FIELD

The present disclosure relates to aquaculture apparatus and associated methods for, but not exclusively, maintaining a clean environment for aquaculture.

BACKGROUND

Figure 1A illustrates an aquaculture cage 10 for use in fish farming. Figure 1A is a simplified illustration of an aquaculture cage 10 and some infrastructure associated with typical aquaculture cages is not shown for brevity.

The cage 10 includes a net 12 suspended from a supporting structure 14 floating on a water surface 16. A submersed portion of the net 12 is attached to a sinker tube 18 for weighing down said submersed portion of the net 12 and for keeping said submersed portion of the net 12 taut so as to maximise the internal volume 20 of the cage 10 for providing sufficient space for the fish 22 in the cage 10. The cage 10 further includes a net weight 24 for weighing down a centre portion 26 of the net 12.

Figure 1 B is an expanded view of a portion of the net 10, which is illustrated as being relatively clean. Figure 1 C is an expanded view of another portion of the net 12, which is illustrated as being fouled by biological material 28, which is sometimes known as “biofouling”. The biological material 28 can take many different forms, and may include accumulated microorganisms, plants, algae or animals. Factors such as nutrient level, temperature and water current influence the rate of accumulation of the biological material 28. The biological material 28 can accumulate rapidly on the net 12, sometimes over the course of a few hours or days.

In order for the fish 22 to thrive there needs to be a clean environment in the cage 10. A cleaner environment for the fish 22 reduces the incidence of parasites and disease, improves the well-being of the fish 22 and leads to a higher quality of product. Further, some studies have shown that cleaner fish such as Ballan Wrasse can be introduced to the population of fish 22 to help to control the incidence of parasites such as lice in the fish 22 population. The cleaner fish may require a clean environment in order to efficiently control the incidence of parasites in the fish 22 population. Various techniques have been employed for managing biofouling of the cage 10.

One technique is to transfer the fish 22 to a clean cage and clean or replace the net 12 of the biofouled cage 10. Transferring the fish 22 may injure or stress the fish 22, which may result in some loss in the fish population. Specialist equipment is usually required to handle the fish transfer, which may increase the costs of fish farming.

Another technique involves mechanically cleaning the cage, for example, using scrubbing and/or pressure washing. The mechanical cleaning can be performed in the water or can be performed above the water surface 16 by removing the biofouled net 12 (which still requires the fish 22 to be kept in a separate clean net 12). If cleaning the net 12 in the water, divers and/or robotic systems equipped with scrubbers and/or pressure washers clean the net 12, which takes some time and potentially requires a sustained investment in man-hours for using the cleaning equipment and/or purchasing and running robotic systems. Mechanical cleaning of the net 12 releases particles of biological material 28 from the net 12 into the water. The released particles of biological matter 28 may be ingested by the fish 22, which may adversely affect the health of the fish 22. If cleaner fish are present these fish may eat the biological matter 28 and may become less effective at reducing the incidence of parasites affecting the fish 22.

Another technique involves using a net 12 having biocidal properties. For example, the net 12 may include a copper-based material, which is toxic to the biological material 28. However, the copper has tendency to leach into the water and is considered to be a pollutant, which may affect the health of the fish 22 and other organisms.

A related chemical-based technique involves utilising chemical cleaners to kill the biological material 28. However, there is a drive to reduce use of chemicals which are potentially toxic in the marine environment. Chemical-based methods for cleaning the net 12 are not considered to be particularly effective and their continued use is limited due to legal regulations and environmental considerations.

SUMMARY

According to an example of the present disclosure there is provided an aquaculture apparatus for mounting on a supporting structure of an aquaculture cage. The supporting structure may be configured for suspending a net in water. The aquaculture apparatus may comprise a net support member for spacing at least a portion of the net from the supporting structure of the cage.

Any reference to a“net" in the present disclosure may refer to any appropriate structure or element for keeping aquaculture (e.g. fish or the like) in an aquaculture cage. For example, the net may comprise or define at least one of: a net, netting, mesh, grid, web, webbing, lattice, weave, matrix, and the like. Any reference to a“net” in the present disclosure may refer to one or more of these examples.

In use, the net support member may be used to provide space between the net support member and the supporting structure. The net support member may be configured to prevent at least a portion of the net from moving into the proximity of the supporting structure so that any aquaculture stock in the proximity of the supporting structure, for example near to the water surface, may be kept away from at least part of the net, for example, a moving part of the net.

The net support member may be moveable through the water so as to facilitate changeover of the net periodically or as required e.g. for cleaning purposes or net replacement. If a portion of the net moves through the water, there may be a risk that some of the aquaculture stock becomes caught in or snagged by the moving portion of the net. By providing the net supporting member for spacing the net away from the supporting structure, there may be a reduced risk of the aquaculture stock becoming caught in or snagged by the net if the net supporting member moves through the water.

The net support member may be moveable between a first side and a second side of the supporting structure. The net support member may move through the water, e.g. underwater, between the first side and the second side. At least a portion of the net may be attached to the net support member. By providing the net support member, it may be possible to move the net through the water, e.g. between the first and second sides, so as to substantially avoid harming the aquaculture stock, which may allow the net to be cleaned or replaced as required. The aquaculture cage may be an offshore or inshore aquaculture cage for use in either fresh water or saltwater environments. The aquaculture cage may be used for commercial fish farming.

The net support member may be shaped to at least partially match the shape of a section of the net.

The net may have any appropriate shape. Nets for aquaculture may have any appropriate form, for example, inverted cone, cylindrical, cylindrical-inverted cone, and the like. If the net has a circular shape, the supporting structure may have a corresponding circular shape. If the net has a rectangular or square shape, the supporting structure may have a corresponding rectangular or square shape.

The section of the net may at least partially define an opening of the net.

The opening of the net may define a periphery of the net. The opening of the net may be attachable to the supporting structure. The supporting structure may define a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the opening of the net. The opening of the net may define an upper portion of the net. The upper portion of the net may define the part of the net that may be at least partially attachable to the supporting structure. The upper portion of the net may be at least partially attachable to the net support member.

A first portion of the net may be attachable to the net support member and a second portion of the net may be attachable to the supporting structure. The first and second portions of the net may define the opening of the net. The upper portion of the net may be attachable to the net support member and the supporting structure.

The net support member may be shaped to at least partially match the shape of a section of the supporting structure.

The supporting structure may define a circular shape, or a substantially circular shape. The circular shape of the supporting structure may provide sufficient structural integrity for withstanding currents, waves and the like, such as may be present offshore, or even for inshore environments. The supporting structure may define a non-circular shape. For example, the supporting structure may define a square, rectangular, or any other appropriate shape. The net support member may comprise or define a nonlinear section. The nonlinear section may be shaped so as to allow the net support member to space at least a portion of the net from the supporting structure. The net support member may comprise or define a straight or linear section. The net support member may comprise or at least partially define an arcuate or substantially arcuate section. The net support member may comprise or at least partially define a straight or linear section. The net support member may comprise or at least partially define at least one straight or linear section and at least one arcuate section.

The net support member may be provided in any appropriate shape. The net support member may comprise or at least partially define at least one of a: circular, semicircular, square, rectangular shape, and the like. The net support member may comprise at least one of: an arcuate section; and a semicircular section.

The net support member may comprise or at least partially define a semi-circular or substantially semi-circular section.

If the supporting structure is substantially circular then providing the net support member in a form comprising an arcuate, circular or semi-circular section may allow the net support member to substantially correspond to the shape of the supporting structure.

The net support member may be configured to flex for at least partially adapting to a shape of the supporting structure.

The shape of the supporting structure may change during use. For example, during a storm or other adverse weather conditions, the supporting structure may change shape at least partially. By configuring the net support member to flex, the net support member may be capable of substantially responding to changes in the shape of the supporting structure, which may reduce the likelihood of damage occurring to the aquaculture cage during use.

The net support member may be flexible in any appropriate way. The net support member may comprise at least one flexible portion. The net support member may comprise at least one rigid portion. The net support member may comprise at least one rigid portion and at least one flexible portion.

The net support member may comprise an elongate body. The net support member may comprise a wire. The net support member may comprise a cable. The net support member may comprise a rope. The net support member may comprise a pipe.

The net support member may be configured to permit the net to be attached thereto.

The net support member may comprise any appropriate material. The net support member may comprise at least one of: plastics material, steel, stainless steel, and the like. The net support member may be weighted appropriately and/or have sufficient structural integrity to allow the net support member to be substantially unaffected by water motion relative to the net support member. By having an appropriate weight and/or buoyancy, the net support member may be prevented from having buoyancy likely to cause unexpected movement of the net support member and/or the net, which may reduce the likelihood of damaging the aquaculture stock.

The net support member may be protected from corrosion and other damage, for example, using a protective layer (e.g. a plastics material such as polyethylene or the like) on an external surface of the net support member.

The net support member may comprise or define an arm.

The net support member may comprise a mount for attaching the net support member to the supporting structure. The mount may be configured for permitting relative movement between the net support member and the supporting structure. The mount may be configured for permitting the net support member to be pivoted or swung relative to the mount.

The mount may take any appropriate form. The net support member may comprise a plurality of mounts.

The mount may be disposed at any appropriate position on the net support member so as to allow for attachment of the net support member to the supporting structure.

The mount may comprise a joint. The joint may allow relative movement between the net support member and the supporting structure. The joint may allow the net support member to swing, for example, swing below the supporting structure.

The mount may be configured to permit the net support member to be moved relative to the supporting structure, for example, while attached to the supporting structure.

The mount may comprise a pivotable joint. The mount may be configured to permit the net support member to pivot relative to the supporting structure.

The mount may comprise a knuckle joint. The knuckle joint may comprise at least one eye and a knuckle pin for insertion through the at least one eye.

The mount may comprise a ball joint.

The mount may comprise a hook for supporting an eyelet. The mount may comprise an eyelet. The mount may comprise a carabiner.

The mount may comprise a flexible element configured to allow the net support member to move relative to the supporting structure.

The mount may comprise a moveable element for attachment to the supporting structure, for example a chain, cable or the like that may be attached to the supporting structure in any appropriate way, for example, by welding, bolting, or the like. In use, the net support member may be suspended from the supporting structure via the moveable element, which may permit an orientation of the net support member to change while remaining suspended from the supporting structure.

The mount may be disposed at an end portion of the net support member.

The mount may comprise a pin extending through an eye disposed in at least one, for example each, end portion of the net support member. The supporting structure may comprise a corresponding eye for receiving the pin therein. A cap may be provided at each end of the pin for locking the net support member to the supporting structure.

The aquaculture apparatus may comprise a net control system for moving or controlling movement of the net of the cage. The net control system may comprise a support assembly adapted for fitting to the supporting structure of the cage. The net control system may be configured to move or control movement of at least one of: the net support member; and the net.

The net control system may comprise at least one feature of any net control system described herein.

The net control system may comprise at least one net elevation structure configured to support at least a portion of the net out of the water to permit the portion of the net to be cleaned in air.

The aquaculture apparatus may comprise a bird net support system for supporting a bird net relative to the supporting structure of the aquaculture cage. The bird net support system may comprise or be coupled to the at least one net elevation structure.

The support assembly may be connectible to the supporting structure of the cage, wherein the cage is a circular cage.

According to an example of the present disclosure there is provided an aquaculture apparatus for mounting on a supporting structure of an aquaculture cage. The supporting structure may be configured for suspending a net in water. The aquaculture apparatus may comprise a net control system for moving a net of the cage. The net control system may comprise a support assembly adapted for retrofitting to the supporting structure of the cage. In this example, at least part of the net control system (e.g. the support assembly) may be retrofitted to an aquaculture cage, for example, if the aquaculture cage is deployed in the water, or may be provided during manufacture or assembly of an aquaculture cage (e.g. whether or not the cage is or is not deployed in the water).

According to an example of the present disclosure there is provided an aquaculture apparatus for mounting on a supporting structure of an aquaculture cage. The supporting structure may be configured for suspending a net in water. The aquaculture apparatus may comprise a net control system for moving a net of the cage. The net control system may comprise a support assembly. The net control system may be configured to move or control movement of at least one of: a net support member; and a net. The support assembly may be adapted for retrofitting to the supporting structure of the cage.

The net control system may be configured to move the net, which may cause the net support member to move, for example, if the net support member is attached to a moving portion of the net.

The net control system may be configured to move the net support member. The net control system may comprise a net control member, for example a cable, wire, rope or the like, for allowing the net control system to directly move the net support member. Moving the net support member may cause the net to move in a corresponding manner, e.g. to at least partially follow the movement of net support member.

The net control system and/or the support assembly may be fitted to the supporting structure in any appropriate way. The net control system and/or the support assembly may be fitted during installation of the aquaculture cage, during installation of the net support member, and/or may be retrofitted to the supporting structure of the cage. The support assembly may be readily retrofitted to the supporting structure, for example, while deployed for aquaculture farming. Retrofitting the net control system and/or the support assembly may enable installation of the apparatus in the water without needing to build a brand new aquaculture cage or having to bring an existing aquaculture cage to shore for modification, which may reduce costs and/or increase the rate of deployment of the apparatus into the industry e.g. for use in commercially operating aquaculture cages.

The aquaculture apparatus may comprise at least one feature of any aquaculture apparatus described herein.

The support assembly may comprise at least one shaped portion for fitting at least partially around a portion of the supporting structure.

The shaped portion may be configured to at least partially surround the portion of the supporting structure.

The shaped portion may comprise or define a substantially tubular profile for at least partially surrounding a corresponding substantially tubular element of the supporting structure.

The tubular element of the supporting structure may be or comprise a floating structure of an aquaculture cage. The floating structure may comprise at least one floating pipe.

The support assembly may comprise at least two spaced-apart shaped portions for fitting to a correspondingly shaped part of the supporting structure.

The correspondingly shaped part of the support structure may comprise the floating structure. The spaced-apart shaped portions may comprise or define half-pipes for at least partially surrounding at least part of the floating structure, for example, concentric floating pipes of the floating structure.

The spaced-apart shaped portions may be joined together by a member, for example a plate, extending therebetween. At least one further member, for example a plate, may extend from one or more sides of the support assembly.

The support assembly may comprise or define at least one bracket configured for mounting to the supporting structure. The bracket may comprise the shaped portion. The bracket may comprise a plurality of the shaped portions.

The bracket may define at least part of a clamp apparatus. The bracket may be configured for retrofitting to the supporting structure.

The support assembly may comprise a first bracket for mounting on a first side of the supporting structure. The support assembly may comprise a second bracket for mounting on a second side of the supporting structure.

The first bracket may comprise at least one feature of any bracket of the present disclosure. The second bracket may comprise at least one feature of any bracket of the present disclosure.

The support assembly may be capable of being retrofitted to an existing cage. The bracket may be mounted to the supporting structure of the cage 110 without disassembling the cage, which may save time and/or construction costs. If a cage is in use (e.g. deployed at sea), the support assembly may be readily and/or easily attached to the cage while the cage is in the water.

The first bracket may be connectable or attachable to the second bracket for attaching the first and second brackets to the supporting structure.

The first bracket may be welded or glued to the second bracket. At least one of the first and second brackets may comprise at least one fastener for connecting the first and second brackets together. The fastener may comprise at least one of: a nut, bolt, pin, split pin, rod, or the like. At least one of the first and second brackets may comprise at least one fastening element for allowing the at least one fastener to connect the first and second brackets together. The fastening element may comprise at least one of: a rod, opening or aperture (e.g. for receiving a bolt, pin, split pin, rod, or the like), rivet, staple, or the like. The fastener may be configured to attach any part of the first and second brackets together. For example, the fastener may be configured to connect a plate of the first bracket to corresponding plate of the second bracket. The first bracket may be connectable to the second bracket in any appropriate way. The first bracket may define an upper bracket for mounting to the supporting structure above the water. The second bracket may define a lower bracket for mounting to the supporting structure below the water.

The first and second brackets may define a clamp for at least partially surrounding at least part of the supporting structure.

The first and second brackets may be moveable relative to each other so as to at least partially surround a part of the supporting structure. The first and second brackets may be alignable relative to each other so as to allow the first and second brackets to be connected together. The first and second brackets may be configured to substantially surround or enclose the part of the supporting structure.

The clamp may be fixable to the supporting structure. The clamp may be configured to support the supporting structure. The clamp may hold at least part of the supporting structure, for example a floating pipe of the cage, in a fixed position relative to another part of the supporting structure, for example another floating pipe of the cage.

The aquaculture apparatus may comprise a fastener for securing the support assembly to the supporting structure.

The fastener may comprise at least one feature of any fastener of the present disclosure.

The support assembly may comprise any appropriate material with sufficient structural integrity to hold the net control system in place. For example, the support assembly may comprise at least one of: a metal, stainless steel, high density polyethylene (HDPE), or the like. The material may comprise a corrosion-resistant element. The support assembly may be coated with a corrosion-resistant element, for example, paint, or any other appropriate specialist coating.

The aquaculture apparatus may comprise a platform for defining part of a walk-way extending at least partially around the cage. The platform may be supported by the support assembly. The platform may be attached to the support assembly. The platform may be mounted on the first bracket, for example, on an upper surface of the first bracket. The platform may be mounted on the support assembly in any appropriate way. The platform may be fastened to the support assembly using any appropriate fastener, for example, using at least one feature of any fastener of the present disclosure. The platform may be welded and/or glued to the support assembly.

The aquaculture apparatus may comprise a frame supported by the support assembly.

The frame may be mounted on the support assembly. The frame may be attached to the support assembly. The frame may be mounted in any appropriate way on any part of the support assembly, for example, on at least one bracket of the support assembly. The frame may be fastened to the support assembly using any appropriate fastener, for example, using at least one feature of any fastener of the present disclosure. The frame may be welded and/or glued to the support assembly.

The frame may comprise a cover portion for covering at least part of the supporting structure, for example, a platform of the supporting structure.

The cover portion may be supported by at least one support element extending between the cover portion and the support assembly, for example, via the first bracket. The at least one support element may take the form of an elongated member configured to provide sufficient structural integrity to support at least one weight, for example, a net and/or any apparatus associated with the net control system.

The frame may comprise a first side positioned to face towards a centre of the supporting structure. The first side may comprise at least one net support element. The net support element may comprise a hook. The net support element may be positioned at any appropriate location along the first side of the frame.

The frame may comprise a second side positioned to face away from the centre of the supporting structure. The frame may comprise at least one additional support element disposed between adjacent support elements and/or between the cover portion and the at least one support element. The at least one support element and/or additional at least one support elements may take any appropriate form. The at least one additional support element may be configured to strengthen the frame.

The net control system may comprise a winch system for moving a net of the cage.

The winch system may comprise a winch. The winch system may comprise or define a net movement actuator, for example, a cable, wire or rope, or the like. The net movement actuator may be connected to the net. The winch system may comprise at least one pulley for allowing smooth running of the net movement actuator.

The winch may be mounted in any appropriate location e.g. on the supporting structure or support assembly. The winch may be mounted on an edge between the cover portion and the second side of the frame. At least one pulley may be mounted on an edge between the cover portion and the first side of the frame. The pulley may be disposed above a water surface so that the net movement actuator may extend down from the pulley into the water. The winch may serve to provide a counterweight for balancing forces on the cage, for example, if a net and/or other apparatus is providing a downwardly acting (e.g. into the water) force on the first side of the cage, and/or on any other side of the cage.

The winch may be disposed on the support assembly, for example on the second side of the frame. A first pulley may be mounted on an edge between the cover portion and the first side of the frame. A second pulley may be mounted on an edge between the cover portion and the second side of the frame. The net movement actuator may extend over the frame. The net movement actuator may run over the first and second pulleys into the water.

The net control system may comprise at least one additional shaped portion, for example a third or another shaped portion on at least one bracket of the support assembly. The additional shaped portion may be configured to at least partially surround part of the supporting structure, for example a further floating pipe.

The support assembly may comprise a buoyant element for compensating for weight of the net control system. The buoyant element may provide additional flotation. The net control system may add additional weight to the supporting structure, which may need to be compensated for to avoid sinking of the cage. The additional buoyant element may be provided in any appropriate location. The additional buoyant element may be provided in or attached to the support assembly. The additional buoyant element may comprise a gas-filled element, for example an air-filled pipe, or the like. The additional buoyant element may comprise a low density material, for example, polystyrene, or the like.

The supporting structure may comprise at least one buoyant element. The buoyant element may comprise a floating element. The floating element may comprise a floating pipe. The buoyant element may take any appropriate shape or form. The buoyant element may define a substantially circular cross-section. The buoyant element may define a circular shape. The buoyant element of the support assembly may be in addition to or part of supporting structure.

The net support member may be configured so that, in use, when the net support member is moved through the water, at least a portion of the net proximal to the net support member is spaced from the supporting structure.

The net support member may be configured so that, in use, when the net support member is moved through the water, at least a portion of the net is spaced from the supporting structure so that any fish or stock in the water is not caught in the space between the net support member and the supporting structure by movement of the net support member through the water.

The net support member may be configured to: support and/or connect the net to at least one other net; and/or to connect and/or support at least one net section relative to at least one other net section.

The net support member may not be connected to the supporting structure while, in use, may permit the portion of the net to be spaced from the supporting structure of the cage.

The net support member may comprise at least one weight configured to space the portion of the net from the supporting structure of the cage. The at least one weight may be provided at a region of the net or may be configured to connect at least two net sections so that, in use, the region of the net is weighed down in order to space the portion of the net from the supporting structure of the cage. The at least one weight may be configured so that, in use, when the at least one weight is moved through the water, at least a portion of the net is spaced from the supporting structure so that any fish or stock in the water is not caught in the space between the at least one weight and the supporting structure by movement of the at least one weight through the water.

According to an example of the present disclosure there is provided an aquaculture assembly comprising: at least one aquaculture apparatus according to any example of the present disclosure, for example according to the first example of the present disclosure. The aquaculture assembly may comprise at least one other aquaculture apparatus according to any other example of the present disclosure, for example according to the second example of the present disclosure.

The aquaculture assembly may comprise at least one feature of any net support member of the present disclosure. The aquaculture assembly may comprise at least one feature of any net control system of the present disclosure. The aquaculture apparatus may comprise at least one feature of any support assembly of the present disclosure.

The net support member may be controlled by the net control system. The net support member may be connected to a net of the aquaculture assembly. The net support member may be connected to a winch of the net control system, for example via a net support member movement actuator, for example a cable, wire, rope, or the like. The net may be connected to a winch (e.g. via a net movement actuator, for example a cable, wire, rope, or the like). The net may be connected to a winch in addition to or instead of a winch being connected directly to the net support member. The net control system may be configured to control movement of the net support member. The same or different winch may be used to control movement of the net and/or the net support member. The aquaculture assembly may comprise at least one feature of any cage of the present disclosure. The aquaculture assembly may comprise a cage for supporting any aquaculture apparatus of the present disclosure. The cage may comprise at least one feature of any supporting structure of the present disclosure.

The aquaculture apparatus may comprise a first and second net. A net support member of the aquaculture apparatus may be configured to join or facilitate the joining of the first net to the second net. The aquaculture apparatus may comprise the net support member.

The aquaculture assembly may comprise a supporting structure for supporting any net of the present disclosure. The aquaculture assembly may comprise at least one feature of any net of the present disclosure. The aquaculture assembly may comprise at least one net for keeping a stock of aquaculture. The net support member may be joined to the at least one net so as to prevent escape of the stock of aquaculture. The net support member may help to prevent escape of aquaculture, for example, by providing a net either side of the net support member (e.g. the first net mounted to a first side of the supporting structure and the second net mounted to a second side of the supporting structure).

The aquaculture assembly may comprise a first and second net and/or first and second net sections. A net support member of the aquaculture apparatus may be configured to join the first net to the second net or the first net section to the second net section. The first and second net may be connected together and/or comprise the net support member in the region of the connection between the first and second net.

A first perimeter may be defined by the first side of the supporting structure and the net support member. A second perimeter may be defined by the second side of the supporting structure and the net support member. The first net may be attached at the first perimeter. The second net may be attached at the second perimeter. The first and second net may share a common perimeter at the net support member. By providing the net support member, it may be relatively straightforward to attach at least one net to the aquaculture assembly without having to provide a custom made net shaped to be attached to the assembly. Therefore, a standard shape of net may be attached to the assembly. The assembly may be configured to allow at least one full- sized net to be provided (e.g. so as to provide sufficient space for the aquaculture stock). If more than one full-sized net is provided, then each full-sized net may be cleaned periodically, while at least one other full-sized net is used for the aquaculture stock. The net may be a standard net currently used in the aquaculture industry. The net may be specially adapted for use with the aquaculture assembly, for example, by virtue of being specially shaped so as to define only a single net instead of more than one net. In any case, the net support member may be attached to an appropriate part of the at least one net, for example, so as to space the net from the aquaculture stock.

The net support member may be shaped to substantially correspond to at least part of a supporting structure of the aquaculture assembly.

The net support member and at least part of the supporting structure may collectively define a shape that substantially corresponds to an opening of the net. If the supporting structure defines a circular shape and the net support member defines a semi-circular shape, a first net having a circular shaped opening may be attached to a first side of the supporting structure and the net support member. In addition, a second net also having a circular shaped opening may be attached to a second side of the supporting structure and the net support member. It will be appreciated that the net support member and/or the supporting structure may have any appropriate shape, for example square or rectangular. By providing a net support member having a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of the supporting structure, any type of net may be joined to any other net of the same type. For example, if the net support member defines a substantially semi-circular shape, a net having a circular opening may be joined to another net having a circular opening by joining the nets together along the semicircular part of the net support member and the remaining parts of the nets may be joined to corresponding first and second sides of the supporting structure (e.g. where each of the first and second sides may each define a semi-circular shape).

The aquaculture assembly may comprise a sinker element. The sinker element may be configured to weigh down at least a portion of the net. The sinker element may comprise at least one of: a sinker tube, slider, deadweight, and the like.

The aquaculture assembly may comprise any appropriate system for controlling movement of the at least one net and/or the net support member. The aquaculture assembly may comprise at least one weight for weighing down any appropriate part of the net.

According to an example of the present disclosure there is provided a method of manipulating, moving or controlling movement a net for an aquaculture cage disposed in water. The method may comprise providing a net on or suspended from a supporting structure of the aquaculture cage. The method may comprise spacing a portion of the net from the supporting structure. The method may comprise spacing a portion of the net from the supporting structure using a net support member according to any example of the present disclosure.

The method may comprise spacing the portion of the net from the supporting structure so that said portion of the net is distal from the supporting structure for at least one position, orientation or inclination of the net support member relative to the supporting structure.

The method may comprise moving the portion of the net through the water relative to the supporting structure.

In at least one position, orientation or inclination of the net support member relative to the supporting structure, at least a portion of the net may be spaced or distal from the supporting structure. In at least one other position, orientation or inclination of the net support member, at least a portion of the net may be proximal to the supporting structure. By moving the net through the water relative to the supporting structure, the net support member may change in position, orientation or inclination so that during the movement, at least a portion of the net may be spaced or distal from the net support member for at least a portion of time during movement of the net through the water. The net support member and/or the net may be static or moveable in the water if required at any appropriate time.

The method may provide a way to keep an aquaculture stock safe while moving the net through the water. By spacing the portion of the net from the supporting structure, a volume of water between the portion of net and the supporting structure may remain substantially free of the net, which may allow aquaculture stock to occupy said volume of water and prevent trapping of the fish in the net. If the net support member is in a certain position, a portion of the net may or may not be spaced from the supporting structure.

At least a portion of the net support member may be proximal to the supporting structure (which may or may not space at least a portion of the net from the supporting structure). At least a portion of the net support member may be distal to the supporting structure (which may or may not space at least a portion of the net from the supporting structure). In at least one position, inclination or orientation (e.g. with respect to the supporting structure), the net support member may be configured to space at least a portion of the net from the supporting structure (for example, at least a portion of the net support member may be distal to the supporting structure).

The method may comprise retrieving at least part of the net from the water to surface. The method may comprise cleaning the part of the net retrieved from the water.

For example, the net may be cleaned by at least one of: drying in the air, exposure to ultraviolet light (e.g. sunlight), manual cleaning e.g. scrubbing, pressure washing, biocidal cleaning, and the like. The net may be cleaned using any other appropriate method.

The method may comprise leaving the part of the net retrieved from the water above surface for at least one of: air drying; exposure to ultraviolet light; repair; and replacement.

The method may allow the net to be cleaned and/or sterilised without substantial or any use of manual cleaning, pressure washing and/or biocidal cleaning. The net may comprise any appropriate material configured to remain substantially inert (e.g. to prevent chemical leaching) in the water, for example, polyethylene, nylon, and/or any other appropriate plastics material. The method may be an environmentally friendly way to clean the net, which may reduce the likelihood of the aquaculture stock becoming choked or otherwise damaged by debris removed by other cleaning methods and/or being damaged by chemical-based cleaning methods.

The method may comprise leaving another part of the net in the water for holding aquaculture stock in the cage. By leaving another part of the net in the water, the aquaculture stock may remain in situ (e.g. the aquaculture stock may remain in the water and may be kept safe in the cage). The method may comprise attaching the net to a net support member. The net support member may be configured to space the portion of the net from the supporting structure.

The method may comprise detaching the net from the net support member, for example, so as to allow a detached portion of the net to be cleaned or replaced.

The method may comprise moving the net support member through the water by at least one of: allowing the net support member to sink; and lifting the net support member.

Lifting the net support member may comprise at least one of: moving the net so as to move the net support member; directly controlling movement of the net support member; and moving at least one weight relative to the net so as to cause the net to move relative to the net support member.

Movement of the net support member may be controlled directly by moving the net support member using at least one net support member movement actuator, which may be attached to the net support member. Movement of the net may be controlled directly by moving the net using at least one net movement actuator, which may be attached to the net. Movement of the net support member may be indirectly controlled by moving the net using at least one of: the net movement actuator and the at least one weight.

The at least one weight may comprise a sinker element. The sinker element may be configured to weigh down at least a portion of the net. The sinker element may comprise at least one of: a sinker tube, slider, deadweight, and the like.

The at least one weight may be moved in any appropriate way. For example, one or more weights may be individually or consecutively moved so as to avoid moving too many weights at any one time. If the at least one weight comprises a sinker tube, at least part of the sinker tube may be moved so as to change an orientation (e.g. an angle of inclination) of the sinker tube with respect to the water surface. The sinker tube may be lifted or moved in one part and precessed with respect to the supporting structure so as to permit attachment and/or detachment of any component (e.g. at least one net) to/from the sinker tube as the sinker tube is precessed with respect to the supporting structure.

The method may comprise moving at least part of the net to the water surface so as to permit attachment or detachment of a component to the net.

The component may comprise at least one of: the net support member, at least one weight, a sinker weight or tube, and the like. It may be necessary to bring at least one component to the surface, for example, so as to permit at least part of the net to be cleaned.

The net may be moved to the surface in any appropriate manner. By moving the net to the surface, the net may be above or just below the water surface, which may allow the net to be easily accessible for any part of the method to be carried out. In this manner, a diver and/or submersible robot may not need to be required to perform underwater operations

The method may comprise moving a lower portion of the net to the surface.

The lower portion of the net may be distal to the supporting structure. An upper portion of the net may be proximal to the supporting structure.

The method may comprise moving the component to the surface.

The method may comprise at least one of: attaching the net to the component; and detaching the net from the component.

The method may comprise providing a first net suspended from the supporting structure.

The method may comprise providing a stock of aquaculture in the first net. The method may comprise mounting at least one net support member to the supporting structure. The method may comprise mounting the net support member initially on a first side of the supporting structure.

The method may comprise attaching at least part of the first net to the net support member.

The method may comprise detaching the part of the first net from the supporting structure.

The method may comprise mounting the first net to at least one of: the net support member; and the supporting structure.

The method may comprise mounting at least one support assembly to the supporting structure. The method may comprise mounting at least one support assembly of a net control system to the supporting structure. The method may comprise mounting the net control system to the supporting structure.

The method may comprise connecting the first net to the net control system. The net control system may be configured to move at least part of the first net.

The method may comprise mounting a second net to at least one of: the net support member; and the supporting structure. The method may comprise mounting the second net to the support assembly. The method may comprise connecting the second net to the net control system. The net control system may be configured to move at least part of the second net.

The method may comprise moving a lower portion of the first net to the water surface. The method may comprise moving at least part of at least one weight to the water surface and detaching the weight from the first net.

The method may comprise maintaining the at least one weight in a lower position such that the at least one weight is distal to the water surface. The method may comprise moving the at least one weight to an upper position such that the at least one weight is proximal to the water surface.

The at least one weight may comprise a sinker element. The sinker element may be configured to weigh down at least a portion of the net. The sinker element may comprise at least one of: a sinker tube, slider, deadweight, and the like.

The method may comprise lifting the at least one weight to the water surface.

The method may comprise attaching the second net to the at least one weight.

The method may comprise attaching the second net to the at least one weight proximal to the water surface.

The method may comprise attaching the second net to the at least one weight distal to the water surface, for example, under water using a diver or a robot to facilitate the attaching of the second net to the at least one weight.

The method may comprise moving at least part of the second net into the water.

The method may comprise lowering at least part of the second net into the water. The method may comprise moving the part of the second net in a manner so as to avoid harming the aquaculture stock.

The method may comprise moving the net support member through the water.

The method may comprise moving the second net so as to allow the net support member to move through the water. The method may comprise lowering the net support member into or through the water, so that the net support member may move to a lower position under the water surface.

The method may comprise moving at least one weight into the water to a distal position from the water surface. The distal position of the weight may be defined in which the weight is distal or spaced away from the water surface. A proximal position of the weight may be defined in which the weight is proximal, at or near the water surface.

The at least one weight may comprise the sinker element of any example of the present disclosure.

The distal position may define a lower position of the at least one weight.

The method may comprise moving the first net so as to move at least one of the: net support member; and at least one weight towards the water surface.

The method may comprise moving at least one of the net support member; and the at least one weight to an upper or proximal position of the water surface.

The method may comprise at least one of: detaching the first net from the at least one weight and attaching the second net to the at least one weight.

The method may comprise lifting at least part of the first net out of the water.

The method may comprise cleaning the part of the first net retrieved from the water.

The first net may be cleaned using any appropriate method. For example, the net may be cleaned by at least one of: drying in the air, exposure to ultraviolet light (e.g. sunlight), manual cleaning e.g. scrubbing, pressure washing, biocidal cleaning, and the like.

The method may comprise moving at least part of the second net to a lower or distal position in the water during cleaning of the first net. The method may comprise moving at least one weight to a distal position in the water so as to move the part of the second net into the lower or distal position in the water.

The at least one weight may comprise the sinker element of any example of the present disclosure.

The method may comprise cleaning the part of the first net, moving the first net into the water, and then retrieving at least part of the second net from the water and cleaning the part of the second net.

At least part of moving the first net into the water may be performed in a same or similar manner to that described in relation to at least one part of moving the second net into the water.

The first net may be provided initially, for example, by suspending the first net from the cage. Aquaculture (e.g. fish) may or may not be provided in the first net. The second net may be moved into the water. The second net may be manipulated or moved in any appropriate way so as to at least partially replace the first net in the water. The aquaculture may be moved into the second net from the first net. The first and second nets may be attached to each other using a net support member according to any example of the present disclosure. The net support member may be used to prevent the aquaculture stock from escaping between the first and second nets. The first net may be manipulated or moved so as to be at least partially retrieved out of the water e.g. for cleaning and/or replacement. The net support member may allow the aquaculture stock to be transferred to the second net while retrieving the first net from the water. The aquaculture stock may move (e.g. swim) through a space defined between the net support member and the water surface so as to avoid becoming trapped by at least one of the first and second nets.

If the first net has been cleaned or replaced, the first net may be moved into the water so as to replace the second in a similar manner to the way in which the second net replaced the first net in the water. The first net may be manipulated or moved in any appropriate way so as to allow the second net to be at least partially retrieved from the water. The net support member may be moved through the water so as to allow the aquaculture stock to move through the space defined between the net support member and the water surface. The second net may be cleaned or replaced in any appropriate way. If the first net then again needs to be cleaned or replaced, at least one step of any part of the method may be repeated so as to allow the second net to be deployed for keeping the aquaculture stock while the first net may be cleaned or replaced.

At any point during any one step of the method, at least one weight (e.g. for weighing down any part of any net) may be moved in any appropriate way so as to permit the first and second net to be moved, manipulated, retrieved out of the water, or the like. The weight may be used to prevent the net from harming the aquaculture stock by keeping the net taut and/or spacing the net from the aquaculture stock, which may generally reside in a central part of the cage. The weight may be used to prevent predators from substantially moving the net so that any attempt to access the aquaculture stock may be prevented at least due to the resistance provided by the weight. For example, at least one weight may be provided on an inside lower portion of the net so as to prevent predators from pushing said inside lower portion of the net upwards towards the surface so as to catch any of the aquaculture stock.

At least one part of the method may be repeated so that one of the first and second nets may be cleaned or replaced while the other of the first and second nets may be used for keeping the aquaculture stock.

Any one part of any method of the present disclosure may be performed at any appropriate stage. The method may require manipulating at least one of the first and second nets in any appropriate way so as to avoid harming the aquaculture stock.

At least one feature of any example, aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure may replace any corresponding feature of any example, aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure. At least one feature of any example, aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure may be combined with any other example, aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A is a schematic side view of an aquaculture cage;

Figure 1 B is an expanded view of a clean section of the cage of Figure 1 A;

Figure 1C is an expanded view of a section of the cage of Figure 1A that has been fouled by biological material;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an aquaculture cage;

Figure 3 is a simplified perspective view of the cage of Figure 2;

Figure 4A is an elevated view of a modified version of the cage of Figure 3 according to an example of the present disclosure;

Figure 4B is a perspective view of the modified version of the cage of Figure 4A;

Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of a winch system according to the modified version of the cage of Figure 4A;

Figure 5B is a cross-section view of the winch system of Figure 5A;

Figure 5C is a side view of a component of the winch system of Figure 5A;

Figure 5D is a cross section view of a further winch system according to an example of the present disclosure;

Figure 6A is a further perspective view of the modified version of the cage of Figure 4A illustrating a component according to an example of the present disclosure;

Figure 6B is a side view of the modified version of the cage of Figure 6A illustrating the component;

Figure 6C is a further side view of the modified version of the cage of Figure 6A illustrating the component; Figure 7 A is a cross-section view of part of the component and the cage of Figure 6A;

Figure 7B is a side view of the part of the component and the cage of Figure 7A;

Figures 8A-8C each show a side view of the cage illustrated by Figure 6C during various stages of operation of the cage according to an example of the present disclosure;

Figures 9A-9G each show a perspective view of a cage similar to the cage illustrated by Figure 6A during various stages of operation of the cage according to an example of the present disclosure;

Figures 10A-10F each show a perspective view of a cage similar to the cage illustrated by Figure 6A during various stages of operation of the cage according to an example of the present disclosure;

Figures 11A-1 1 N each show a side view of a cage similar to the cage illustrated by Figure 4B during various stages of operation of the cage according to an example of the present disclosure;

Figure 12 shows a schematic side view of a further embodiment of an aquaculture cage; and

Figure 13 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of an aquaculture cage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 2 illustrates a simplified view of a typical cage 1 10 for fish farming. It will be appreciated that additional infrastructure such as deadweights, anchors, bird nets, and the like, are used for the cage 110 but are not shown here for brevity. Figure 3 illustrates a further simplified view of the cage 110 and includes identical features to those of Figure 2.

The cage 1 10 includes a net 1 12, which includes a sufficiently fine mesh for containing fish in the cage 110. The cage 1 10 includes a supporting structure 1 14 for floating on a water surface. The supporting structure 1 14 is circular and includes first and second concentrically arranged circular floating pipes 130, the first floating pipe 130 defining a smaller radius than the second floating pipe 130. The circular shape of the supporting structure 1 14 provides a degree of structural integrity, for example, so that the cage 110 can withstand rough weather conditions as typically experienced in the open sea. The floating pipes 130 are made of any appropriate material such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), or the like, and house buoyant material (not shown) such as polystyrene inside the pipes 130. The supporting structure 1 14 includes a walkway (not shown) extending between the pipes 130 and circumferentially around the supporting structure 1 14. A handrail 132 is supported above the supporting structure 114 via stanchions 134 extending between the handrail 132 and first floating pipe 130.

The net 1 12 includes a cylindrical net section 136 suspended below the first floating pipe 130 and an inverted cone net section 138 suspended below the cylindrical net section 136. The inverted cone net section 138 includes a weight 124 for weighing down a centre portion 126 of the inverted cone net section 138.

The cage 110 further includes a sinker tube 118 for weighing down the net 112. The sinker tube 1 18 is connected to a lower portion 137 of the cylindrical net section 136 via a plurality of net connectors 140 extending therebetween. The sinker tube 1 18 is connected to the second floating pipe 130 by a plurality of sinker tube connectors 142 extending therebetween. The sinker tube 1 18 is relatively rigid and acts to prevent the lower portion 137 of the cylindrical net section 136 from collapsing inwardly, for example, due to water current flow. In this manner, an internal volume 120 of the cage 1 10, which is defined internally of the cylindrical net section 136 and the inverted cone net section 138, is maximised to provide sufficient space for fish to move freely but safely within the net 112 so as to avoid become trapped by the net 112. The sinker tube 118 and the weight 124 help to keep the net 112 taut so as to avoid encroachment from water predators such as seals and the like.

Figures 4A-4B illustrate views of a modified version of the cage 1 10 in which the features of the cage 110 remain substantially the same but additional components have been added to the cage 1 10, which is an example of an aquaculture assembly.

The cage 1 10 additionally includes an aquaculture apparatus comprising a net support member, which in this example is in the form of an arm 144 for attaching to a portion of the net 112. In this example, the arm 144 is semicircular and extends diametrically between opposing sides of the first floating pipe 130 such that the radius of the arm 144 (the radius in this example is approximately 15 metres, but could be any radius or shape) is similar to the radius of the first floating pipe 130. In this example the arm 144 is in the form of a cable that is flexible and weighted (for example, a few hundred kilograms, but could be any weight), and may be made of any appropriate material such as stainless steel, or the like. The arm 144 is attached at each end thereof to the supporting structure 1 14. It was previously noted that the cable is flexible. During use the cage 1 10 may not necessarily maintain a perfectly circular shape. For example, during rough weather the supporting structure 114 may become deformed such that the floating pipes 130 are deformed, e.g. into non-circular shapes. By providing a flexible arm 144, the arm 144 may be able to conform to the shape of the deformed supporting structure 1 14. It will be appreciated that the arm 144 could include at least one rigid portion and/or at least one flexible portion so as to provide the conformability.

The cage 1 10 also includes a number, eight in this example, of further aquaculture apparatus in the form net control systems 146 for moving the net 1 12. The net control systems 146 are disposed on the supporting structure 1 14 and are spaced apart circumferentially around the supporting structure 1 14. Figures 4A-4B only show the net control systems 146 schematically but further details are provided herein.

Examples of the net control system 146 are illustrated in Figures 5A-5D. The net control system 146 includes a support assembly 148 for mounting on the supporting structure 114. The support assembly 148 includes two brackets 150 for at least partially surrounding the floating pipes 130 of the cage 1 10. As best illustrated by Figures 5B-5C, the brackets 150 are shaped to surround the tubular profile of the floating pipes 130. Each of the brackets 150 include two spaced-apart half-pipes 152 for individually surrounding the spaced-apart floating pipes 130, the half-pipes 152 of each bracket 150 being joined together by a plate 154 extending therebetween. Further plates 156 extend from both sides of the half-pipes 152.

The plates 154, 156 of each bracket 150 are alignable to co-extend with respect to each other such that when the brackets 150 are mounted on the floating pipes 130, the half-pipes 152 of each bracket 150 also aligned with respect to each other so as to accommodate the floating pipes 130 therebetween. A first of the brackets 150 defines an upper bracket 158 disposed on top of the floating pipes 130 and a second of the brackets 150 defines a lower bracket 159 disposed below the floating pipes 130. The support assembly 148 is capable of being retrofitted to an existing cage 110 because the brackets 150 can be mounted to the supporting structure 1 14 of the cage 1 10 without disassembling the cage 110.

A fastener 160 is used to attach the plates 154, 156 of each bracket 150 to each other so that the upper bracket 158 and the lower bracket 159 are securely attached to the floating pipes 130. In this example, the fastener 160 is in the form of a number of nuts and bolts extending through the plates 154, 156 to secure the plates 154, 156 to each other, but the fastener 160 could take any appropriate form such as a weld, or the like. It will be appreciated that due to the arcuate shape of the floating pipes 130 in the tubular direction thereof, each of the half-pipes 152 may also extend arcuately (e.g. in an arcuate shape) in a tubular direction along the half-pipes 152. The brackets 150 may be made of any appropriate material with sufficient structural integrity to hold the net control system 146 in place, for example, metal, stainless steel, HDPE, or the like.

The net control system 146 further includes a platform 162 disposed on an upper surface of the upper bracket 158 and extending between the adjacent half-pipes 152 thereof. The platform 162 provides part of a walk-way extending around the cage 1 10. The platform 162 is attached to the upper bracket 158 in any appropriate way, depending on the material used for construction of the upper bracket 158.

The net control system 146 further includes a frame 164 mounted on the upper bracket 158. The frame 164 includes a cover portion 165 supported by four support elements

166 extending between the cover portion 165 and the upper bracket 158. The support elements 166 in this example take the form of elongated members configured to provide sufficient structural integrity to support at least one weight, for example, a net and/or any other apparatus associated with the net control system 146. On a first side

167 of the frame 164, which faces towards a centre of the supporting structure 1 14, there are a plurality of hooks 168 distributed along the support elements 166. The hooks 168 provide mounting points to support a net (not shown here) if the net is retrieved from the water (e.g. for cleaning or replacement). On a second side 169 of the frame 164, which faces away from the centre of the supporting structure 1 14, there are a number of additional support elements 170 disposed between adjacent support elements 166, and between the cover portion 165 and the support elements 166. The support elements 166 and additional support elements 170 can take any appropriate form and are configured to strengthen the frame 164.

The net control system 146 includes a winch system 172 configured to move a net of the cage 110. The winch system 172 includes a winch 173, a cable 174 controlled by the winch 173 and connected to a net, and at least one pulley 175 for allowing smooth running of the cable 174.

In Figures 5A and 5B, the winch 173 is mounted on an edge between the cover portion 165 and the second side 169 of the frame 164. One pulley 175 is mounted on an edge between the cover portion 165 and the first side 167 of the frame 164. Said pulley 175 is disposed above a water surface 116 so that the cable 174 can extend down from the pulley 175 into the water. The winch 173 on the second side 169 serves to provide a counterweight for balancing forces on the cage 110 if a net and/or other apparatus is providing a downwardly acting (e.g. into the water) force on the first side 167 of the cage 110.

In Figure 5D, which illustrates a net control system 146 providing similar functionality to the net control system 146 of Figure 5A-5B, the winch 173 is disposed on the upper bracket 158 on the second side 169 of the frame 164. Similar to the example of Figure 5B, a pulley 175 is mounted on an edge between the cover portion 165 and the first side 167 of the frame 164. In addition, a second pulley 175 is mounted on an edge between the cover portion 165 and the second side 169 of the frame 164. The cable 174 extends over the frame 164 and runs over the two pulleys 174 into the water similar to as described in relation to Figure 5B.

In contrast to the example of Figure 5B, the net control system 146 of Figure 5D additionally includes a third half-pipe 152 on each bracket 150, the third half-pipes 152 being alignable relative to each other and being disposed at the second side 169 of the frame 164. The third half-pipes 152 accommodate a further floating pipe 130, for example, if the cage 110 includes three instead of two floating pipes 130.

The net control system 146 further includes buoyancy elements 176, which in this example are disposed in the floating pipes 130. Flowever additional buoyancy elements 176 could also be mounted to the brackets 150, for example, between the half-pipes 152 as illustrated by Figure 5B.

As illustrated by Figures 5B and 5D, the net control system 146 includes a handrail 178 mounted on a number of stanchions 179 extending from the upper bracket 158.

It will be noted that each net control system 146 comprises at least one net elevation structure, which may be provided by the tower-like structure of the frame 164 depicted by the figures. The height provided by this tower-like structure allows a portion of the net 1 12 to be lifted out of the water to permit the portion of the net 1 12 to be cleaned in air. The frame 164 provides structural integrity to allow the weight of the net 1 12 to be supported completely out of the water to permit air and/or UV cleaning of the net 1 12.

Figures 6A-6C illustrate an example method of operation of the arm 144 with respect to the supporting structure 1 14 of the cage 1 10. Some features of the cage 110 are omitted for clarity purposes for these drawings but it will be appreciated that other features will be present.

The arm 144 is mounted at each end thereof to the supporting structure 114 via a mount 180. The mount 180 defines a pivotable joint for allowing the arm 144 to pivot with respect to the support structure 1 14. The arm 144 is permitted to pivot (e.g. swing in a controlled manner) between a first (e.g. diametric) side 181 and a second, opposite, (e.g. diametric) side 182 of the supporting structure 1 14. Figures 6A-6B illustrate the arm 144 in a lower, under water surface 116, position in which the arm 144 is inclined at an approximately vertical plane with respect to the water surface 1 16. However, it will be appreciated that if the arm 144 pivots towards the first or second diametric sides 181 , 182, that the arm 144 may be inclined at an approximately horizontal plane with respect to the water surface 116. As noted previously the arm 144 is semicircular and substantially corresponds to the shape of the supporting structure 1 14, the arm 144 having a similar radius of curvature to that of the supporting structure 1 14.

Figures 7A-7B illustrate the mount 180 in further detail. The mount 180 may take any appropriate form. In this example the mount 180 includes a pin 183 extending through an eye 184 disposed in each end portion 185 of the arm 144, the supporting structure 1 14 including a corresponding eye 184 for receiving the pin 183 therein. A cap 186 is provided at each end of the pin 183 for locking the arm 144 to the supporting structure 114. As noted previously the arm 144 is pivotable with respect to the supporting structure 114. In an example, the pin 183 is rotationally fixed in the supporting structure 144 and the arm 144 is rotatably moveable with respect to the pin 183 so as to permit the arm 144 to pivot or swing as described herein. In another example, the pin 183 is rotationally moveable in the supporting structure 144 and the arm 144 is rotationally fixed with respect to the pin 183 so as to permit the arm 144 to pivot or swing as described herein. It will be appreciated that there are many different ways to mount the arm 180 to the supporting structure 114 so as to permit relative movement therebetween.

Figures 8A-8C illustrate various stages in the operation of the arm 144. The arm 144 is moveable relative to the supporting structure 1 14 via the mount 180 between the first diametric side 181 and the second diametric side 182. In Figures 8A-8C, the arm 144 is illustrated at various stages during moving, pivoting or swinging from the second diametric side 182 to the first diametric side 181. As the arm 144 moves through the water, the arm 144 follows an arm movement path 187, which in this example defines an arcuate shape when viewed from the side as illustrated by Figures 8A-8C, and it will be appreciated that the arm movement path 187 defines an approximately hemispherical shape because the arm 144 is approximately semicircular and the arm 144 pivots about an axis defined between the two end portions 185 of arm 144. Figures 8A-8C also illustrate fish 122 located between a fish-safe volume 188, which in this example approximately defines a hemisphere, defined between the arm movement path 187 and the supporting structure 1 14. As will be described in further detail herein, the arm 144 helps to keep the net, which is attached to the arm 144, spaced away from the fish 122 so as to avoid trapping or snagging the fish 122 in the net.

Figures 9A-9G illustrate an example method for manipulating a net 112 so that the net 1 12 can be moved relative to the fish 122 without trapping the fish 122 in the net 112 as the net 112 moves through the water. This method allows a net 1 12 to replace an existing net 112 while fish 122 are present in the cage 1 10. After a certain period of time under water the net 1 12 tends to become biofouled, which is generally regarded as a poor environment in which to farm fish. Therefore, the method provides a way to change the net so that a clean net can be used, which may provide an improved environment for farming fish while keeping the fish within the cage 1 10 and minimising stress to the fish during the net 1 12 change.

In this example the arm 144 helps to guide the net 1 12 as the net 112 moves through the water so as to avoid trapping the fish 122 in the net 1 12. The arm 144 is shown as sweeping beneath the fish 122 as the arm 144 moves relative to the supporting structure 144. It will be appreciated that the net 1 12 defines part of the cage 1 10 and even though the arm 144 moves the net 112, it is unlikely to be possible for the fish 122 to escape because the net 112 remains attached to the arm 144 and the supporting structure 1 14 throughout the method.

Figure 9A illustrates the arm 144 starting in an orientation defining a horizontal plane with respect to the water surface 1 16 with the arm 144 disposed on the second diametric side 182 of the supporting structure 114. At this stage, at least a portion of the net 1 12 is dropped and the arm 144 allowed to move (e.g. pivot) through the water towards the position illustrated by Figure 9B.

Figure 9B illustrates the arm 144 under the water surface 116 and moving towards a centre location under the water with respect to the supporting structure 114. At this time the net 112 on the second diametric side 182 is dropped into the water to allow the arm 144 to move, while the net 1 12 on the first diametric side 181 is lifted upwards. It will be noted that the fish 122 remain in at least a portion of the cage 1 10 during this method, and remain physically located above the arm movement path 187 throughout this method.

The method continues with the arm 144 dropping towards a lowermost position (e.g. a distal position with respect to the supporting structure 1 14) under water illustrated by Figure 9C such that net 1 12 on the second diametric side 182 continues to be dropped into the water and net 112 on the first diametric side 181 is lifted from the water.

Figures 9D-9G illustrate the continuation of the method with net 112 being lifted up at the first diametric side 181 of the supporting structure 1 14. Once the arm 144 is disposed at the first diametric side 181 illustrated by Figure 9G, the arm 144 is oriented with a plane thereof defining a substantially horizontal plane with respect to the water surface 1 16. The net 112 which has been lifted out of the water at the first diametric side 181 can then be cleaned using any appropriate method, for example, using the so- called“environet” method, which involves allowing air drying of the net 1 12 so as to kill any biofouling on the net 1 12. Other factors such as exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun may contribute to the killing of the biofouling on the net 112. Once the net 112 lifted out of the water at the first diametric side is clean and/or the net 112 in the water is biofouled, the method can be reversed by moving the arm 144 in the opposite direction to that illustrated by Figures 9A-9G, so that the arm 144 starts at the first diametric side 181 and pivots to the second diametric side 182. The biofouled net 1 12 may subsequently be lifted out of the water and cleaned using any appropriate method.

Figures 10A-10F illustrate further details of the method illustrated by Figures 9A-9G. Figure 10A illustrates a cage 1 10 further including a sinker tube 118, similar to the sinker tube illustrated by Figures 1-2 of the present disclosure. The sinker tube 118 helps to retain the shape of the net 1 12 so as to avoid trapping the fish 122 in the net 1 12 during movement of the arm 144.

In Figure 10A, the sinker tube 1 18 is below and parallel to the water surface 116 in a lowermost (or distal) position. The net 112 includes a cylindrical net section 136 suspended below the supporting structure 114 and an inverted cone net section 138 suspended below the cylindrical net section 136. The inverted cone net section 138 includes a weight 124 for weighing down a centre portion 126 of the inverted cone net section 138. At the lowermost position, the sinker tube 1 18 helps to maintain the cylindrical net section 136 relative taut by weighing down the cylindrical net section 136 relative to the supporting structure 114.

The arm 144 is initially oriented so as to define (or be inclined at) a horizontal plane with respect to the water surface 1 16. The sinker tube 1 18 is then lifted on the first diametric side 181 by lifting the net 1 12 on the first diametric side 181 , as illustrated by Figure 10B. This allows a further net (not shown here but described below) to be attached to the arm 144 and the sinker tube 118, as well as detaching the net 1 12 (e.g. a biofouled net 1 12) from the sinker tube 1 18. The sinker tube 118 is circular and may need to be moved or precessed with respect to the supporting structure 114 (e.g. by lifting different portions of the sinker tube 118 to the water surface 116) so that at least a semicircular portion of the sinker tube 1 18 is lifted to the water surface 1 16 (each portion of the sinker tube 118 being lifted to surface at different times) and the further net can be appropriately attached to said semicircular portion of the sinker tube 1 18 whenever each portion of the sinker tube 1 18 arrives at the water surface 1 16.

Figure 10C shows the arm 144 being allowed to be moved from the first diametric side 181 towards a lowermost position with respect to the supporting structure 114. At the same time the sinker tube 118 at the first diametric side 181 is allowed to be lowered with respect to the supporting structure 114 towards the lowermost position such as illustrated by the first diametric side 181 of Figure 10A. Figure 10C also shows the sinker tube 1 18 being lifted at the second diametric side 182 to the water surface 1 16. At this point the net 112 at the second diametric side 182 of the sinker tube 118 can be detached from the sinker tube 118. The weight 124 is attached to a weight line 125, which in this example is in the form of a loop, extending to the supporting structure 114. The weight line 125 allows the weight 124 to be lifted or dropped relative to the supporting structure 1 14 so as to appropriately weigh down the net 112 if required. The weight line 125 runs along an inner surface of the net 1 12 but could be positioned in any appropriate place. The arm 144 does not necessarily interfere with the operation of the weight line 125 because the weight line 125 can be moved away from the net 112 and/or the arm 144 if and when required.

Figures 10D-10E illustrates a subsequent step from Figure 10C, in which the arm 144 is allowed to be dropped towards a lowermost position under the water surface 116 while the sinker tube 118 remains lifted up at the water surface 116 on the second diametric side 182 of the supporting structure 1 14. Again, the sinker tube 1 18 can be moved or precessed in any appropriate fashion during the movement of the sinker tube 1 18 relative to the supporting structure 1 14 so as to facilitate attaching or detaching the net 1 12 to/from the arm 144.

As illustrated by Figure 10F, the arm 144 has moved to the second diametric side 182 and the sinker tube 1 18 has been lowered to the same lowermost position illustrated by Figure 10A. The net 112 which was previously underwater (and potentially biofouled) is moved out of the water at the second diametric side 182 and cleaned in any appropriate way. The method can be repeated and/or reversed if required at any appropriate time. An example method for moving a net 112 is illustrated by Figures 1 1A-1 1 N, which provides additional/alternative details of an example method of the present disclosure.

Figure 1 1A illustrates a cage 1 10 further including a sinker tube 118, similar to the sinker tube illustrated by Figures 1 -2 of the present disclosure. The sinker tube 118 helps to retain the shape of the net so as to avoid trapping the fish 122 in the net.

In Figure 1 1A there is a first net 112 for keeping the fish 122 within the cage 1 10. A weight 124 is provided for weighing down a centre portion 126 of the first net 112.

Figure 11 B shows an initial stage for providing the cage 110 with a second net 113. During use the first net 112 may become biofouled. Therefore the second net 1 12 may be used to replace the first net 112 in the water so as to allow the first net 1 12 to be lifted out of the water and cleaned while maintaining the fish 122 in situ within the cage 110

An arm 144, as described in the present disclosure, is mounted on the supporting structure 1 14, as also described in the present disclosure, and oriented (e.g. inclined) towards a first side 181 of the supporting structure 114 so as to be approximately parallel with the water surface 1 16. The first net 112 is detached from the first side 181 and attached to the arm 144. At the same time, the second net 113 is attached to the supporting structure 114 and also attached to the arm 144. By attaching both the first and second nets 112, 113 to the arm 144, the fish 122 may not be able to escape between the first and second nets 1 12,1 13.

A number of support assemblies 148 are mounted around the perimeter of the supporting structure 1 14. The support assembles 148 are similar or the same as the support assemblies 148 described elsewhere in the present disclosure. The second net 113 is supported by the support assemblies 148 so as to avoid the second net 1 13 accidentally falling into the water.

Referring next to Figure 1 1 C, at least part of the sinker tube 1 18 is lifted towards the first side 181 of the supporting structure 1 14 at the water surface 116. Here the second net 1 13 is attached to the lifted part of the sinker tube 1 18 and the first net 112 is detached from the lifted part of the sinker tube 1 18. Since the sinker tube 118 defines an annular shape in the present example, and also functions to help prevent the first net 1 12 from collapsing on itself, at least part of the sinker tube 118 is left in a lower or distal position in the water (e.g. with respect to the supporting structure 114). In order to appropriately attach or detach the first and second nets 1 12, 1 13 to/from the sinker tube 118, the sinker tube 1 18 is moved in a precession-like movement with respect to the supporting structure 1 14 so that the angle of inclination of the sinker tube 118 in the water remains substantially the same as different parts of the sinker tube 1 18 are lifted/dropped at the appropriate time. In this way, harm to the fish 122 is avoided.

Referring next to Figure 1 1 D, the second net 1 13 is dropped fully into the water, as is the sinker tube 1 18. As the second net 1 13 drops into the water, the arm 144 also drops within the water until reaching a lower position (e.g. vertical orientation) show by Figure 1 1 E. During the movement of the arm 144, the fish 122 may freely swim into between the first and second nets 112, 1 13.

Referring next to Figure 1 1 F it can be seen that the weight 124 has been transferred from the first net 112 to the second net 1 13, which may be done by lifting the weight (e.g. by any appropriate method, for example, using a weight line similar to the example of the weight line 125 illustrated by Figure 10C). The weight line 125 can be manoeuvred to a side of the supporting structure 114 so as to avoid substantially disrupting or snagging movement of the arm 144. The weight 124 weighs down the second net 1 13. The first net 1 12 is lifted to surface on a second side 182 of the supporting structure 1 14 and supported on the support assemblies 148 as required. At the same time the arm 144 is lifted towards the second side 182, as is part of the sinker tube 118.

Referring next to Figure 1 1 G, the sinker tube 1 18 and arm 144 have been fully moved to the surface so that the first net 112 can be detached from the sinker tube 1 18 and the second net 113 can be attached to the supporting structure 1 14 (e.g. at the second side 182 thereof). Again the sinker tube 1 18 can be moved in a precession-like movement so as to permit the first and second nets 1 12, 1 13 to be appropriately attached/detached as required. Referring next to Figure 1 1 H, the sinker tube 1 18 has been allowed to drop to the lower or distal position. The second net 1 13 has been fully deployed in the water while the first net 112 has been retrieved from the water to be cleaned (e.g. by drying and/or exposure to UV) or replaced as required.

Referring next to Figure 1 11, the procedure has been reversed so that the newly cleaned/replaced first net 1 12 can be deployed into the water to replace the second net 113 while the second net 1 13 is cleaned or replaced. The sinker tube 1 18 is lifted on the second side 182 to attach part of the first net 1 12 to the sinker tube 1 18 and to detach part of the second net 1 13 from the sinker tube 1 18. The first net 1 12 is partially dropped into the water as required.

Referring next to Figure 1 1 J, the sinker tube 1 18 is dropped and the arm 144 allowed to drop while the first net 112 is lowered into the water. Referring next to Figures 11 K- 11 L, the second net 1 13 begins to be lifted out of the water at the first side 181 of the supporting structure 1 14 so as to lift up the arm 144 and the sinker tube 1 18. The weight 124 is transferred to the first net 112. The second net 1 13 is detached from a part of the sinker tube 118 and the first net 1 12 attached to the part of the sinker tube 118.

Referring next to Figures 11 M-1 1 N, the sinker tube 1 18 is allowed to drop to the lower or distal position so that the first net 112 provides the cage 110 and the second net 113 is can be cleaned or replaced as required.

Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a further embodiment of an aquaculture assembly 210 (i.e. an aquaculture cage). The aquaculture assembly 210 comprises a net support member (not shown) according to any aspect or embodiment described herein. The aquaculture assembly 210 comprises a plurality of net control systems 246 similar to those described herein (e.g. see Figures 4A to 4B, for example). Each net control system 246 comprises at least one net elevation structure 290 (e.g. a tower structure, or the like) configured to support at least a portion of the net 212 out of the water to permit the portion of the net 212 to be cleaned in air. An example of a net elevation structure 290 is the frame depicted by Figure 5A. The height provided by the net elevation structure 290 allows a bird net 291 to be supported relative to the supporting structure 214 of the assembly 210 at a sufficient height such that the bird net 291 does not contact the water. This may reduce fish losses, and hence save costs, since the bird net 291 is less likely to enter the water compared to current systems. The assembly 210 comprises a bird net support system 292 comprising or coupled to the at least one net elevation structure(s) 290 so as to support the bird net 291 (e.g. by tying the bird net 291 to the bird net support system 292). The bird net support system 292 may comprise any appropriate connector to allow the bird net 291 to be attached or coupled thereto. The net control system 246 may provide structural integrity, as described herein, so as to allow the bird net 291 to be supported at sufficient height without requiring additional infrastructure, which may save on costs.

Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of an aquaculture assembly 310 (i.e. an aquaculture cage). The aquaculture assembly 310 comprises a net support member 344 that comprises a plurality of weights 393. It will be appreciated that the net support member 344 may comprise only one weight 393 or more than one weight 393. The weights 393 are configured so that, in use, when the net support member (weights 393) is moved through the water, at least a portion of the net 312 proximal to the weights 393 is spaced from the supporting structure 314. The weights 393 are configured so that, in use, when the weights 393 moved through the water, at least a portion of the net 312 is spaced from the supporting structure so that any fish or stock in the water is not caught in the space between the weights 393 and the supporting structure 314 by movement of the weights 393 through the water.

It will be appreciated that the net 312 may be provided in the form of first and second nets 312a, 312b (or“first and second net sections” if there is a single net with two different sections providing the functionality of the first and second nets). The nets 312a, 312b are connected to each other in the region of the net support member 344 by any appropriate connection, for example, by tying together, being formed together or the like. Thus, the net support member 344 may be configured to: support and/or connect the net 312a to at least one other net 312b; and/or connect and/or support at least one net section relative to at least one other net section. In certain embodiments, the net 312 may be provided as a single net shaped appropriately to accommodate the features of the assembly 310 (i.e. so that there is a first net section and a second net section). By providing weights 393, it will be recognised that the net support member 344 is not connected to the supporting structure 314 while, in use, permitting the portion of the net 312 to be spaced from the supporting structure 314 of the assembly 310. Any variation of this embodiment may be provided in other embodiments. For example, any net support member 344 described herein may be weighted and may or may not be connected directly to the supported structure 314. Thus, it may be possible for the net or the two nets to be connected to the supporting structure 314 and, if appropriate, to each other in the region of the net support member 344. The weights may be connected in any appropriate way to the net 312, for example, by tying or the like. The weights 393 may or may not be connected together, e.g. with a cable or the like.

Although aspects or embodiments refer to a “net support member”, it will be appreciated that this could comprise one or more individual net support members or elements of a net support member. For example, the arm may be an example of a net support member while the“weights" of Figure 13 may be regarded as an example a net support member. In some embodiments, more than one net support member may be provided. The term“net support member” may refer to a single net support member or a plurality of net support members.

The net according to any of the examples could be any appropriate shape, for example, the net may be cylindrical with an inverted cone section, may be solely cylindrical, may be in the form of a truncated cone, may be conical shaped, or the like.

It will be appreciated that there may be many different ways to operate the apparatus or perform the method or procedure. Part of a net changeover/replacement method may require careful handling of the net so as to avoid harming the aquaculture. Therefore, it will be recognised that the method or procedure described in the present disclosure may be modified or adapted in any appropriate way so as to provide the ability to clean or replace the net in any appropriate way in order for best practice to be observed for the aquaculture.

The skilled person will appreciate that any appropriate modification may be made to the features of any apparatus, assembly, method or system of the present disclosure. Any feature of any apparatus, assembly, method or system may be combined with any other apparatus, assembly, method or system of the present disclosure.