Apparatus for waste management in marine environment and a method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus (100) for collecting waste in a marine environment (150) and a method for its implementation. The apparatus (100) provides an efficient approach to collect marine waste, including uneaten feed, fish feces, and organic debris, thereby improving water quality and maintaining a healthy aquaculture ecosystem. The apparatus (100) includes a substantially conical fabric with holes (101), each covered by an elongated flap (102) having a first end (103) fixed to the fabric and a second end (104) freely movable. The freely movable flaps (102) allow water to pass through the holes (101) while guiding waste toward a centrally positioned waste collection unit (600) at bottom of the conical structure. The configuration ensures effective waste capture, unobstructed water flow, and minimized hydrodynamic drag. This scalable and modular design offers a sustainable solution for marine waste management, facilitating easy installation, maintenance, and environmental conservation.

Description

APPARATUS FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MARINE ENVIRONMENTAND A METHOD THEREOFTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of aquaculture systems. Specifically, the disclosure pertains to a substantially conical-shaped structure with strategically implemented apertures and flexible cover provided thereon to enable the collection of wastes generated in aquaculture cages, which includes but is not limited to, fish faeces, excessive feed and other waste like dead fish etc.BACKGROUND

[0002] The following description of the related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the present disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as an admission of the prior art.

[0003] Aquaculture, the cultivation of aquatic organisms, has grown significantly to meet rising global seafood demand. However, a critical challenge in this industry is the efficient collection and management of aquaculture waste. Untreated waste, including uneaten feed, fish faeces, and dead fish, poses serious environmental and ecological risks. Debris ingested by marine organisms can spread diseases and cause fatalities, threatening both farmed and wild aquatic species. Moreover, poor waste management contributes to environmental degradation and economic losses.

[0004] The primary sources of marine waste in aquaculture cages are excess feed and fish excreta. Due to water currents and site-specific conditions, a significant portion of waste disperses beyond the cages, while much of the remainder settles in the benthic region beneath the cages. Existing waste collection systems recover less than 20% of this sedimented waste, leaving nutrient-rich layers that create anaerobic conditions. These conditions promote cyanobacterial activity, leading to the production of hydrogen sulfide (ILS) , a toxic gas that can harm or kill large quantities of fish and other marine life, resulting in substantial economic losses.

[0005] The problem intensifies during high-production cycles, where increased fish weight (3 to 5.5 kg) results in higher volumes of faeces that settle on the seabed. Site-specific factors such as bottom topography, water currents, and flow rates further influence wastedispersion and collection efficiency. Conventional waste collection methods, including nets, skimmers, and perforated containers, face limitations such as clogging, restricted water flow, poor adaptability to dynamic marine environments, and structural vulnerability to strong currents or biofouling. Additionally, many existing systems fail to effectively segregate or direct waste, leading to inefficiencies and higher maintenance costs.

[0006] Given these challenges, it is clear that improved aquaculture waste collection systems are urgently needed. Such systems must be user-friendly, environmentally sustainable, cost-effective, and capable of withstanding harsh marine conditions. An effective solution would mitigate the risks of waste accumulation, protect aquatic ecosystems, and ensure the long-term sustainability of aquaculture operations. This underscores the pressing need for innovative designs and methods to enhance marine waste collection and management.

[0007] Thus, there is a dire need in the art to provide a structure for collecting waste in marine environment and a method thereof.OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.

[0009] It is a primary object of the present disclosure is to provide a structure for collecting waste in a marine environment and a method for fabricating the same, aimed at addressing waste management challenges in aquaculture systems.

[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop a structure comprising a fabric designed in a substantially conical shape, positioned under the cage structure, to facilitate efficient waste capture and channelling.

[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to include openings of various shapes and sizes, created using precision laser-cutting techniques or any other technique including hand cutting, on the fabric to enhance water flow and waste capture while maintaining structural integrity.

[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a waste collection structure that is efficient, durable, and adaptable to varying underwater conditions, including dynamic water currents and diverse environmental factors.

[0013] It is another object of the present disclosure to introduce a fabrication method for the structure.

[0014] It is another object of the present disclosure wherein the tarpaulin / fabric may incorporate additives such as reducing coefficient of friction, antifouling, abrasion resistance, etc. Thereby delaying the growth of biofouling and reducing maintenance requirements.

[0015] It is another object of the present disclosure to design the structure with a smooth surface that ensures the efficient sliding of waste and sludge toward the collection unit or connected pumping systems for effective waste removal.SUMMARY

[0016] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

[0017] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus or structure and method for efficiently collecting marine waste in aquaculture environments. The disclosure addresses challenges associated with managing aquaculture waste, such as uneaten feed, fish excreta, and other debris, which often lead to environmental degradation, disease proliferation, and economic losses.

[0018] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for efficient collection of waste in a marine environment, particularly beneath aquaculture cages. The apparatus includes a fabric configured in a substantially conical shape, adapted to channel waste toward a centrally positioned waste collection unit. The fabric has holes through which water can flow while guiding waste toward a waste collection unit. Each hole is covered by flaps, with a first end fixed to the fabric and a second end freely movable, and dimensions of the flaps exceed the corresponding holes to ensure efficient waste direction and water flow.

[0019] In an aspect, the fabric is formed from materials such as high-density polyethylene, PVC-coated polyester, silicone, copper-infused nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, or anti-biofouling treated polyester.

[0020] In an aspect, each flap has a leaf-type shape, including square, rectangular, triangular, oval, or combinations thereof.

[0021] In an aspect, holes and flaps are arranged in a predefined pattern to optimize collection.

[0022] In an aspect, conical shape ensures that waste slides along the fabric toward the waste collection unit under influence of gravity and water flow, while the flaps guide waste and prevent backflow.

[0023] In an aspect, fabric also possesses antifouling properties imparted through coatings, treatments, or material composition such as silicone-based coatings, copper-infiised fabrics, fluoropolymer coatings, or anti-biofouling treated polyester, reducing maintenance requirements and prolonging operational efficiency.

[0024] In an aspect, fabric includes holes of varying shapes and sizes, created using precision laser-cutting techniques or other suitable methods. These holes allow water to flow optimally through the fabric while ensuring effective capture and guidance of waste particles toward the waste collection unit.

[0025] In an aspect, the waste collection structure is modular in design, allowing adaptation to diverse underwater conditions. The configuration can be adjusted based on factors such as water currents, seabed topography, and aquaculture cage dimensions, ensuring efficient waste collection in varying marine environments.

[0026] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for implementing the apparatus includes positioning holes on a fabric, attaching elongated flaps to each hole with a first end fixed and a second end freely movable, and configuring the fabric and flaps into a substantially conical structure to direct waste toward the waste collection unit when deployed in the marine environment.

[0027] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which numerals represent components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure of suchdrawings includes the disclosure of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary overview of a waste collection unit having a structure for collecting waste in the marine environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary inset view of a structure implemented using precision laser-cutting techniques or any other technique, including hand cutting, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary inset view of the structure having leaf leaf-like shape and proportionate size of aperture / openings on the pre-selected fabric, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address all of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.

[0033] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth.

[0034] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus or structure and method for efficiently collecting marine waste in aquaculture environments. The disclosure addresses challenges associated with managing aquaculture waste, such as uneaten feed, fish excreta, and other debris, which often lead to environmental degradation, disease proliferation, and economic losses.

[0035] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for efficient collection of waste in a marine environment, particularly beneath aquaculture cages. Theapparatus includes a fabric configured in a substantially conical shape, adapted to channel waste toward a centrally positioned waste collection unit. The fabric has holes through which water can flow while guiding waste toward a waste collection unit. Each hole is covered by flaps, with a first end fixed to the fabric and a second end freely movable, and dimensions of the flaps exceed the corresponding holes to ensure efficient waste direction and water flow

[0036] In an aspect, the fabric is formed from materials such as high-density polyethylene, PVC-coated polyester, silicone, copper-infused nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, or anti-biofouling treated polyester.

[0037] In an aspect, each flap has a leaf-type shape, including square, rectangular, triangular, oval, or combinations thereof.

[0038] In an aspect, holes and flaps are arranged in a predefined pattern to optimize collection.

[0039] In an aspect, conical shape ensures that waste slides along the fabric toward the waste collection unit under influence of gravity and water flow, while the flaps guide waste and prevent backflow.

[0040] In an aspect, fabric also possesses antifouling properties imparted through coatings, treatments, or material composition such as silicone-based coatings, copper-infused fabrics, fluoropolymer coatings, or anti-biofouling treated polyester, reducing maintenance requirements and prolonging operational efficiency.

[0041] In an aspect, fabric includes holes of varying shapes and sizes, created using precision laser-cutting techniques or other suitable methods. These holes allow water to flow optimally through the fabric while ensuring effective capture and guidance of waste particles toward the waste collection unit.

[0042] In an aspect, the waste collection structure is modular in design, allowing adaptation to diverse underwater conditions. The configuration can be adjusted based on factors such as water currents, seabed topography, and aquaculture cage dimensions, ensuring efficient waste collection in varying marine environments.

[0043] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for implementing the apparatus includes positioning holes on a fabric, attaching elongated flaps to each hole with a first end fixed and a second end freely movable, and configuring the fabric and flaps into a substantially conical structure to direct waste toward the waste collection unit when deployed in the marine environment.

[0044] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in detail with respect to FIGs. 1-3.

[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary overview of an apparatus (100) for collecting waste in a marine environment (150), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus (100) may be implemented as a standalone structure, a device, or an integrated system for collecting waste in the marine environment (150). The apparatus (100) can be configured in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different aquaculture setups and water conditions. The apparatus (100) may also include modular components that can be added, removed, or repositioned to optimize performance based on number of aquatic organisms, flow rate of water, and seabed topography.

[0046] The apparatus (100) includes a fabric or tarp configured in a substantially conical shape, positioned beneath an aquaculture cage. The conical configuration directs waste through gravitational flow and water movement toward a central collection region. The fabric is formed from materials that provide durability, strength, and resistance to marine conditions, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), PVC-coated polyester, silicone, copper-infused nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or anti-biofouling treated polyester. Alternative materials may include silicone-based coatings, copper-infused fabrics, fluoropolymer coatings, polyurethane (PU)-coated fabrics, advanced polymer composites, or nanotechnology-enhanced fabrics. This material selection ensures structural integrity, compatibility with antifouling properties, and efficient waste guidance, while maintaining performance in diverse underwater environments.

[0047] The fabric includes antifouling properties that delay biofouling growth. These properties are imparted through coatings, treatments, or material compositions such as silicone -based coatings, copper-infused fabrics, fluoropolymer coatings, or anti-biofouling treated polyester. The antifouling characteristics create a smooth surface that prevents marine organisms from accumulating.

[0048] The smooth and antifouling-enabled surface of the fabric ensures that waste, sludge, and debris slide efficiently along the conical surface toward the waste collection unit or any connected pumping system. This reduces the risk of blockages, supports uninterrupted operation, and minimizes maintenance requirements.

[0049] In an embodiment, the fabric carries a plurality of holes (101-1, 101-2, 101- 3... 101-N) (the terms “plurality of holes”, “holes”, and “hole” are used interchangeably hereinafter). Each hole (101) provides a controlled passage for water entering from the ambient marine environment (150) into interior region of the substantially conical structure. The dimensions and distribution of the holes (101) regulate the rate of water ingress, thereby influencing hydrodynamic movement of suspended and settling particles on the fabric.

[0050] In an embodiment, the holes (101) are formed in multiple shapes and sizes on the fabric. These holes (101) may be produced using precision laser-cutting techniques or alternative cutting methods, including manual cutting. The variation in shape and size enhances regulation of water flow and supports effective waste capture while maintaining the structural integrity of the fabric.

[0051] In an embodiment, the positioning of the holes (101) draws particulate matter toward the inner surface of the conical structure and supports its downward transport toward a waste collection unit (600). The waste collection unit (600) is removably coupled to the fabric, enabling secure mounting and maintaining unobstructed water flow. Waste such as sludge, uneaten feed, organic debris, and suspended particulates moves toward the waste collection unit (600) under gravity and hydrodynamic patterns formed around the fabric. Placement of the waste collection unit (600) at the lower portion of the fabric ensures that all downward-moving waste converges at a single point. The removable coupling allows installation, retrieval, cleaning, and maintenance without disturbing the apparatus (100).

[0052] In an embodiment, the substantially conical shape of the fabric guides waste along its surface toward the waste collection unit (600) through combined gravitational and water flow effects.

[0053] In an embodiment, the waste collection unit (600) can be configured as any suitable chamber, receptacle, or harvesting module capable of receiving, accumulating, or channeling the collected waste. The waste collection unit (600) may be fixed or removably attached to the lower end of the fabric, and may include features such as a settling chamber, outlet port, pumping interface, filtration screen, or discharge conduit. In various embodiments, the waste collection unit (600) can be adapted for periodic manual retrieval, continuous pumping, or automated sludge extraction, depending on aquaculture scale, environmental conditions, and operational requirements.

[0054] In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) includes flaps (102-1, 102-2, 102- 3... 102-N) (the terms “flap”, “plurality of flaps”, and “elongated structure” are used interchangeably). These flaps (102) are mounted on the pre-selected fabric such that each flap (102) corresponds to a specific hole (101) formed on the fabric. The flaps (102) are configured to be larger than the corresponding holes (101) so that each flap (102) fully overlays its respective hole (101) in a resting state. Each flap (102) includes a leaf-type body having a shape selected from square, rectangular, triangular, oval, or combinations of these shapes. These geometries enable controlled movement, support hydrodynamic stability, and guide waste toward the lower portion of the conical structure.

[0055] Each flap (102) is dimensioned to exceed size of its associated hole (101), allowing water to enter through the hole (101) while the flap (102) directs marine waste downward. This dimensional relationship prevents upward or lateral escape of waste. Correspondingly, each hole (101) is sized smaller than its flap (102), ensuring effective coverage and consistent backflow protection.

[0056] In an embodiment, the flaps (102) collectively guide drifting and settling waste toward the waste collection unit (600). Their movement under water flow minimizes chances of waste stagnation while preventing backflow of the collected material back toward the outward water environment.

[0057] The modular nature of the apparatus (100) makes it adaptable to diverse underwater environments. It can be adjusted for varying water currents, flow intensities, and seabed topographies. This adaptability allows consistent operation and waste management performance across different aquaculture installations and marine conditions.

[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary inset view (250) of the apparatus (100) showing the arrangement of the flaps (102) formed on the pre-selected fabric using precision laser-cutting or any equivalent cutting technique, including manual cutting. The pre-selected fabric possesses anti-fouling characteristics and exhibits high breaking and tearing strength suitable for prolonged underwater deployment in the marine environment (150). Its smooth and slippery surface facilitates the downward movement of fish faeces and other particulate waste into the waste collection unit (600).

[0059] Each flap (102) includes a first end (103) fixed to the fabric adjacent to its corresponding hole (101) and a second end (104) that remains freely movable. This configuration allows each hole (101) to admit water from the surrounding marine environment (150), while the freely movable end of the flap responds dynamically to water currents and waste movement. The flap (102) opens and closes passively in response to flow, permitting marine waste to pass through the underlying hole (101) while minimizing ingress of unwanted debris.

[0060] The holes (101) beneath the flaps (102) are dimensioned smaller than the flaps themselves. For instance, the flap (102) with a characteristic dimension of 10 cm covers an aperture (101) that is smaller than 10 cm. The flaps (102) may take various shapes, including square, rectangular, triangular, oval, or combinations thereof, depending on the desired waste-handling efficiency. This flap-and-hole configuration enables effective capture and guidance of fish faeces and other waste while maintaining sufficient water flow through the apparatus (100), thereby reducing hydrodynamic drag during underwater operation.

[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates an inset view (350) of the apparatus (100), highlighting the leaf-like flaps (102) and proportionate size of the holes (101) on the pre-selected fabric. The holes (101) and flaps (102) are arranged in a predefined pattern or layout across the fabric. This arrangement ensures consistent water inflow, balanced hydrodynamic loading, and uniform waste transport efficiency throughout the conical structure.

[0062] The holes (101) behind each flap (102) are proportionate to size of the corresponding flap (102) to maximize waste collection. The larger flap size relative to the underlying opening promotes controlled water entry while guiding waste toward the waste collection unit (600). The conical configuration ensures that collected waste and sludge remain at the bottom of the waste collection unit, preventing backflow and maintaining efficient collection while allowing water to flow freely into the unit.

[0063] Another embodiment illustrates a method for implementing the apparatus (100) of the waste collection unit (600) in the marine environment (150). In a first step, the holes (101) is positioned on a pre-selected fabric. The number, size, and placement of these holes vary according to factors such as the number of aquatic organisms, water flow rate beneath the cage, and fish size to optimize waste collection.

[0064] In a second step, the elongated flap (102) is attached to each hole (101), with the first end (103) fixed to the fabric adjacent to its corresponding hole and the second end (104) remaining freely movable. This configuration allows each hole (101) to admit water while the flap (102) responds to water flow and guides waste toward the collection point.

[0065] In a third step, the fabric and attached flaps are configured into a substantially conical structure. This shape directs downward-moving waste, including sludge, uneaten feed, and organic debris, toward a centrally located waste collection unit (600), while permitting water to flow through the holes (101).

[0066] In an exemplary implementation, the dimension of each flap (102) exceeds the size of its corresponding hole (101), ensuring proper coverage, controlled flow, and efficient waste guidance.

[0067] In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) is implemented in aquaculture farms to manage organic waste. The conical structure with holes (101) and flaps (102) efficiently traps fish feces, uneaten feed, and other organic debris. This prevents waste from dispersing into the surrounding water, helping maintain water quality, reduce disease risk, and improve environmental conditions within the aquaculture system.

[0068] In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) is utilized to collect sediments in natural or artificial water bodies, particularly in areas prone to silt or sediment accumulation.The fabric and flap configuration guides suspended particles and sediment toward the waste collection unit (600), enabling efficient capture and removal of particulate matter while allowing water to flow through.

[0069] In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) is adapted to capture and sample waste or organic material from water bodies for research purposes. The apparatus (100) collects representative samples of debris, organic matter, or sediments while maintaining natural water flow, allowing accurate analysis of water quality, ecological health, or pollutant levels.

[0070] In an exemplary implementation, the proposed apparatus (100) can be used to manage waste in a marine aquaculture farm containing 5 cages, each housing approximately 2,000 fish. The apparatus (100) is positioned beneath a cage, with the fabric forming a substantially conical shape covering an area of 20 square meters. The holes (101), each measuring 5 cm in diameter, is distributed across the fabric in a predefined arrangement. Each hole (101) is covered by flap (102) having first end (103) fixed to the fabric and second end (104) that is freely movable. The flaps (102) are leaf-type structures measuring 10 cm in length, fully overlaying the corresponding holes (101).

[0071] As water flows through the cage, particulate waste, such as fish feces and uneaten feed, is drawn toward the inner surface of the conical fabric via the holes (101). The flaps (102) guide the waste downward toward the waste collection unit (600) located at the bottom of the cone, preventing backflow. Water exits freely through the holes (101), maintaining unobstructed flow and minimizing hydrodynamic drag. This setup allows for daily collection of approximately 15 kg of organic waste per cage while ensuring minimal interference with aquatic life and water circulation.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus (100) is positioned beneath an aquaculture cage in the marine environment (150). The fabric of the apparatus is shaped substantially like a cone, which naturally directs material downward. Water from the surrounding environment enters through the holes (101) in the fabric. As water flows through the holes (101), the freely movable flaps respond to the current, opening and closing passively. This movement allows particulate waste such as fish feces, uneaten feed, and other debris to slide along the surface of the fabric while preventing backflow or escape of waste. The leaf-type shape and proportionate size of each flap relative to its hole ensure efficient guidance of waste without obstructing water flow. The conical geometry of the fabric channels the waste toward the centrally located waste collection unit (600) at the bottom. As waste reaches this unit, it accumulates at the single point, while water exits freely through theholes, maintaining hydrodynamic balance. The removable coupling of the waste collection unit allows for easy retrieval, cleaning, and maintenance.

[0073] The present disclosure provides the apparatus (100) for marine waste collection and the method that has advantages over the conventional waste collection systems which is used in aquaculture cages.

[0074] What are described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not to limit the present disclosure; any modification, equivalent replacement, and improvement within the principle of the present disclosure should be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0075] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be implemented merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

[0076] The example embodiment or each example embodiment should not be understood as a restriction of the disclosure. Rather, numerous variations and modifications are possible in the context of the present disclosure, in particular those variants and combinations which can be inferred by the person skilled in the art with regard to achieving the object for example by combination or modification of individual features or elements or method steps that are described in connection with the general or specific part of the description and are contained in the claims and / or the drawings, and, by way of combinable features, lead to a new subject matter or to new method steps or sequences of method steps, including insofar as they concern production, testing, and operating methods.ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0077] The present disclosure provides a structure customised for aquaculture cages to collect waste in marine environment and a method thereof.

[0078] The present disclosure provides an easy and optimized method of implementing the structure for marine waste collection.

[0079] The present disclosure provides a waste collection unit having a disclosed structure that facilitates water entry through strategically oriented apertures while ensuring effective waste deposition in the bottom of the structure.

[0080] The present disclosure provides a structure that minimizes operational issues such as clogging, drag, or biofouling typically associated with conventional marine waste collection systems.

[0081] The present disclosure provides a structure that can withstand underwater conditions such as water pressure, currents, and the presence of marine organisms.

[0082] The proposed disclosure provides a method for implementing the waste collection structure that simplifies installation, maintenance, and functionality.

[0083] The proposed disclosure provides a user-friendly, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solution that effectively prevents the loss of life of formed fish and safeguards the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

Claims

We Claim:

1. An apparatus (100) for collecting waste in a marine environment, the apparatus (100) comprising: a fabric configured in a substantially conical shape and adapted to be positioned beneath an aquaculture cage; a plurality of holes (101) formed on the fabric; a plurality of flaps (102), each flap (102) having a first end (103) and a second end (104), the first end (103) of each flap (102) being fixed to the fabric adjacent to a corresponding hole (101) of the plurality of holes (101), and the second end (104) of each flap (102) being freely movable; and a waste collection unit (600) removably coupled to the fabric, wherein a dimension of each flap (102) exceeds a corresponding dimension of the respective hole (101) to allow water to enter through the hole (101) while directing waste towards the waste collection unit (600).

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fabric is formed of a material selected from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), PVC-coated polyester, silicone, copper-infiised nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or anti-biofouling treated polyester.

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each flap (102) comprises a leaftype body having a shape selected from square, rectangular, triangular, oval, or combinations thereof.

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each hole (101) has dimensions that are smaller relative to the dimensions of the corresponding flap (102).

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the waste collection unit (600) is positioned at bottom of the fabric.

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes (101) and the plurality of flaps (102) are arranged on the fabric in a predefined arrangement.

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of flaps (102) guide the waste toward the waste collection unit (600) while preventing backflow of the collected waste.

8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the substantially conical shape of the fabric is configured such that the waste slides along the fabric toward the waste collection unit (600) under influence of gravity and water flow.

9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fabric comprises antifouling properties to delay growth of biofouling, wherein the antifouling properties are imparted through at least one of coating, treatment, or material composition selected from silicone-based coatings, copper-infiised fabrics, fluoropolymer coatings, or anti- biofouling treated polyester.

10. A method of implementing an apparatus for a marine environment, the method comprising: positioning a plurality of holes on a fabric; attaching an elongated flap to each hole, wherein a first end of each flap is fixed to the fabric and a second end is freely movable; and configuring the fabric and the attached plurality of flaps to form a substantially conical structure adapted to direct waste toward a waste collection unit when deployed in the marine environment.

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