ES2674125B2 - PROCEDURE FOR CULTURE OF MARINE SPECIES AND PLATFORM FOR THE PRACTICE OF SUCH PROCEDURE - Google Patents

Abstract

Procedure for the cultivation of marine species and platform for the implementation of this procedure. # It is a floating platform for the cultivation of marine species, which comprises two horizontal structures (1) and (2), the first one located superiorly and assisted by the corresponding floats (4) participating in it a plurality of main tubes (4) through which feed pipes (5) run with outlets (6) that access the lower structure (2), formed by a plurality of modules (7) of vertical cage groupings (9) to each of whose modules one of the power outputs (6) accesses. Each module (7) of vertical cages comprises a soup frame (8) based on horizontal frames (10), polygonal, supported by vertical struts (11), the cage sections (9) being housed in said frame (8) grouped together and superimposed vertically, with the ability to slide both up and down inside the respective frame (8). Through the platform described, it is possible to alternate the feeding based on marine fouling and a more protein meal, thus optimizing the results.

Description

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Industrial thousands of cages are necessary, which greatly increases investment and operational costs.

- It also requires very high maintenance costs to avoid death from suffocation (due to fouling of cages due to fouling) or illness (due to the accumulation of organic debris in decomposition or lack of sterilization in food). Given the long investment in food and operating expenses, the higher the percentage of mortality, the lower the probability of achieving economic viability of the crop.

Various ways to solve these problems have been explored, without fully satisfactory results so far.

It is noteworthy the Aqua Reg initiative, developed in Ireland, UK and Spain, in which lobsters were deposited in containers on the seabed to feed only fouling. These algae and small marine organisms (mussels, barnacles, serpulids, sponges ...) that colonize the cages contain various nutrients, active ingredients (bacteria, enzymes and hormones) and pigments such as astaxanthin that are a determinant factor for growth and correct development of other marine species. With this unique diet, moderate growth levels were obtained during the first months. However, the fouling was accumulating until the outside of the cages were clogged, which caused the death of a percentage of the animals. In addition, this type of diet has a low protein content. Due to this, it has been detected in other experiments that after two months a gradual physiological degradation is produced, which causes a decrease in the growth rate as well as a high increase in mortality.

In Vietnam, there have been successful lobster fattening initiatives in bat. They are fed with discards of fish and crustaceans, with good results in terms of growth and profitability. However, the lack of sterilization in food caused diseases and mortality that caused production to drop. On the other hand, the cultivated species do not have a canlbal behavior like the European, being used to breed in bats from which community cages hang, in which the food is decanted.

Attempts have been made to cure European lobster in bats, some of them in Spain, but this route has been discarded since, although there are numerous and varied types of structures, they do not solve all the problems derived from cultivation.

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Large scale lobster and other species with similar needs, or have a complex structure that makes their cultivation economically unprofitable.

In this regard, the invention patent WO 2013168147 can be cited, in which a floating platform for marine species culture is described and claimed, consisting of two structures in combination with support floats.

The second structure is located in a parallel piano below the first one and includes some collateral vertical modules inside which vertically superimposed cages are located, which can ascend / descend vertically within the modules.

This design is valid for the cultivation of fish, but not for species whose individuals must remain isolated or in cages with few individuals, since they present several problems with respect to the proposed design, among which the following can be highlighted:

- It has large community cages, not individual ones.

It has no division into sections that facilitates the cleaning and manipulation of the interior of the cages on the surface, as well as cleaning means that prevent the caking of the fouling residues dripping from the walls of the cages to avoid their denseness. Both deficiencies cause an increased risk of mortality and morbidity. This means that this design is not suitable for installation in an area with a high concentration of fouling, and it is not possible to take advantage of its benefits in terms of increased growth, savings in food costs, or savings in operational costs derived from day feed alternates (which includes the collation of the crop with other species). Therefore, this design is not suitable for the cultivation of species that feed on fouling, especially crustaceans.

- The feeding system is based on a feeding tube by decantation in a single cage. As a result, food waste is produced and a homogeneous dosage is not guaranteed to all individuals, resulting in lower degrees of growth in many of the animals. In addition, it has electrical and mechanical elements, including an engine, which increases the chances of breakdown as well as maintenance costs. It also means a

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insurmountable increase in personnel costs, since the lack of an automated feeding system for thousands of cages implies carrying it out by hand.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The procedure solves satisfactorily the problems that have made the cultivation of some types of species such as lobster or lobster unfeasible, as well as other species whose aquaculture poses similar problems. It is characterized by:

• Cultivation is done in a floating pan. Once there, the animals are grown in individual cages to prevent deaths from cannibalism or, in the case of non-canfbales, in cages with few individuals to reduce the stress and energy consumption caused by competition for food. In this way, the growth and survival of cultivated animals is optimized.

• Individual cages mean an increase in operational costs as well as the difficulty of distributing the food in a dosed form to each animal. For this reason, the implementation of an automated feeding system that distributes the food in a dosed form with the lowest possible cost, both installation and operational and fault prevention, is crucial.

• The procedure is based on the use of fouling as food. Since the lobsters can feed the first months with fouling reaching moderate growths, it is possible to reduce the daily frequency of feeding at once every two days, feeding the lobsters with a more proteinic type of oomide one day in the form of pellets, to knowing that the next day they would feed on the fouling that would supplement the diet with the other necessary nutrients. In this way, several advantages are achieved simultaneously:

Unlike the AquaReg initiative, in which fouling was used as the only food, this procedure achieves a balanced diet between proteins and other essential nutrients, which results in an increase in growth and survival levels, solving the problems of previous diet

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- Food in the form of pellets contributes to a better dosage, facilitates its storage and transport, and eliminates the risks of diseases due to lack of

food sterilization as happened in Vietnam.

* All the! O while costs are cheaper: On the one hand, expensive nutrients such as astaxanthin are contributed by fouling naturally. On the other, by programming the feeding every two days, it makes it possible to dedicate boat and crew to the cultivation of other species on the day off, achieving great savings in operational expenses.

• To favor the entry of fouling as well as the exit of waste that prevents unhealthiness, a circulation system is necessary. For this, passiils are established between the cages, leaving each of them with a side wall to a corridor.

• Since the higher the percentage of mortality, the lower the probability of achieving economic viability, it is necessary to implement a maintenance system that avoids the problems associated with the accumulation of fouling detected in previous experiences. To do this, two types of maintenance are established:

- Surface maintenance. The animals eat the fouling inside the cages, but it progressively thickens the outer walls until it causes death by suffocation of the animals. To avoid this, a system was implemented to periodically remove fouling from the exterior walls.

- Deep maintenance. It is necessary to remove the remains of the molts as well as any other accumulation of organic remains in decomposition, to minimize the risks of morbidity. For this reason, a rotary maintenance will be performed in which the interior of each of the cages is cleaned.

Each of these characteristics is designed to serve a critical profitability in the form of increased survival, growth rate, food savings and operating expenses. In this way, the combination of all the characteristics creates a synergy that provides technical and economic viability to the cultivation in bat of species that

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Until now it was considered unfeasible.

The implementation of this procedure brings with it the use of the floating platform for the cultivation of marine species that is recommended. This is characterized by the fact that it is constituted by two types of structures associated with some support floats thereof, so that one of the structures is formed by a plurality of main tubes from inside of which there are a plurality of feeding tubes, with exits or branches through the corresponding main tube, and whose exits are directed towards the second type of structure, formed by a plurality of mesh cages that form horizontal alignments below the alignments that form the main tubes, with special particularity that the mesh cage structure comprises in each horizontal alignment a series of frames based on horizontal frames at different heights or levels, joined together by vertical struts that run in correspondence with the vertices or corners of the horizontal frames, thus forming a frame in which they stay with ascending and descending character entity, a series of cages distributed in clusters forming the sum of said clusters in each case a module so that the plurality of modules that form each horizontal alignment are located under the different main tubes, with the outlets of the feeding tubes of these leading to in each of the previous modules.

The feeding tubes contained in the main tubes branch towards the alignments corresponding to the vertical structures of the mesh cages, complementing the set with the aforementioned floats for supporting the platform.

The tubes have an opening at the level of each cage they pass through, to deliver the food.

Specifically, this network of tubes supports a set of semi-rigid hoses that are thrown from the ship and run through the tubes to the bottom of each module. Once there, you begin to release the food and climb slowly, distributing the food to the cages of each level as it rises.

In this way several advantages are achieved simultaneously:

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- Guarantees the distribution of the appropriate dose of food at animal of each cage. From

In this way, growth is favored and the waste of food produced in normal feeding systems is avoided, based on the decantation in shared cages.

- There are no electrical or mechanical elements in contact with the sea. In this way, it

avoid breakdowns by accumulation of saltpeter and fouling that interrupt the food supply.

- These elements are placed in e! ship as part of the launch of the hoses

and the one of pumping, what makes possible its reuse for the feeding of other trays. In addition, it avoids the installation of numerous risk elements such as valves. In a context in which thousands of cages have to be fed, it also implies a great reduction in the risk of failure and costs.

- Also the accumulation of fouling in the tubes is avoided, since this is expelled

every time the hose passes. In this way, any breakdown or jamming that interrupts the power is prevented and maintenance costs are minimized.

They also provide other design advantages:

- The upper bases of the horizontal tubes provide a surface for

Operators can move over the top, to carry out the pressurizing of the outer walls of the cages, as well! as to support cage clusters when they are taken out.

- Since cages cannot be installed underneath, because they cannot be hoisted

surface, the water column under each horizontal pipe line is used as a waterway corridor, as well! as to place the floats lengthwise.

This automation will make possible the feeding of thousands of cages of animals in a short space of time, during which the operators carry out maintenance work.

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In this way it allows to combine its cultivation with other marine species that do not need daily care, achieving critical savings in operational costs.

Each cage is individual to avoid problems of cannibalism, and ensure survival. The structure is also designed so that, in the case of non-cannibal species, it is possible to suppress separations between cages, to give rise to larger cages with few individuals, in order to reduce stress and energy consumption caused by competition for food. that occur when many animals live together. In turn, the cages are grouped into sub-groups of manageable size, to facilitate maintenance, so that the cages that participate in said sub-groups of cages are fixed together by any conventional means that is easily decoupled.

Narrow horizontal gutters are arranged under the branches or bifurcations of the main tubes that adopt a parallel arrangement between each main tube structure and each horizontal module alignment.

From this structure, in order to eliminate the accumulated marine life in the outer walls of the cages, in order to avoid the dense walls, it would be enough to lift the cages out of the scaffolding and project water under pressure on them by means of a hose, so that since the gutters are arranged laterally to the extracted cages, a large part of the waste would fall on them, preventing them from falling on the cages.

Cluster cage clusters can slide independently of each other, both upstream and downstream, through corresponding "L" glues provided on the sides of the racks themselves. This, together with the manageable size of each cluster of cages, facilitates its extraction to the surface, in order to clean the organic remains inside each cage, thus minimizing the risks of disease.

On the other hand, each group of cages integrates a circular section of tube that crosses them vertically, so that when said groupings of cages are assembled, the tube will also be assembled, all in such a way that when the assembly is divided into

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parts favor the handling of extraction and the different groups of jauias without having to remove a long tube each time you want to remove the groups of jauias for maintenance.

Obviously, being the groups of independent jauias and of reduced size, it can be said that in the set a division by groups is established that solves the problems that could arise if a periodic cleaning was not done.

This design allows to optimize the use of fouling, which makes e! Growing crustaceans is economically profitable. Thus, from this structure, the lobsters or marine species in question can be fed alternately by means of the feeding tube system and the fouling accumulated in their jauias, reducing food costs and allowing the ship and crew in charge of said food dedicated to the cultivation of other species in those days that the animals are expected to feed on fouling, achieving great savings in operational expenses,

On the other hand, the disposition of the jauias in corridors defines a system of circulation of the sea water that favors the entry of fouling and the exit of waste to avoid unhealthiness, presenting all the jauias a lateral that gives to the outside.

Finally, and with regard to the support system, as stated previously, the platform is supported by a series of floats located below the horizontal rows of tubes, and can be materialized in two different ways:

• Watertight closure. They are the majority and are placed in sufficient numbers to provide almost total buoyancy to the bat.

* Opening and closing at two ends. They incorporate valves to be able to inject air from the boat and expel the water from its interior. In this way, you can make the bat emerge when the ship arrives, and sink it to the desired depth when it leaves.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that will then be made and in order to help a better understanding of the features of the invention, according to a preferred example of realization practice thereof, a set of pianos is accompanied as an integral part of said description. where, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, the following has been represented:

Figure 1 shows a general perspective view of a platform for marine species cultivation carried out in accordance with the object of the invention.

Figure 2.- Shows a perspective and schematic view according to an exploded view of each of the modules corresponding to the mesh cage structures that participate in a marine platform.

Figure 3.- Shows a detail in perspective and in section according to a vertical piano

preferred embodiment of the invention

In view of the reserved figures, it can be seen how the floating platform for cultivation of marine species object of the invention comprises two structures generally referenced with (1) and (2), structures that adopt a horizontal disposition and intended to be submerged in water , being supported by floats (3), so that the structure (1) is formed by a plurality of main tubes (4) through which a plurality of feeding tubes (5) run, so that! that the main tubes (4) are located on a horizontal piano, are parallel to each other and equidistant, with the special feature that through each main tube (4) a plurality of outlets (6) emerge from the feeding tubes ( 5).

The second structure (2), which is also located horizontally and below in a piano parallel to the structure (1) formed by the main tubes (4), is formed by modules (7), so that in each module participates a frame (8) and a plurality of different groups of mesh cages (9), the frame (8) being formed by a series

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of frames (10) according to pianos at different levels, that is to say at different heights but horizontally parallel to each other, in solidarity with their respective vertices to the vertical uprights (11) of said frames (8), forming a structure in which they are housed with character ascending and descending clusters of mesh cages located superimposed and vertically, to form in each case the respective module (7) with the frame (8).

Under the branches (6) of distribution of the main pipes there are horizontal and narrow gutters (12) that adopt a parallel and laterally flush arrangement and superior to the structure (2), with each horizontal alignment of modules, These elements have the function of facilitating the exit of the waste that falls when the cages are hoisted for cleaning, preventing said waste from falling on other parts of the cages.

The modules (7) mentioned above form horizontal alignments to determine the structure (2) that is located under the structure (1) of the main pipes (4), so that the branches (6) of the feeding tubes (5) they are projected until each of the modules (7) described above is reached, that is, they reach the cages (9) that are mounted inside the racks (8) corresponding to the modules themselves (7).

As stated previously and in accordance with Figure 3, each cage group (9) integrates a circular section of feed tube (6 ') that passes through them vertically, so that when each group of The tube will also be assembled, all in such a way that by being divided the set into parts, the manipulation and extraction of the different cage clusters is favored without having to remove a long tube each time you want to remove the cages for maintenance

The feeding tubes (6 ') have an opening (13) at the level of each cage that they cross, to deliver the food, so that in said network of tubes semi-rigid hoses that are thrown from the ship are inserted and run through the tubes (56-6 ') to the bottom of each module, so that once the bottom point is reached, the food starts to be released and the hose slowly rises, distributing the food to the

cages of each level as it rises without the need for metering mechanisms for each cage, which significantly simplifies the cost of the installation.

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REI VIN PIC ACIONES

1a- Procedure for the cutting of marine species, species housed in individual cages or for a few individuals duly submerged in the sea, characterized in that it consists of combining the feeding based on marine fouling and additional food in an altema feeding regime that is implemented in a floating platform with a plurality of cages, and in which the following stages are defined:

a) Through an automated feeding system, feed the animals with additional food to the fouling present in the water on alternate days.

b) Carry out maintenance work every time the animals are fed, specifically, cleaning of the fouling accumulated on the outer walls of the cages to prevent it from becoming clogged and cleaning of the organic remains accumulated in the cages.

2nd.- Floating platform for the cultivation of marine species, characterized in that it is constituted from a series of structures (1) and (2) in combination with some support floats (3), the first structure (1) being formed by a plurality of main tubes (4), parallel and equidistant from each other, each of which houses within it a plurality of feeding tubes (5), protrusions at different levels of the main tubes (4) through branches (6 ); having foreseen that in a parallel piano and located below the one formed by the first structures (1), the second structures (2) are formed, formed by modules (7) of groups (9) of vertical mesh cages, forming horizontal alignments under the main tubes (4), with the particularity that each horizontal alignment of mesh cages is formed by a plurality of modules (7) attached side by side, each module (7) accessing one of the branches (6) ) of the feeding tubes (5) coming from the main tubes (4), it being provided that the branches (6) are connected to respective feeding tubes (6 ') that vertically pass through each cluster of cages, and that incorporate one or more more feed openings (13) in correspondence with each cage that they pass through, feed tubes (5-5 ') in which axially and selectively semi-rigid hoses for projection of the flow of food, with the particulate The fact that each module (7) of vertical mesh cages comprises a support frame (8) based

Claims (2)

of horizontal frames (10), polygonal, supported by vertical struts (11) in correspondence with fas corners of the polygons of those frames (10), the groupings of cages (9) being loosened in said frame (8) and superimposed vertically, with the ability to slide both up and down inside the respective 5 frame (8). 3a.- Floating platform for cultivation of marine species, according to claim 2a, characterized in that superiorly and laterally to each structure (2) about 10 gutters (12) of waste drainage are mounted in the cages cleaning tasks, which run parallel to both structures below the branches (6). 4a.- Floating platform for cultivation of marine species, according to claim 2®, 15 characterized in that the floats (3) are sealed. 53.- Floating platform for the cultivation of marine species, according to claims 2B and 4a, characterized in that it includes additional floats that have means of regulating their buoyancy level. image 1 image2 FIG. 2