阅读说明：本技术 贝类生长设备、系统和使用其的方法 (Shellfish growth apparatus, system and method of using same ) 是由 阿龙·彼得·潘内尔 于 2019-01-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明的系统、设备和方法提供了在潮下环境中培育贝类。本发明的关键方面是使用特殊配置的筐,待生长的贝类被播种到上述筐中。特别地,筐配置有支撑托架,缆绳穿过该支撑托架。尽管本发明用于潮下环境,但支撑托架的安装容许筐旋转并且允许贝类培育者复制潮间生态系统的生长条件。(The system, apparatus and method of the present invention provide for the cultivation of shellfish in a sub-tidal environment. A key aspect of the invention is the use of specially configured baskets into which shellfish to be grown are sown. In particular, the basket is provided with support brackets through which the cables are passed. Although the invention is used in a sub-tidal environment, the mounting of the support brackets allows the basket to rotate and allows the shellfish grower to replicate the growth conditions of the inter-tidal ecosystem.)

1. Basket for cultivating shellfish, wherein the basket has an elongated dimension and comprises:

one or more support brackets for one or more cables, wherein each bracket is oriented along an axis substantially perpendicular to the elongated dimension of the basket, wherein the one or more brackets define an axis of rotation disposed substantially midway along the elongated dimension of the basket; and

a buoyancy module.

2. The basket according to claim 1, wherein said basket comprises a top side, a bottom side, left and right sides, a front end and a rear end.

3. The basket according to claim 2, wherein one or both of said front end and said rear end are configured to allow access to the interior of said basket.

4. A basket according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the one or more support brackets are provided to the bottom of the basket.

5. The basket according to claim 4, wherein at least one support bracket is disposed substantially medially along the basket's elongate dimension, and said at least one support bracket is perpendicular to the basket's elongate dimension.

6. A basket according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the support bracket is of substantially cylindrical configuration.

7. A basket according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the support bracket is two or more spaced apart snaps or loops.

8. A basket according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the buoyancy module is provided to the top of the basket.

9. A basket according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the buoyancy module is configured to be secured to the basket using fastening means.

10. The basket according to claim 9, wherein said fastening means is one or more of a strap, snap lock fitting, clamp, nut and bolt, or screw.

11. A basket according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the buoyancy module is a closed cell foam block.

12. The basket according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the buoyancy module is configured as a rotational moulded container.

13. The basket according to claim 12, wherein said buoyancy module comprises a lid or valve configured to permit access to the interior of said buoyancy module.

14. A system for cultivating shellfish, the system comprising:

one or more cables; and

at least one basket, wherein the basket has an elongate dimension and comprises one or more support cradles for the one or more cables, wherein each support cradle is oriented along an axis substantially perpendicular to the elongate dimension of the basket, wherein the one or more cradles define an axis of rotation disposed substantially midway along the elongate dimension of the basket; and wherein the basket comprises a buoyancy module.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a shuttle configured with a frame mounted to an upper surface of the shuttle, wherein the frame is configured to engage the at least one basket.

16. The system of claim 14, further comprising a shuttle configured with dual housings, wherein the shuttle further comprises a guide or track positioned between the housings and configured to engage the at least one basket.

17. Method for using a system for growing shellfish according to claim 13, the method comprising the steps of:

a) passing a cable through each of the one or more support brackets of the at least one basket; and is

b) The basket is submerged in the ocean or fresh water environment.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the method comprises the additional step of:

c) lifting the cable causes the basket to rotate about an axis of rotation defined by the one or more support brackets.

19. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein a plurality of shellfish is sown into at least one basket after step b).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a shellfish growth system for the cultivation and harvesting of shellfish such as oysters. The invention may be particularly applicable to "single seed" growth methods, particularly in sub-tidal (i.e. offshore) locations.

Background

Shellfish can be cultivated in a variety of ways. One technique that may be used is a "single seed" growing system in which shellfish spat are relatively freely contained in a holding container, such as a basket or bag, to grow to a mature and/or harvestable size. It is generally believed that single-seed systems tend to produce higher quality shellfish than techniques involving the attachment of shellfish spat to a growth medium, which is another cultivation technique that is often used.

The shellfish unicast seed growth system can be under-tide or inter-tide.

In a sub-tidal system, the shellfish remains submerged under water in its holding container and is not exposed above the water surface during growth. Sub-tidal growth systems are often built in relatively deep water further from the shore.

In contrast, an intertidal system is usually built in shallow water adjacent to the coast. As the tide changes, the holding container containing the shellfish is alternately submerged under water and exposed to air.

The sub-tidal and inter-tidal growth systems have advantages and disadvantages, respectively.

The sub-tidal system can take advantage of relatively inexpensive, off-shore feeding locations and less expensive growing infrastructure, and access the feeding site independently of the tide. They also enable shellfish to grow faster.

However, the sub-tidal growth system may suffer from problems of shell growth and poor shell shape due to frequent submersion and not frequent handling. Furthermore, such systems that are far from shore may risk damage to both the equipment and the shellfish being raised due to problems with weather events (such as storms and billows), biofouling and bird predation.

The intertidal system generally produces shellfish having a harder shell, better adduction strength (which can lead to longer shelf life) and better overall conditioning. This may be due to shellfish being alternately submerged and exposed to air, stimulating behavioral responses (such as adductor activity) and allowing the shells to dry out when raised from the water-which may mitigate biofouling. The intertidal system may also have fewer biofouling problems and a lower risk of damage to the growth infrastructure due to wave action.

However, suitable locations for establishing an intertidal system, such as estuary regions, may be scarce and therefore expensive and difficult to obtain. Installing growth infrastructure can be expensive because shellfish are theoretically kept above the bottom layer even during low tide. Tidal movement may also limit access to the intertidal system, and harvesting is more likely to be affected by rainfall.

A common configuration for single-seeded shellfish farming is known as an "adjustable longline system". For an intertidal environment, the system includes a plurality of substantially cylindrical baskets openable at one end or both ends. Each basket includes a clamp for attachment to one or more elongate cables or ropes that run across the predetermined feeding area.

In use, the basket is clamped on the line in an "in-line" fashion such that the line extends parallel to the elongate dimension of the basket.

In some adjustable tether systems, particularly suitable for use in a wet environment, the basket (or alternatively the bag) may include a float or buoyancy aid adjacent the top of the basket, such that in use the basket or bag is submerged whilst being held adjacent the surface of the water by the buoyancy aid. An adjustable longline system may include this feature in both sub-tidal and inter-tidal environments. In the case of an intertidal system, the inclusion of buoyancy aids may cause additional movement of the basket with the rise and fall of the tide, which may help shape the growing oyster.

During the single seed growth process, the shellfish within the basket tend to grow at unequal rates. This is generally due to the fact that the individual shellfish are exposed to different degrees of water flow depending on their position in the basket.

Thus, shellfish must be periodically classified during the rearing process. This involves removing the shellfish from the basket and passing them through a "sorter" to separate them into groups of similar size. The grouped shellfish is then returned to the basket and the growth process resumes. The classification can usually be repeated several times before the final harvest.

The configuration of conventional single seed growing systems including adjustable rope systems often prevents shellfish from being removed from the basket while in situ. Due to the large amount of space required for containment baskets, sorting is usually carried out at an onshore location rather than on a ship. Thus, the loaded basket must be removed and transported to another location for sorting.

Furthermore, the baskets are typically subjected to biofouling treatment while classification is being performed. This requires the basket to be placed out of the water and allowed to dry for a period of time. Again, the large storage space required for this means that this is usually done at an onshore location.

After sorting and biofouling treatment, the baskets are refilled with sorted shellfish and transported back to the rearing location and reattached to the line to continue the growth process. This is typically repeated multiple times before final harvest.

Thus, conventional rearing processes can potentially require significant transport of shellfish and baskets multiple times during the growing process, as well as physical labor often involving intensive physical exertion such as repeated heavy lifts. The inventors estimate that the labor cost is about one-third to one-half of the total cost of conventional unicast shellfish farming.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems of the prior art, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications that may be cited in this specification, are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any such reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications may be referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in new zealand or in any other country.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is, in a sense of "including but not limited to".

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a basket for cultivating shellfish, wherein the basket has an elongate dimension and comprises:

one or more support brackets for the one or more cables, wherein each bracket is oriented along an axis substantially perpendicular to the elongated dimension of the basket, wherein the one or more brackets define an axis of rotation disposed substantially midway along the elongated dimension of the basket; and

a buoyancy module.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for cultivating shellfish, the system comprising:

one or more cables; and

at least one basket, wherein the basket has an elongate dimension and comprises one or more support brackets for one or more cables, wherein each support bracket is oriented along an axis substantially perpendicular to the elongate dimension of the basket, wherein the one or more brackets define an axis of rotation disposed substantially midway along the elongate dimension of the basket; and wherein the basket comprises buoyancy modules.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using a system for rearing shellfish substantially as described above, the method comprising the steps of:

a) passing a cable through each of the one or more support brackets of the at least one basket; and is

b) The basket is submerged in the ocean or fresh water environment.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is a method substantially as described above, comprising the additional steps of:

c) the cable is lifted such that the basket rotates about an axis of rotation defined by the one or more support brackets.

The system, apparatus and method of the present invention provide for the cultivation of shellfish in a sub-tidal environment. The quality of shellfish cultured using the present invention may be similar to or superior to shellfish cultured in an intertidal environment, which historically provides optimal growth conditions for shellfish.

The invention is to be understood as being used for the cultivation of shellfish. Although reference is made to the cultivation of shellfish in a marine environment, i.e. with marine species of shellfish, it will be understood that the invention may also be used with freshwater species of shellfish.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the shellfish is oyster and reference should be made to this assumption in the remainder of this specification. However, this is not meant to be limiting and the invention may be used to cultivate other shellfish such as scallops or mussels.

In the present invention, a basket is used to cultivate oysters. Such baskets provide a growing surface on which the young oysters, called spat, can place themselves.

A basket should be understood as a substantially closed structure having a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side, and a front end and a rear end. The sides of the basket are meshed or otherwise provided with holes to allow water to enter the basket.

The mesh openings are sized or dimensioned such that oysters to be contained by the basket are not allowed to escape. However, in most embodiments, the oysters remain free to move within the basket. This allows them to be moved to advantageous positions for feeding and optimal growth. In some embodiments, the basket may be provided with a growth surface, such as a shelf or the like, on which the oyster spat may be "seeded" or otherwise attached themselves to.

A range of mesh sizes may be provided in the basket depending on the relative maturity of the oysters contained therein. For example, a basket in which spat are sown may have a relatively fine mesh. Once the spat grow to a larger size, they can be sorted and transferred to another basket with coarser mesh.

The front and/or rear end of the basket should be understood to be configured to allow access to the interior of the basket. This will be achieved in a number of ways which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, for example, the front and/or rear ends may be configured as flaps, with one edge hingedly mounted to the basket so that the flaps may be opened and closed. A locking mechanism may be present to ensure that the basket is not accidentally opened.

Reference to the top should be understood to refer to the uppermost side of the basket when the basket is submerged in water. The bottom or lowermost side of the basket is the opposite side and will be understood to be substantially facing the seabed when submerged in water.

The baskets are configured for use with the cables or wire ropes that support them. A series of baskets may be connected to a cable running substantially perpendicular to the elongate dimension of the baskets.

Those skilled in the art will readily understand the cables that will be suitable for use in the present invention. Preferably, a plastic rope made of a material such as polypropylene is used. The ropes may be UV treated to reduce their exposure to UV radiation emitted by the sun. To minimize the risk of lengthening, ropes with a relatively large diameter are preferred.

Alternatively, given the environment in which the present invention is to operate, corrosion resistant metal cables may be used because they are less likely to be affected by ultraviolet light from the sun. Over time, the metal cable is also less likely to experience lengthening. However, purchasing metal cables can be more expensive.

The bottom side of the basket is provided with at least one support bracket. The support bracket is mounted to the basket such that it forms an axis substantially perpendicular to the elongate dimension of the basket.

Support brackets are to be understood as structures through which cables can be passed. In use, the basket is rotatable about an axis of rotation defined by the support carrier. It will be appreciated that the diameter of the cable ultimately used in the present invention may depend on the size of the support bracket.

The support cradle is disposed substantially centrally along the elongate dimension of the basket. This is useful because it means that the basket can be rotated relatively easily through at least 180. If the support bracket is mounted so that the axis of rotation is closer to one or the other end of the basket, then a greater force will be required to rotate it at least 180 °. The amount of clearance for the basket to achieve full rotation will also be greater.

Although reference is made in the remainder of the description to the use of one support bracket for a basket, in some embodiments a basket may be provided with two (or more) support brackets. It will be understood that this means that two (or more) cables may be used with the basket. In these embodiments, the brackets will be positioned at substantially equal distances from each end of the elongate dimension of the basket. Thus, the axis of rotation will be defined by a substantially central line between the support brackets, and thus the basket can still be rotated relatively easily by at least 180 °.

The support bracket may simply be a cylindrical tube through which the cable passes. The tube may be made of a suitable material such as heavy duty plastic or coated metal. Using a tube means that the contact surface, which becomes the bearing surface between the cable and the tube as the basket rotates, is as large as possible. It will be appreciated that two or more shorter lengths of tubing may be used to the same effect, rather than a single length of tubing.

Alternatively, the support bracket may be a two-part structure which together form a tubular structure through which the cable may pass. In this embodiment, one part may be attached to the basket or even integrally moulded as part of the basket, with the other part being attached thereto and secured using screws or the like.

The support bracket is secured to the basket by suitable fasteners such as nuts and bolts, rivets, clamps and the like. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other means by which the support bracket may be secured to the basket or otherwise secured to the basket.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the support cradle spans at least the width of the basket, if not more. It is useful to have the span greater than the width of the basket, as the support brackets may then act as spacers between adjacent baskets in use, to prevent or reduce any contact therebetween.

Alternatively, the support bracket may be two or more spaced apart snaps or loops secured to the underside of the basket. In this embodiment, it will be appreciated that the support bracket may be no larger than the width dimension of the basket.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate other structures that may be used on or in the underside of the basket to achieve an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the elongate dimension of the basket. In any event, it will be appreciated that once loaded and used, the baskets will have a considerable weight and be exposed to environmental wear and rough handling. Thus, a corresponding design of the support carriers is required.

The basket includes buoyancy modules.

A buoyancy module should be understood to be a component or structure that is configured to be buoyant.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the buoyancy module is one or more pieces of closed cell foam such as polystyrene or the like. The blocks may be wrapped or otherwise coated with one or more layers of plastic material for structural integrity.

In another embodiment of the invention, the buoyancy module may be a rotationally molded container or the like. It will be appreciated that the air within the container provides buoyancy when sealed with a lid or the like.

It will be appreciated that it may be useful to control the degree of buoyancy of such modules. For example, if a severe weather event such as a storm may occur, the operator of the system may choose to admit water into the buoyancy module so that the buoyancy module and basket sink to the ground. This reduces the risk of damaging the equipment. The same method can be used if there is a risk of icing.

Thus, the cover of the buoyancy module may be configured to be quickly removable to allow water to enter the module.

In some other embodiments, the buoyancy module may include electronically controlled valves or the like that allow water to enter the module and that may provide a degree of control over the range of buoyancy provided by the module. Greater control over buoyancy may also be achieved by using pumps or the like that are operable to move water into and out of the buoyancy module to adjust the buoyancy of the buoyancy module.

In an exemplary embodiment, the buoyancy module will be understood to be configured to engage with the upper side of the basket, i.e. the side opposite to the side to which the support bracket is mounted. In these embodiments, the buoyancy provided by the buoyancy module may assist in the rotation of the basket. However, in other embodiments, the buoyancy module may be configured to engage with the underside of the basket. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, measures will need to be taken to ensure that the support carriers and cables are not unduly inhibited from functioning by the presence of the buoyancy modules. For example, the buoyancy modules may be moulded or otherwise formed with suitable recesses or channels for supporting the carriages and cables.

The engagement between the basket and the buoyancy module may be achieved in a number of ways.

For example, the basket may be configured with a suitably shaped recess in which the buoyancy module is located. The buoyancy modules may be secured in the recesses using straps or fasteners. Alternatively, the buoyancy module may be provided with recesses or holes around its periphery into which the straps may pass and be secured to the base of the basket. In some embodiments, the buoyancy module may be configured with clips, cotter pins, or similar snap-lock fittings to engage with the basket. Alternatively, plastic screws or the like may be used to secure the buoyancy module to the basket.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other ways in which the buoyancy module and basket may be configured to allow them to engage one another. Indeed, in some embodiments, the basket may be manufactured such that it and the buoyancy module are a unitary structure.

In use, a plurality of baskets are positioned so that the cable may be stretched through the support bracket. The basket is then lowered into the sea and oriented so that the buoyancy modules face upwardly.

At either end, the cable is secured to the pole, buoy or mooring rigging by means of anchors or depending on the area in which the invention is to be used. This allows the invention to be used in seawater at any depth.

Once the system has been placed in the area in which the system is to be used, the oyster spat may be introduced to the basket either before the basket is placed in the sea or, more preferably, after the basket is placed in the sea.

Placed with the buoyancy module uppermost and the basket just below the sea surface. This caused the oysters to be completely submerged in the seawater, encouraging faster growth. The presence of the buoyancy modules also protects the growing oysters from predatory seabirds that might otherwise penetrate the basket mesh and eat away the oysters.

The baskets are in fact suspended from buoyancy modules floating on the sea surface, wherein the cables connecting adjacent baskets hang below the baskets.

By using suitable handling equipment, such as winch operated hooks, the boat can be juxtaposed with the cable and by lifting the cable from the water, this facilitates the lifting and due to the weight of the basket the rotation of the basket, so that the bottom side of the basket, to which the support bracket is mounted, is uppermost.

For the purpose of collecting or sorting oysters, only one end of the basket needs to be manipulated or oriented to the vessel. The basket door can then be opened and the oysters collected on the deck of the vessel for retrieval or for sorting purposes.

There is no need to lift and place the entire basket on the deck of the vessel. This saving in handling means a considerable space and labour reduction. There is no need to transport the baskets to shore for collection and sorting.

Once sorted, the oysters may be placed in appropriate baskets and returned to the sea.

The vessel will move along the line and lift and empty the baskets as required. During this time, the empty basket, now floating on its buoyancy module, is exposed to air. This helps to dry it and minimize or control any fouling.

Alternatively, the lifting and rotating of the basket may be for the purpose of exposing the oysters and basket to air for a period of time. By repeating this periodically, this can simulate an intertidal growth environment even if the basket is used in an under-tidal environment. Benefits of this may include improved shell hardness and better conditioning.

Once lifted and rotated so that the bottom side is uppermost, the basket can be lowered back to the sea surface. In this scenario, the basket is supported on its buoyancy module.

The process may be semi-automatic or fully automatic; for example, by using a shuttle (shunt).

The shuttle machine may be configured in a variety of ways to facilitate rotation of the basket. In one embodiment, the shuttle is positioned low in the water and provided with a frame on its deck. The frame has a ramp-like front and a rear that opens to the water.

The cable of the system for rearing shellfish should be understood to have sufficient slack so that one end can be lifted so that the shuttle can be positioned underneath before releasing the cable so that the cable rests on top of the frame.

When the shuttle is moved forward along the line of the system, whether by using a pull line or a self-propelled type, the basket rides up the ramp and onto the frame. Workers on the shuttle can then access the oysters within the basket as needed. In some embodiments, the frame may include guides, rails, etc. that facilitate one side of the basket, which facilitates rotation and flipping of the basket.

In another embodiment, the shuttle machine may be fully automated. In this embodiment, the shuttle machine may be configured such that it has a catamaran-type hull (hull ) that spans the lines of the basket. Guides, rails or similar structures positioned between the housings of the shuttle machine engage the surfaces of the basket and/or flotation modules, rotating them about an axis of rotation defined by the support brackets as the shuttle machine moves along the cables. In an exemplary embodiment, the shuttle is double ended, i.e. it will be possible to move the cables of the incubation system up and down without having to be reoriented.

In this embodiment, the shuttle machine will be provided with a pull wire operable using a motor. The pull wires will be in substantially the same orientation as the cables of the system. The electric motor of the shuttle machine may be powered by electricity generated by on-board batteries, solar cells or even wind generators. The on-board CPU or PLC of the shuttle machine may be programmed to perform this action periodically according to the user's preference.

The present invention provides an under-tide incubation system that provides a number of advantages, including but not limited to the following:

the ability to safely cultivate shellfish in sub-tidal environments with some of the benefits of an inter-tidal cultivation system;

the ability to raise a greater number of shellfish than can be achieved in an intertidal environment;

the ability to temporarily sink the incubation system to the bottom floor to avoid climatic events such as hurricanes or freezing and to minimize the risk of equipment damage;

increased protection from bird predation;

shellfish can be collected and transported more easily than existing sub-tidal or inter-tidal culture systems, with consequent reduction in time and labor costs;

less space on the vessel may be required for collecting and sorting oysters, as the basket may remain in place;

may allow for automated or semi-automated harvesting of shellfish with subsequent reduction in time and labor costs.

At the very least, the present invention provides the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects of the invention, in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description which provides at least one embodiment of the invention for its practical application.

Drawings

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only and not by way of limitation, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a basket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a basket according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a basket according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the system of the present invention utilizing a plurality of baskets substantially as illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is an end view of one embodiment of a shuttle machine for use with the system of the present invention; and

fig. 5B is a side view of the shuttle machine of fig. 5A.

Detailed Description

The basket of the present invention is illustrated in fig. 1 (generally indicated by arrow 100). It can be seen that the baskets, which are typically injection or rotationally molded from a plastic material, are of substantially elongate cylindrical configuration.

In this view, the basket (100) is shown with its underside (102) uppermost; it also has an upper side (104), has sides (106), and a front end (108) and a back end (110). The front and rear ends are provided with flap-like doors (112) to allow access to the interior of the basket.

The front (108) and rear (110) ends of the basket (100) and the remaining sides of the basket are substantially a mesh or lattice structure (not shown to scale). This allows water to flow through the basket to submerge shellfish (not shown), such as oysters. The mesh size is such that the oysters cannot escape the basket. Oysters may be unconstrained within the basket or may be sown on growth shelves within the basket (not shown).

The support bracket (114) is mounted to the underside (102) of the basket (100) and spans its width, i.e. perpendicular to its length dimension. In its simplest form, the support bracket is a length of pipe through which a cable (not shown) may be passed. In fact, the support cradle forms the rotation axis of the basket.

It will be seen that the support bracket (114) has a length greater than the width of the basket (100). This means that when a plurality of baskets are arranged along a single cable (not shown), the support brackets provide a means of spacing each basket from an adjacent basket. The support brackets of adjacent baskets will contact and abut each other rather than the baskets themselves.

The buoyancy module (116) is fixed to the upper side of the basket (100); the buoyancy module is secured to the basket using straps (not shown) that pass through the lattice structure of the sides of the basket.

An alternative support bracket (114 ') for a basket (100') is shown in figure 2; it can be seen that this is not a length of pipe, but a pair of loops through which a cable (not shown) passes. A pair of rings define a basket axis of rotation a-a.

A further embodiment of the basket (100 ") is shown in top view in fig. 3 (the lattice structure of its sides has been omitted for clarity). This shows a pair of support brackets (114 ") positioned at substantially equal distances from the front (108") and rear (110 ") ends of the basket. The cable will pass through each support bracket; however, due to the relative position of each support bracket, the axis of rotation of the basket is along line B-B. There is little or no increase in the footprint of the basket as it rotates, compared to the footprint of the illustrated case where only one of the support brackets has a cable passing therethrough.

Turning now to fig. 4, there is shown in perspective view an incubation system (200) of the present invention comprising a plurality of baskets (100) that have been mounted to a cable (202) via support brackets (not visible). In this view, only 15 baskets are visible, but it should be understood that more (or fewer) baskets can be used. Since the system (200) is intended for use in a sub-tidal environment, space is generally not a constraint (as compared to an inter-tidal environment where land may be scarce).

In fig. 4, the basket (100) positioned along the portion of the system (200) indicated by a is shown with the buoyancy module (116) uppermost. This is a typical growing position in which the basket is suspended beneath the buoyancy module, completely submerging the oysters or shellfish (not shown) being grown.

Along the portion of the system indicated by B, the basket (100) is shown as being rotated or flipped. This will be achieved by using semi-automatic or fully automatic means (not shown).

Along section C of the system, the basket (100) has been turned over so that the basket is uppermost. This inversion allows the oysters contained within the baskets to be retrieved, if so desired, and the baskets to be allowed to dry or have maintenance performed thereon.

The present invention thus provides the operator of a system utilizing baskets with the ability to mimic a tidal breeding system in which shellfish are periodically covered/uncovered by tidal action despite being in a sub-tidal environment. Shellfish benefit because this can result in a harder shell, improved conditioning and better abductor muscle strength. The benefit to the consumer is improved shelf life and quality. This is achieved without the need for a permanently fixed structure which would otherwise be used depending on the state of the tide.

Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate a shuttle (500) that facilitates rotational automation of a basket (100) of the system of fig. 1. Viewed from one end of fig. 5A, it can be seen that the shuttle includes two housings (502) connected to a top deck (504). The housing spans the cable (506) and the basket and a buoyancy module (116) attached to the basket. The wavy line indicates the water level, so it will be appreciated that the basket is suspended below the water surface with the lowermost cable (506) and support bracket (114).

The shuttle (500) is provided with a line tractor (508) powered by a motor (510). This allows the shuttle to be pulled along a pull line (512) which runs substantially along but separate from the cable (506) of the growing system. The motor is powered by power from an on-board battery (not shown) within the weather compartment (514). The battery may be recharged via a solar panel (516), as shown here, but by using a wind generator. In embodiments not illustrated herein, the battery may be recharged using power transmission mains with appropriate shock protection.

As seen in fig. 5B, the front and back of the shuttle (500) are substantially the same shape. This is to facilitate movement of the shuttle along the cable (506) and the pull line (512) in both directions.

As the shuttle (500) travels down the growing system (200) by operation of the line tractor (508) towards the lower end, helical tracks (not shown for clarity) below the top deck (504) and water surface engage the baskets (100) to turn them over about the axis of rotation provided by the support carriage (114) so that instead of the buoyancy module (116) being uppermost as shown, the baskets become exposed. An onboard controller (not shown) within the compartment (514) may automatically operate the shuttle to move the cable (506) up and down to periodically flip the basket. As noted above, this process mimics an intertidal incubation system, although current incubation systems operate in a sub-tidal environment.

It is also evident in fig. 5B that spacing is provided for adjacent baskets (100) through the use of support brackets (114) for each basket. It can be seen that each support bracket is longer than the width of the basket. This is useful as it allows the operator of the growing system (200) to ensure proper spacing between adjacent baskets and thereby minimise any contact between baskets that may occur through wave action, for example. Rather, any contact is at the end of the adjacent support bracket.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is, in a sense of "including but not limited to".

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents, and publications cited above and below, if any, are incorporated herein by reference.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The present invention may be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

In the foregoing description, reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, which are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Accordingly, such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the present invention.