable. That is, the adherer 2 is most preferably a polyethylene pipe.

[0018] In the case of the most preferred polyethylene pipe as the adherer 2, its length and diameter are not limited as long as a surface area sufficient to obtain a sufficient adhesion force of natural kelp can be obtained. As the adherer 2 of the polyethylene pipe, for example, those with a length of about 40 cm and a diameter of about 10 cm can be used.

[0019] One end of a rope 3 is attached to the lower part 2a of the adherer 2. The material of the rope 3 is not limited as long as sufficient strength can be obtained. The method of attaching the rope 3 to the lower part 2a is not particularly limited, but simply tying the rope 3 to a hole provided in the adherer 2 etc. may cause the rope 3 to be cut when the device 1 shakes greatly during rough weather. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 1(b), holes are opened in the respective opposing wall surfaces of the lower part 2a, a rod-shaped member 2c is passed through the two holes in the inner radial direction, and the rope 3 is tied to the rod-shaped member 2c, whereby it is preferable to attach the rope 3 to the adherer 2.

[0020] The length of the rope 3 is appropriately adjusted according to the water depth of the place where the device 1 is installed. For example, a plurality of ropes 3 with different lengths can be prepared, and a rope 3 with an appropriate length can be used according to the water depth of the installation place. The length of the rope 3 is preferably such that the adherer 2 is located at a water depth where sunlight can reach, and more preferably such that the central part of the adherer 2 in the vertical direction is located at a depth of 1.3 to 1.7 m from the sea surface.

[0021] An anchor weight 4 for preventing the device 1 from being washed away is attached to the other end of the rope 3. The type of the anchor weight 4 is not particularly limited, and for example, a concrete weight, a stone, etc. can be appropriately selected according to the situation of the installation location. If a stone is used as the anchor weight 4, even if it flows out during a temporary change, it is less likely to have an adverse impact on the environment. In addition, since natural kelp may adhere to the stone itself, it contributes to the growth of natural kelp. The weight of the anchor weight 4 is determined in consideration of the portability and ease of handling of the device 1 and the influence of the tidal current and the waves during a temporary change on the natural kelp that adheres to the adherer 2 and grows.

[0022] A sea urchin prevention part 5 is provided on the rope 3 for the purpose of preventing damage to sea urchins so that sea urchins cannot climb up to the adherer 2 along the rope 3. As the sea urchin prevention part 5, although not limited, a flat plate-shaped device having a function like a so-called rat guard, which penetrates the rope 3 in the center, can be used. The material of the sea urchin prevention part 5 is not particularly limited, and for example, resin, wood, metal, etc. can be appropriately used. The position where the sea urchin prevention part 5 is attached to the rope 3 is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be attached to the central part of the rope 3. The size of the sea urchin prevention part 5 is not particularly limited as long as it can effectively prevent sea urchins from moving along the rope 3 in the direction of the adherer 2.

[0023] A float 6 is attached to the upper part 2b of the adherer 2 directly or via a short rope. The float 6 is attached to stretch the rope 3 and float the adherer 2 in the sea. In the device 1, since the adherer 2 and the natural kelp adhering thereto also generate buoyancy, the float 6 can be a small one. By extending another rope from this float 6 and attaching a smaller and more brightly colored marking float 7, the installation location of the device 1 can be easily found.

[0024] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of a natural kelp cultivation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Note that the sea urchin prevention section 5 is omitted in Figure 2. Figure 2(a) shows device 1A in which the attachment device 2 of Figure 1 is mounted horizontally. Device 1A has an attachment device 2A made of polyethylene pipe mounted horizontally. In this embodiment, the end of the attachment device 2A is attached to the rope 3, but the rope 3 can also be attached to the central part of the attachment device 2A in the longitudinal direction. Using device 1A, zoospores can be attached to the attachment device more reliably in places where the breeding water depth of natural kelp is deep. Figure 2(b) shows device 1B in which multiple attachment devices 2 of Figure 1 are mounted horizontally. Device 1B has an attachment device 2B which includes multiple attachment members 2B made of polyethylene pipe mounted horizontally. In this embodiment, the central part of the length of each of the multiple attachment members 2B is attached to the rope 3, but the ends of the attachment device 2B can also be attached to the rope 3. Using device 1B, pipe resistance can be reduced even in areas with strong currents, eliminating the need to increase the weight of the anchor weight unnecessarily.

[0025] (Method for cultivating natural kelp using a natural kelp cultivation device) Next, we will explain how to propagate natural kelp using apparatus 1. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the process of propagating natural kelp.

[0026] First, a location for installing device 1 is selected (step 31 in Figure 3). Although natural kelp has drastically decreased, kelp fishermen generally have a good understanding of where natural kelp inhabits based on their experience. They also know when natural kelp in its second year releases zoospores. Therefore, device 1 is installed in an appropriate location in the area where the second-year natural kelp inhabits and / or the surrounding sea area at the time when the second-year natural kelp releases zoospores (step 32). Since ocean currents are unpredictable due to tides and seabed topography, it is preferable to install multiple devices 1 across areas where zoospores are likely to drift, taking ocean currents into consideration. The time to install device 1 (i.e., the time when zoospores are released from the second-year natural kelp) is generally around September. The zoospores released from the natural kelp attach to the attachment device 1's attachment device 2.

[0027] The location where device 1 is installed is preferably a relatively shallow area where the water depth is about 3m at high tide. This is because this water depth allows for moderate wave influence and sufficient sunlight to be obtained even when water clarity is low. Moderate wave influence also helps to naturally separate naturally occurring kelp with strong adhesion from those with weak adhesion. In addition, such locations have the advantage that sea urchins that feed on natural kelp are easily carried away by the waves, making it easier to prevent damage from predation.

[0028] In such a location, the device 1 is preferably installed such that the attachment device 2 is located at a depth where sufficient sunlight reaches, and more preferably so that the vertical central portion of the attachment device 2 is located at a depth of 1.3m to 1.7m below the sea surface.

[0029] The zoospores attached to the attachment apparatus 2 germinate and develop into gametophytes. This usually occurs around November of that year, at which point the germination status in apparatus 1 is checked (step 33). Apparatus 1 in which germination has been confirmed in the attachment apparatus 2 (germinated apparatus) is, in principle, left as is to allow the gametophytes to grow. Apparatus 1 in which germination has not been confirmed should be promptly collected, as leaving it as is will allow weeds such as seaweed and unjointed coral algae to proliferate in the attachment apparatus 2 (step 34). Alternatively, if germination is not confirmed in any of the apparatus 1, it is highly likely that the location is not suitable for the growth of natural kelp, so apparatus 1 can be easily collected and moved to another location.

[0030] The germination status is checked, and if there is a possibility that the natural kelp will become overcrowded, there is a risk of nutrient deficiency if left as is. In such situations, it is preferable to thin out a portion of the apparatus 1 and move it to another location. Also, for example, during the period when drift ice approaches the shore in Hokkaido, the apparatus 1 can be easily moved to a deeper location to prevent damage to the apparatus from the drift ice. The apparatus 1 has a simple structure for each individual unit and is easy to move to other locations.

[0031] In device 1, where germination is confirmed and the device is left unattended, the larval sporophytes overwinter, and then the first-year natural kelp grows around the spring of the following year. The natural kelp grows until around summer, after which it begins to wither from the tips of its leaf-like parts. Before it begins to wither (generally around September), a portion of device 1 is collected and moved to a non-breeding area where natural kelp does not normally grow, such as a sandy sea area (step 35). In the area where a portion of device 1 has been moved and the surrounding sea area, around September of the following year, when the second-year natural kelp releases zoospores, several new devices 1 are placed (step 36) to prepare for zoospore release. In this way, by moving a portion of device 1 to a non-breeding area for natural kelp and then placing new devices 1 there, the area can be made into a new breeding ground for natural kelp, and natural kelp can be propagated. By repeating a similar process, it is possible to create an underwater kelp forest and make a natural kelp breeding ground appear in a vast sandy area where seaweed would not normally grow. Sandy areas of the sea offer no places for sea urchins to hide and are therefore unsuitable for their habitat, which can help prevent damage from predation.

[0032] Of the devices 1 in which germination has been confirmed, those devices 1 that are not moved to a non-breeding location are left as they are (step 35). In the devices 1 left as they are, first-year natural kelp grows, and after the tips of the leaf-like parts wither, second-year natural kelp grows from the remaining roots in the spring of the following year. When the second-year natural kelp grows further and it is time to release zoospores (i.e., around September), multiple new devices 1 are installed in that location and / or the surrounding sea area (step 37). Zoospores attach to the attachment organs 2 of the new devices 1. In other words, at this time, multiple devices 1 in which second-year natural kelp is growing and new devices 1 with attached zoospores are mixed together.

[0033] A portion of the second-year natural kelp is harvested before the release of zoospores (step 38). Similarly, a portion of the natural kelp can be harvested at the location where it was relocated in step 36. The harvesting of the natural kelp is carried out in a portion of apparatus 1 where the second-year natural kelp is growing. The natural kelp in the remaining portion of apparatus 1 that is not harvested is left as is for zoospore release, and after zoospore release, the natural kelp is discarded. Since new natural kelp will not grow in the attachmentr 2 from which the natural kelp has been harvested, it is preferable to recover apparatus 1. It is also preferable to recover apparatus 1 in which natural kelp for zoospore release is growing after zoospore release. As described above, each component of apparatus 1 has a simple structure and is easy to recover. After recovery, apparatus 1 can be reused after drying, cleaning, and repair.

[0034] In another embodiment, if germination is confirmed and the device 1 is left as is, it can be moved to a conventional kelp cultivation facility before the grown natural kelp (1st year) begins to wither. Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram of device 1', from which the anchor weights 4 have been removed from multiple devices 1 from which germination has been confirmed, installed in a conventional kelp cultivation facility 10. Note that the marker float 7 of device 1 is not shown in Figure 4, but the marker float 7 may be left attached or removed.

[0035] In the above explanation, it was described that a portion of the device 1 in which germination has been confirmed is moved to a non-breeding area of ​​natural kelp (step 35). However, multiple devices 1' can also be installed in a conventional kelp cultivation facility (step 39). Device 1' may be a further portion of the portion of the device 1 in which germination has been confirmed (i.e., a portion of the device moved in step 35), a different portion from that portion (i.e., a portion of the device in which germination was confirmed in step 34), or both. In any case, device 1' can be installed in a conventional kelp cultivation facility by removing the anchor weight 4 from device 1 and attaching the other end of the rope 3 to the rope 30 of the kelp cultivation facility 10. Cultivated kelp is originally a one-year accelerated cultivation kelp, but by moving the device 1 in which germination has been confirmed to the same facility, it is possible to produce two-year cultivated kelp in the same cultivation period as accelerated kelp. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0036] 1, 1A, 1B Natural kelp cultivation device 2, 2A appressorizer 2B Adhesion Member 3 ropes 4 Anchor weights 5. Sea urchin prevention section 6 floats 7. Marker float 10. Cultivated kelp rearing facility 1' Natural kelp cultivation device with weights removed 30 ropes 40 Anchors 60 Floats

Claims

1. A natural kelp cultivation device installed in the sea, A pipe-shaped adhesive device, A rope with one end attached to the aforementioned attachment device, An anchor weight attached to the other end of the aforementioned rope, A prevention part is provided in the middle of the rope to prevent sea urchins that feed on natural kelp from climbing up the rope to the attachment device, The float attached to the aforementioned attachment device and Equipped with, The attachment device has a rod-shaped member extending radially inside, and one end of the rope is attached to the attachment device by being tied to the rod-shaped member. A natural kelp cultivation device.

2. The natural kelp cultivation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attachment device includes a plurality of attachment members, and the plurality of attachment members are connected so as to be aligned vertically in the sea.

3. The natural kelp cultivation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attachment device is a polyethylene pipe.

4. The natural kelp cultivation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rope has a length such that the attachment device is located at a depth where sunlight can reach it.

5. The natural kelp cultivation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the rope has a length such that the central part of the attachment device in the vertical direction is located at a depth of 1.3 m to 1.7 m below the sea surface.

6. A method for cultivating natural kelp, A first installation step involves installing a plurality of natural kelp cultivation devices according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in either or both the habitat of natural kelp and the surrounding sea area during the period when natural kelp releases zoospores. A confirmation step to check the germination state of the natural kelp in the attachment device of the aforementioned natural kelp cultivation apparatus, If any of the aforementioned natural kelp cultivation devices do not show germination, they are collected, and the natural kelp cultivation devices in which germination is confirmed are left to grow, and this is the growth process. A relocation process is performed in which, before the natural kelp that has grown in the germinated natural kelp cultivation device, in which germinated natural kelp has been confirmed, is moved to a location where natural kelp is not being cultivated, A second installation step involves installing multiple new natural kelp growing devices in either the habitat of the natural kelp where the natural kelp growing devices were installed in the first installation step, or the surrounding sea area, or both, at the time of zoospore release of the natural kelp grown in the germinated natural kelp growing devices that were not moved in the relocation step, The first harvesting process involves harvesting a portion of the natural kelp. A method that includes this.

7. A third installation step is to install a new set of natural kelp growing devices in either the non-breeding area where the germinated natural kelp growing device was relocated, or in the surrounding sea area, or both, after the relocation step, A second harvesting step involves harvesting a portion of the natural kelp in the aforementioned non-breeding area. The method according to claim 6, further comprising:

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the relocation step includes a step of relocating a further portion of the portion of the germinated natural kelp growing apparatus, and / or a portion other than the portion of the germinated natural kelp growing apparatus, to a kelp cultivation facility.

9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising installing the natural kelp cultivation apparatus and the germinated natural kelp cultivation apparatus in the first and second installation steps and the relocation step such that the attachment device of the natural kelp cultivation apparatus is located at a water depth where sunlight can reach.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising installing the natural kelp cultivation device and the germinated natural kelp cultivation device such that the vertical central portion of the attachment device is located at a depth of 1.3 m to 1.7 m from the sea surface during the first and second installation steps and the relocation step.

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