WO2026038056A2 - Système et procédés d'aquaculture - Google Patents

Système et procédés d'aquaculture

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Publication number
WO2026038056A2
WO2026038056A2 PCT/GB2025/051817 GB2025051817W WO2026038056A2 WO 2026038056 A2 WO2026038056 A2 WO 2026038056A2 GB 2025051817 W GB2025051817 W GB 2025051817W WO 2026038056 A2 WO2026038056 A2 WO 2026038056A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
tank
fish
conduits
culture water
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/GB2025/051817
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2026038056A3 (fr
Inventor
Jack Omondi OYUGI
Jeremy Charles LOFTS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Vertical Lake Ltd
Original Assignee
Vertical Lake Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vertical Lake Ltd filed Critical Vertical Lake Ltd
Publication of WO2026038056A2 publication Critical patent/WO2026038056A2/fr
Publication of WO2026038056A3 publication Critical patent/WO2026038056A3/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K63/00—Receptacles for live fish, e.g. aquaria; Terraria
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K63/00—Receptacles for live fish, e.g. aquaria; Terraria
    • A01K63/04—Arrangements for treating water specially adapted to receptacles for live fish

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to systems and methods of aqua culture. More particularly, the present invention relates to system and methods of cultivating fish.
  • RAS recirculating aquaculture systems
  • An RAS system allow for fish to be raised in tanks, and the water is continuously circulated through a series of filtration and treatment processes. These processes remove waste products like ammonia and uneaten food, and replenish oxygen, before the water is returned to the fish tanks. This allows for land-based fish farming with minimal environmental impact.
  • RAS offers improved water-quality control
  • its implementation involves complex and costly equipment for functions such as biofiltration, ultraviolet or ozone sterilisation, thermal regulation, aeration, and pumping.
  • Biosecurity and stock management limitations are also common. In many systems, there is little provision for isolating individual tanks or groups of animals, making it difficult to contain or control disease outbreaks. Reuse of water or inadequate hydraulic separation can facilitate rapid pathogen spread, leaving chemical or antibiotic treatments as the primary containment option. Furthermore, stock transfer, grading, and harvesting are commonly carried out using nets or pumps, which may cause physical injury and stress-related mortality, particularly in sensitive finfish species.
  • US3804063A discloses a vertically elongated tank disposed within a building and having a perforated water circulating tube extending downward from the upper end of the tank for the greater part of the length of the tank.
  • a vertical fish farm comprising of structure, elongated tank are claimed.
  • an aquaculture system comprising: a plurality of tanks for containing fish, having a depth D, a top, a bottom and a plurality of sides extending from the bottom for containing culture water in which fish are grown; a supporting structure for holding the plurality of tanks; a first arrangement of conduits having a first end fluidly connectable to a source of clean make-up water and one or more second ends fluidly connected to at least one of the plurality of tanks for supply of make-up water thereto; wherein the plurality of tanks include at least an upper tank and a lower tank vertically displaced relative to one another; and at least the upper tank including an outlet toward the bottom thereof for releasing said culture water and organic matter therein; a second arrangement of conduits having a first end fluidly connectable to the outlet, a water purifier for treating culture water and a second end for releasing treated culture water; wherein the first end of the second arrangement of conduits is connected to the outlet of the upper tank and the second end is proximal to
  • displacement of greater than D allows an upper tank to sit directly above a lower tank creating a vertical column.
  • a vertical column has the smallest available footprint for the plurality of tanks in each vertical column. It will be understood that whilst the claims discuss an upper and lower tank that 4 to 10 tanks arranged in a vertical column have been used with great advantage and within urban/peri-urban locations with limited land footprint.
  • the source of make-up water comprises a first reservoir for containing clean makeup water for feeding one or more of the tanks and the first end of the first arrangement of conduits is connected thereto; preferably said first reservoir includes a base and an outlet located at or toward the base and the outlet is at a greater elevation than the tanks and preferably a greater elevation than the top of the top tank for feeding make-up water thereto under gravity.
  • this allows for a passive gravity fed system where a correct dose of makeup water can be administered as set by system needs.
  • each tank includes an outlet connected to the first end and to the second arrangement of conduits of said tank.
  • Said arrangement advantageously, allowing for the positioning of tanks in a vertical arrangement of two or more tanks each with an inlet means for purified culture water circulation.
  • a third arrangement of conduits having a first end connected for receiving culture water from the lower tank cleaned via the water purifier of the second arrangement of conduits of said lower tank and a second end connected to the upper tank for recycling culture water thereto; preferably wherein the lower tank to which the first end is connected is the bottom tank and the upper tank is the top tank.
  • this allows for culture water to be recycled dramatically reducing the water required to run the fish farm and the amount of makeup water required to maintain a hospitable environment for the farmed animals and/or repeating the positioning of tanks in a vertical arrangement of two or more tanks each with a outlet means for culture water circulation.
  • make-up water is introduced in a ratio to culture water of between 1 : 5 and 1 : 25 and preferably is between 1 : 8 and 1 : 15 most preferably the ratio is approximately 1 : 10.
  • the tolerance of different species to impurities is different and the optimum ratio for welfare, production and water usage may vary between species.
  • the accumulation of metabolic energy is controlled by controlling the dilution ratio, the, the accumulation of metabolic energy.
  • the source of makeup water may comprise a rainwater collection system for feeding the first reservoir with make-up water, thereby allowing natural available water to be used instead of municipal or local supply, lowering impact in many settings including arid environments.
  • tank and the fish transfer means includes an aperture in or toward the bottom of the upper tank and an obturating means, movable from a first closed position in which the aperture is at least substantially obturated to a second open position in which the aperture is open to enable movement of fish and/or water from an upper tank to a lower tank and an actuation means for moving the obturating means between the first closed position and the second open position.
  • this allows the passive, yet efficient and safe operation and fish movement downwards between tanks.
  • the fish guide has a first end proximal the aperture of the upper tank for receiving fish and culture water therefrom and a second end proximal to the top of a lower tank for directing fish and culture water from the upper tank to the lower tank; preferably wherein the fish guide has at least an inclined section that is not vertical in order to slow the velocity of the fish being transferred and/or a curved section in order to adjust the trajectory of the fish from the vertical; preferably wherein the fish guide includes one or more reversable fixings for securing the fish guide to the respective upper tank or structure and is removable between transfer events.
  • the fish guide includes one or more reversable fixings for securing the fish guide to the respective upper tank or structure and is removable between transfer events.
  • the tanks are arranged in a first vertical column and a second vertical column and the culture fluid from the first vertical column is isolated from the culture fluid of the second vertical column, advantageously for biosecurity Because this isolation reduces the likelihood of cross-contamination and facilitates differential husbandry regimes across different vertical columns.
  • the plurality of tanks have a width W and a length L substantially greater than W, a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the second arrangement of conduits is connected to the upper tank at the outlet toward the second end and the upper tank is fed make-up water and/or culture water toward or at the first end preferably wherein each tank has a single outlet, advantageously creating a potential for a flow pattern across the tank L.
  • each second arrangement of conduits includes an outlet conduit connectable to the outlet, a treatment conduit of the water purifier and a feed conduit; the outlet conduit is connected between the outlet of the respective tank and the treatment conduit for passing culture water and organic matter from the respective tank to the treatment conduit; the feed conduit is connected to the treatment conduit and arranged to pass treated culture water from the second arrangement of conduits; and the treatment conduit extends between the outlet conduit and the feed conduit and comprises a biofiltration system.
  • the feed conduit advantageously, cleaning the culture water between vertical displaced tanks.
  • the outlet conduit is connected to the outlet of the upper tank and the feed conduit includes one or more openings positioned to discharge treated culture water to the lower tank at least at the first end and preferably includes a plurality of openings located substantially
  • the treatment conduit comprises a conduit wall over which the culture water flows having a biofilm comprising cultured aerobic microorganisms for digesting organic matter such as animal waste and/or enriching the water with dissolved oxygen, preferably the treatment conduit is an open gutter or channel to aid aerobic processes.
  • a conduit wall over which the culture water flows having a biofilm comprising cultured aerobic microorganisms for digesting organic matter such as animal waste and/or enriching the water with dissolved oxygen
  • the treatment conduit is an open gutter or channel to aid aerobic processes.
  • the conduit wall includes structured media or a surface texture to promote microorganism biofilm adhesion and/or growth.
  • the treatment conduit extends substantially the length L of the one or more tanks from the first end (25) toward the second end (26), advantageously increasing surface area for biofilm adhesion and thus improving the efficacy of the filtering or purification provided by the biofilter of the water purifier.
  • aerobic micro-organisms comprise one or more of a blue-green algae such as Cyanobacteria, a fungi such as Yeast, Gliocladium, Rhizopus, and a bacteria such as Rhizobium spp., Flavimonas spp., Rhodotorula, Chryseobacterium spp., and Klebsiella spp.
  • a blue-green algae such as Cyanobacteria
  • a fungi such as Yeast, Gliocladium, Rhizopus
  • a bacteria such as Rhizobium spp.
  • Flavimonas spp. Rhodotorula
  • Chryseobacterium spp. and Klebsiella spp.
  • Klebsiella spp Klebsiella spp.
  • the treatment conduit includes one or more flow control means for slowing the passage of culture water, thereby increasing efficacy of the water purifier.
  • the flow control means comprises a plurality of baffles arranged along the treatment conduit for controlling the flow rate of culture water advantageously, promoting the precipitation, sedimentation and/or collecting of digested matter and contributing to increasing efficacy of the water purifier.
  • the flow control means which may comprise baffles, increases the exposure of the culture water to resident aerobic microorganisms of the biofilm.
  • the flow control means may also comprise a plurality of stepped sections of the conduit descending at or after one or more of the plurality of baffles and preferably after each of the plurality of baffles.
  • the baffles of the flow control means create a plurality of sedimentation reservoirs for removal of organic matter from the culture water.
  • the sedimentation reservoirs assist efficient and timely sediment control and removal
  • the wall of the water purifier treatment conduit includes an impermeable outer wall for containing and directing culture fluid and a permeable or perforated inner wall also covered in the biofilm, advantageously, this increases the surface area of biofilm exposed to the culture fluid and thus the efficacy of the water purifier.
  • the second arrangement of conduits that provides culture water from the above or upper tank also includes an overflow conduit connected to the upper tank toward or at the top of the tank and the respective second arrangement of conduits upstream of the water purifier.
  • the third arrangement of conduits includes a recycle reservoir connected via the second and third arrangement of conduits to the outlet of the bottom or lowest tank for receiving treated culture water therefrom and a pump for returning said treated culture water to at least the height of the top tank.
  • the recycle reservoir is located below the bottom of the bottom tank for receiving culture water therefrom under gravity.
  • the recycle reservoir is located below the bottom of the bottom tank for receiving culture water therefrom under gravity.
  • the recycle reservoir is located above the top of the top tank for advantageously, dispensing recycled culture water thereto under gravity, wherein the pump is at the first end of the third arrangement of conduits and receives treated culture water directly from the feed conduit.
  • the recycle reservoir includes an upper recycle reservoir above the elevation of the top tank and a lower recycle reservoir located below the elevation of the bottom tank connected by one or more conduits of the third arrangement of conduits and the pump.
  • the recycle reservoir damps any variation in flow requirement of culture water through the tanks and ensures that there is always culture fluid available for the continuous flow through the tanks and conduits.
  • the upper tank has a volume V1 and the lower tank has a volume V2 and V2 is greater than or equal to V1.
  • V1 the volume of the upper tank
  • V2 the volume of the lower tank
  • the aquaculture system further includes a plurality of aeriation pumps for aeration and homogenization of the culture water, at or toward the first end of each of the plurality of tanks having an inlet at or toward the bottom of the tank, an outlet at or proximal the surface of the culture water and a mounting for positioning the aeriation pump in the tank; preferably wherein the outlet comprises a nozzle advantageously, to eject culture water at velocity substantially horizontally in the direction of the second end. This advantageously, encourages sediment to pass toward the outlet at the far end of tank and increases aeration within each tank increasing the oxygen content of the water and improving the environment enjoyed by the farmed animals.
  • the pump includes a first portion extending substantially vertically from the inlet and a second portion 93extending substantially perpendicular thereto and substantially horizontally between the first portion and the outlet preferably wherein the second portion 93extends 10-25% of L along the tank toward the second end of the tank.
  • ejecting culture water at velocity substantially horizontally in the direction of the second (opposite) end to generate surface shear and internal micro-flow encourages sediment to pass toward the outlet at the far end of tank and increasing aeration within the tank.
  • a plurality of sensors in one or more of the tanks and the first second and third arrangements of conduits, for monitoring and recording the state of the fish and/or the culture water including one or more of a water level sensor, flow rate sensor, pH sensor, air or water temperature sensor, salt concentration sensor, organic matter concentration sensor, dissolved oxygen sensor and/or a visual logging device such as a camera; optionally connected to a data logger, or a controller of the system.
  • this provides an operator with information and optionally allows closed loop control of the pump or water flow rates by the controller or human manager and/or operation of one or more safety
  • the safety cut off valves may be located in any effective location such as the second arrangement of conduits or the outlet of one or more of the tanks.
  • a method for cultivating fish using the aquaculture system having a plurality of vertically displaced tanks including an upper tank and a lower tank, a first arrangement of conduits, a second arrangement of conduits; the method comprising the steps of introducing culture water to the upper tank in combination with a plurality of fingerlings; via a first arrangement of conduits feeding clean make-up water into the upper tank to augment the culture water therein; passing culture water and any organic matter therein from an outlet of the upper tank through a second plurality of conduits of the upper tank thereby purifying the culture water at a water purifier; and passing the purified culture water to the lower tank.
  • the method includes the step of passing culture water and any organic matter therein from an outlet of the lower tank along a second arrangement of conduits of the lower tank including through the water purifier; receiving the purified culture water at a third arrangement of conduits and returning through the third arrangement of conduits recycled culture water to the upper tank alongside the make-up water from the first arrangement of conduits.
  • the method includes continuously circulating culture water through the upper tank, the second arrangement of conduits of the upper tank, the lower tank, the second arrangement of conduits of the lower tank, through the third arrangement of conduits and returning recycled culture water to the upper tank with the additional make-up water in a continuous reverse aqua serial dilution circuit.
  • the method then requires make-up water and recycled culture water that are both introduced to the upper tank in a controlled ratio of between 1 : 5 and 1 : 25 and preferably is between 1 : 8 and 1 : 15 and most preferably a ratio of around 1 : 10.
  • the culture water is passed along the first arrangement of conduits, through the plurality of tanks and the respective second arrangements of conduits by gravity.
  • t the water purifier includes a biofiltration system and the step of passing the culture water through any of the second arrangement of conduits includes passing the culture water along a treatment conduit of the water purifier (that includes the biofiltration system.
  • the method including at the biofiltration system advantageously, digesting organic fish waste and uneaten feed, producing a mucilaginous matrix to retain solid particles, and/or generating dissolved oxygen.
  • the fish transfer means comprises an aperture in the upper tank and an obturating means and transferring fish includes moving the obturating means from a first closed position to a second open position advantageously, allowing culture water and fish to flow through the aperture from one tank to another.
  • the method includes a way of efficiently closing the aperture by moving the obturating means to the first closed position after the transfer is complete for receiving culture water and fish in the upper tank.
  • the fish transfer means further includes a fish guide; and the method includes controlling by the fish guide the velocity and/or path of the fish during transfer from the upper tank to the lower tank and thereby protecting the fish from injury or stress during the transfer.
  • the method further includes trapping heat from the sun in a thermal structure and thereby heating the culture water, preferably to a target temperature of between 10 and 45
  • the method incorporates the water purifier that includes a plurality or sedimentation reservoirs; and the method further includes the steps of collecting organic matter including waste food and or animal waste in said sedimentation reservoirs and harvesting the collected organic matter collected therein.
  • creating the mixture having the following ratios 15-25% Molasses, 0.5-2% fermented milk, 5-20% fish scales and preferably approximately 10% Molasses, 1 % fermented milk, 10% fish scales.
  • the method may include harvesting the fish scales from the fish produced in the aquaculture system.
  • Figure 2 shows an illustrative tank according to an embodiment
  • Figure 4 shows a cultivation method according to an embodiment
  • Figure 6 shows an illustrative tank with a trap door arrangement according to another embodiment
  • Figure 7 shows an illustrative tank with a trap door arrangement according to another embodiment
  • Figure 8 shows a treatment conduit according to an embodiment
  • Figure 10 shows a treatment conduit according to another embodiment
  • Figure 11 shows an illustrative method of creating organic fertiliser from organic matter harvested from an aquaculture system according to an embodiment
  • Figure 12 is a reinforced water tank used in the serial dilution process as presented in the current invention.
  • Figure 13 is an illustrative back view of a reverse aqua serial dilution system according to an embodiment
  • Figures 18 avails a side view of the aqua tanks according to an embodiment
  • the present disclosure relates to an aquaculture system for cultivating aquatic animals such as finfish, shellfish, crustaceans, and molluscs.
  • the system is designed to optimise the use of available space, reduce freshwater consumption, and improve biosecurity (e.g. by isolate/minimise any disease outbreak) through the arrangement of tanks and the integration of water purification and recirculation subsystems.
  • the aquaculture system is particularly suited for land-based installations (including urban and peri-urban locations) where footprint minimisation and controlled water quality and use are of critical importance.
  • the expressions 'aquatic animals' and 'fish' are to be understood in a broad sense as encompassing any subset of aquatic animals. Such subsets may include, without limitation, finfish, shellfish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic species, whether marine or freshwater.
  • the term 'finfish' generally denotes aquatic vertebrates possessing gills, fins used for swimming and manoeuvrability, and typically scales, and includes both bony fish and may include cartilaginous fish.
  • 'shellfish' generally denotes aquatic invertebrates having an exoskeleton, shell, or carapace, and encompasses, for example, crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimps, as well as molluscs such as clams, oysters, and scallops.
  • the current invention is particularly suited to finfish which are challenging to farm in such closed systems.
  • Baby fish or fishlings are introduced to the system at the top tank 13 and passed down through the tanks 10 as they grow and mature until they are a size ready to harvest at the bottom tank 14. This may be fully grown or mature or a size required by the market or application for which they are grown.
  • a fishling includes any fish below the size ready to harvest.
  • a fishling may be a fry, or a fingerling, or a juvenile fish. Most preferred is a fingerling.
  • the aquaculture system 1 comprises a plurality of tanks 10 for containing fish, each tank 10 having a depth D, a top 21 , a bottom 22, and a plurality of sides 23 extending from the bottom 22 for containing culture water in which aquatic animals are grown.
  • the top 21 may be open.
  • the bottom 22 and the sides 23 are water tight for containing culture water and fish.
  • the tanks 10 are dimensioned and constructed to withstand the hydrostatic pressure of the culture water contained within.
  • the tanks 10 may be constructed using glass reinforced fibre (GRP) and resin formed around a metal skeleton structure.
  • the tanks 10 may be rectangular in plan-view, having a length L and a width W, but alternative shapes may be used.
  • the length L may be substantially greater than W, and have a first end 25 and a second end 26.
  • tanks 10 may have dimensions of approximately 10 m in length and 2 m in width.
  • the length L may be in the range of about 3 m to about 15 m
  • the width W may be in the range of about 0.5 m to about 4 m.
  • the tanks 10 may be constructed with smooth internal surfaces to facilitate cleaning and avoid injury to the fish. If non-rectangular tanks 10 are used L refers to the longest dimension. In the simplest form a tank 10 may comprise an oil barrel or plastic barrel optionally with the top removed.
  • the tank 10 includes a container 13 that is water tight and a tank structure 15 for providing structural support, such as the metal skeleton discussed above.
  • the container 13 may be GRP, plastic, metal or other suitable material.
  • the tank structure 15 may be of the same material but more preferably is the aforementioned metal skeleton.
  • the structure 15 includes one circumferentially and radially extending support hoop 16 at or proximal the top 21 and preferably further support hoops 16 therebelow.
  • the structure 15 further includes one or more vertical support bars 17 for supporting the sides 23.
  • the support bars 17 extend between the bottom 14 and the support bars 17 and are fixed thereto.
  • the tank structure 15 may include parts of the support structure 60 for efficiency.
  • a supporting structure 60 is provided for holding the plurality of tanks 10.
  • the supporting structure 60 comprises a rigid frame made of metal beams, arranged to form vertical columns in which the tanks 10 are received and supported.
  • the supporting structure 60 may be of any suitable form or material and may be manufactured, for example, as a fabricated frame constructed from metal, composite, or other engineered materials, or may be provided by a naturally occurring formation such as a steep slope. While a natural formation may serve to support the tanks, it may in certain implementations reduce some of the potential advantages of a manufactured frame, such as a reduced footprint, improved space efficiency, and enhanced thermal inertia of the system.
  • the supporting structure 60 may also provide mounting points for ancillary components such as pumps, sensors, cameras , lighting and conduits.
  • the aquaculture system 1 makes efficient use of vertical space by arranging the plurality of tanks 10 in vertically displaced relationships, and by integrating a first arrangement of conduits 100 for make-up water, a second arrangement of conduits 200 incorporating a water purifier 80, and a third arrangement of conduits 300 for recycling treated culture water.
  • the plurality of tanks 10 include at least an upper tank 11 and a lower tank 12 vertically displaced relative to one another.
  • the terms ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ denote that the respective tanks are vertically displaced relative to one another. It will be understood that the designation of a tank as ‘upper’ or ‘lower’ is relative and context-dependent; for example, a tank functioning as an upper tank with respect to a lower tank beneath it may simultaneously serve as a lower tank with respect to a further tank positioned above it.
  • the vertical displacement between the upper tank 11 and the lower tank 12 is preferably greater than the depth D of a tank 10. In examples, the vertical displacement exceeds the tank depth D so as to permit gravity-fed flow from the outlet at or near the bottom of the upper tank 11 to the lower tank 12 without obstruction, thereby facilitating efficient transfer of fluid and reducing the risk of backflow or partial emptying.
  • the tanks 10 are held by the support structure 60 in a vertical column with each upper tank 11 above a respective lower tank 12.
  • the column may comprise a bottom tank 14 and one or more upper tanks 11 , the uppermost of which is the top tank 13, vertically displaced above the bottom tank 14.
  • At least each upper tank 11 includes an outlet 24 toward the bottom 22 thereof for releasing at least some of the contents of the upper tank 11 to a corresponding lower tank 12.
  • the outlet 24 is located closer to the bottom 22 than to the top of the tank and is preferably situated at or adjacent to the bottom 22 so as to facilitate substantially complete drainage of the tank contents under gravity.
  • the contents of an upper tank 11 may include the culture water and organic matter therein.
  • the outlet 24 is connected to a second arrangement of conduits 200 having a first end 201 fluidly connectable to the outlet 24, a water purifier 80 for treating culture water, and a second end 202 for releasing treated culture water.
  • the first end 201 of the second arrangement of conduits 200 is connected to the outlet 24 of the upper tank 11 , and the second end 202 is proximal to the top 21 of the lower tank 12, thereby passing culture water from the upper tank 11 to the lower tank 12.
  • a first arrangement of conduits 100 having a first end 101 fluidly connectable to a source of clean make-up water 30, and one or more second ends 102 fluidly connected to at least one of the plurality of tanks 10 for supply of make-up water thereto.
  • the one or more second ends 102 may be fluidly connected to the top tank 13 to provide clean makeup water 30 to the tanks 10.
  • the term 'fluidly connected' is to be understood as denoting a condition in which fluid communication is possible between two or more components, regions, or volumes. Such fluid communication may be direct or indirect and does not necessarily require a continuous or permanent physical connection. Rather, the term encompasses any arrangement that allows fluid to travel from one component, region, or volume to another, whether by means of one or more intermediate conduits, valves, passages, or other fluid transfer mechanisms.
  • the source of clean make-up water 30 comprises a first reservoir 31 for containing clean make-up water.
  • the first reservoir 31 for containing clean make-up water.
  • the first reservoir 31 has a base 32, and preferably the first end 101 of a first arrangement of conduits 100 is connected to the reservoir
  • the second end 102 of the first arrangement of conduits 100 and/or the third arrangement of conduits 300 is functionally configured to feed an upper tank 11 , preferably the topmost tank at or toward a first end 25 thereof, preferably substantially at each end.
  • This arrangement enables efficient distribution of make-up water and allows for uniform flow patterns within the tank, thereby enhancing water quality and operational control.
  • the thermal structure 70 may be provided for trapping heat and increasing the temperature of the culture water. Preferably, at least the plurality of tanks 10 is located within the thermal structure 70.
  • the term ‘thermal structure’ encompasses any building or enclosure configured to retain heat, such as a greenhouse, without limitation to the use of glass or other transparent materials.
  • the thermal structure 70 may alternatively or additionally comprise one or more thermal solar panels operatively connected to the first and/or third arrangement of conduits, thereby enabling transfer of heat to the culture water and assisting in maintaining a desired water temperature.
  • the treatment conduit 206 extends between the outlet conduit 204 and the feed conduit 208 and comprises a biofiltration subsystem.
  • the biofiltration subsystem is in the form of a biofilm 84 comprising cultured aerobic microorganisms 86 disposed on a conduit wall 207 over which the culture water flows.
  • the treatment conduit 206 is an open gutter or channel to aid aerobic processes.
  • the treatment conduit 206 is a closed conduit.
  • the conduit wall 207 may comprise an impermeable outer wall 207a to contain and direct the culture fluid and a permeable or perforated inner wall 207b to increase the surface area of biofilm 84 exposed to flow.
  • a dual-level configuration may be used in which an upper portion of the treatment conduit 206 is perforated so that culture water drips onto a lower portion of the treatment conduit 206. This arrangement increases wetted
  • successive sections of the treatment conduit 206 may be formed with progressively decreasing cross-sectional diameters to promote a controlled reduction of flow velocity as the culture water advances.
  • oxygen supplementation may be provided to the treatment conduit 206.
  • oxygen supplementation may be provided to the treatment conduit 206 by a positive-pressure oxygen supply injecting gaseous oxygen or air into the culture water stream.
  • a positive-pressure oxygen supply injecting gaseous oxygen or air into the culture water stream.
  • Such an oxygen supply may be controlled by at least one sensor 4 , for example a dissolved-oxygen sensor 4 located in the second arrangement of conduits 200.
  • the oxygen supplementation provided to the treatment conduit 206 may thereby improve dissolved-oxygen levels for downstream tanks 10.
  • This optional supply of oxygenation is provided and operates in conjunction with the water purifier 80.
  • optional oxygen supplementation may additionally, or alternatively be provided to one or more tanks 10.
  • the aquaculture system 1 may further comprise a third arrangement of conduits 300.
  • the third arrangement of conduits 300 may comprise a first end 301 connected for receiving culture water from the lower tank 12, and a second end 302 connected to the upper tank 11 for recycling culture water thereto.
  • the water received from the lower tank 12 may be cleaned via the water purifier 80 of the second arrangement of conduits 200 of that lower tank 12.
  • the lower tank 12 to which the first end 301 is connected is the bottom tank 14 and the upper tank 11 is the top tank 13.
  • the third arrangement of conduits 300 further comprises a recycle reservoir 35 fluidly connected to the outlet 24 of the bottom tank 14 for receiving treated culture water therefrom and a pump 310 for returning the treated culture water to at least the height of the top tank 13.
  • the recycle reservoir 35 may be located below the bottom 22 of the bottom tank 14 to receive culture water under gravity.
  • the recycle reservoir 35 may be located above the top of the top tank 13 so that the pump 310 is arranged at the first end 301 to receive treated culture water directly from the feed conduit 208 and dispense recycled culture water to the upper tank 11 under gravity.
  • make-up water is introduced to the tanks 10 via the first arrangement of conduits 100 and treated or recycled culture water is returned to the to the tanks 10 via the third arrangement of conduits 300.
  • the ratio of make-up water to culture water may be controlled.
  • the ratio of make-up water to culture water may be between 1 :5 and 1 :25 and preferably between 1 :8 and 1 :15.
  • This control of the ratio of make-up water to culture water may be implemented as a reverse serial dilution along the vertical column of tanks 10.
  • the culture water descending from each upper tank 11 is diluted with clean make-up water at or near the first end 25 of the next lower tank 12 before the culture water traverses that tank 10.
  • the ratio of make-up water to culture water may be controlled by valves at the one or more second ends 102, by pump 310, or by a controller responding to the sensors 4.
  • the tanks 10 preferably have a width W and a length L substantially greater than W, and are formed with a first end 25 and a second end 26.
  • the first end 201 of the second arrangement of conduits 200 is connected to an upper tank 11 at the outlet 24 toward the second end 26 and the upper tank 11 is fed make-up water and/or culture water toward or at the first end 25.
  • each tank 10 has a single outlet 24. With this configuration, flow proceeds substantially from the first end 25 to the second end 26 within each tank 10, while the treatment conduit 206 extends substantially the length L to provide continuous biofiltration prior to discharge to the lower tank 12 through the second end 202.
  • the feed conduit 208 with openings 209 then distributes treated culture water into the lower tank 12, particularly at the first end 25.
  • one or more tanks 10 in the aquaculture system 1 may include one or more aeriation pumps 90.
  • the one or more aeration pumps 90 may be configured to be submerged in the water of the tank.
  • the one or more aeration pumps 90 may be located at or toward the first end 25 of each tank 10.
  • Each aeriation pump 90 has an inlet 91 at or toward the bottom 22 of the tank 10 and an outlet 92 at or proximal to the surface of the culture water.
  • the outlet 92 may comprise a nozzle 93 configured to eject culture water at velocity substantially horizontally in the direction of the second end 26 to generate surface shear and internal micro-flow.
  • Each aeriation pump 90 may be carried by a mounting 94 that positions the aeriation pump 90 in the tank 10.
  • the aeriation pump 90 includes a first portion 97 extending substantially vertically from the inlet 91 and a second portion 98 extending substantially perpendicular thereto and
  • the second portion 98 may extend 10-25% of the length L of the tank 10 toward the second end 26.
  • the upper region of the second portion 98 is supported by a spring-string-spring arrangement anchored to the supporting structure 60 on opposite sides of the tank 10, thereby stabilising the outlet 92 and allowing limited oscillation.
  • the aeriation pump 90 may be placed on a slight slant near the bottom 22 and connected by a bend where the vertical first portion 97 transitions to the second portion 98, which can promote a gentle rocking motion of the pump during operation.
  • the bend may be between about 45-degrees and about 90 degrees, and is preferably about 90 degrees. This motion may enhance surface waves and contribute to the mobilisation of sediment toward the outlet 24.
  • fish transfer in the aquaculture system 1 may be accomplished by a fish transfer means 40 for transferring fish and/or water from an upper tank 11 to a lower tank 12.
  • the fish transfer means 40 includes an aperture 42 in or toward the bottom 22 of the upper tank 11 and an obturating means 44 movable from a first closed position 44a in which the aperture 42 is at least substantially obturated to a second open position 44b in which the aperture 42 is open to enable movement of fish and/or water from the upper tank 11 to the lower tank 12.
  • An actuation means 46 is provided for moving the obturating means 44 between the first closed position 44a and the second open position 44b.
  • the obturating means 44 may be of any suitable form, including, by way of example, a hinged cover, a trap door, a sliding door, or a lens-type closure.
  • the obturating means 44 may be configured to be sealed in the closed position by the pressure of water within the upper tank 11.
  • the obturating means preferably extends across the boundary of the aperture 42, more preferably around the full perimeter of the aperture 42, to provide an effective water-tight seal.
  • the term ‘obturating means’ as used herein encompasses the actuation means 46 for moving the obturating means between the open and closed positions.
  • the actuation means 46 may be manual, for example comprising an arm with a handle operated from below the tank 10, or may include a screw mechanism operated from below to secure the obturating means 44 in the first closed position 44a.
  • the actuation means 46 may be automated, for example by a time-controlled valve that moves the obturating means 44 to the second open position 44b at predetermined intervals to permit passive mass downward migration of fish by gravity.
  • the obturating means 44 may be a weighted member that seats against a sealing element such as a rubber seal so
  • the fish transfer means 40 may further include a fish guide 50 having a first end 51 proximal the aperture 42 of the upper tank 11 for receiving fish and culture water therefrom and a second end 52 proximal to the top 21 of the lower tank 12 for directing fish and culture water from the upper tank 11 to the lower tank 12.
  • the fish guide 50 may have at least an inclined section 54 that is not vertical in order to slow the velocity of fish being transferred and may have a curved section to adjust the trajectory of the fish from the vertical.
  • the inclined section 54 can advantageously reduce the likelihood of fish colliding with the bottom of the lower tank 12, thereby mitigating potential injury and improving fish welfare during transfer.
  • the fish guide 50 may include one or more reversable fixings 53 for securing the fish guide 50 to the upper tank 11 or to the supporting structure 60 and may be removed between transfer events.
  • a visual logging device such as a camera forming part of the sensors 4 may be positioned adjacent to the aperture 42 to observe fish movement and behaviour during transfer.
  • the tanks 10 may be arranged in at least a first vertical column 61 and a second vertical column 62. There may be additional vertical columns.
  • the culture water from the first vertical column 61 is isolated from the culture water of the second vertical column 62, and any further vertical columns.
  • this isolation may be achieved by providing separate first arrangements of conduits 100, second arrangements of conduits 200 and third arrangements of conduits 300 for each vertical column and by locating separate recycle reservoir 35 capacities for each column. This isolation reduces the likelihood of cross-contamination and facilitates differential husbandry regimes across different vertical columns.
  • the volume relationships between the tanks 10 within a vertical column may be selected to support hydraulic stability.
  • an upper tank 11 may have a volume V1 and a lower tank 12 may have a volume V2 where V2 is greater than or equal to V1 , so that the lower tank 12 can accept the inflow from the upper tank 11. This may be particularly applicable under transient events such as activation of the overflow conduit 205.
  • the aquaculture system 1 may further include one or more sensors 4, an example of which is shown in Figure 2, but could be located anywhere in the systems shown in Figures 1 and 3.
  • the one or more sensors 4 may be located in any one or more of: one or more of the tanks 10, in the first arrangement of conduits 100, in the second arrangement of conduits 200, or in the third arrangement of conduits 300.
  • the one or more sensors 4 may be for monitoring and recording the state of the fish and/or the culture water.
  • the sensors 4 may include one or more of a water level sensor 4, a flow rate sensor 4, a pH sensor 4, an air or water temperature
  • the sensors 4 may be connected to a data logger or to a controller of the aquaculture system 1 for supervisory control.
  • the data logger or to a controller may be configured to perform any one or more processed including: regulation of the ratio of make-up water from the first arrangement of conduits 100 to recycled water from the third arrangement of conduits 300, adjustment of the pump 310 duty, and control of the optional oxygenation manifold associated with the treatment conduit 206.
  • Connections between the sensors 4 and the pump 310 may enable the implementation of closed-loop control of the pump operation in response to sensed parameters, such as maintaining a predetermined water level within one or more tanks 10.
  • the controller may be configured to generate an alarm when a sensed value, such as water level, temperature, dissolved oxygen, or flow rate, falls outside predetermined limits.
  • the outlet 24 of an upper tank 11 may be provided with an emergency valve configured to automatically close in the event of a pump stoppage or fault condition, thereby preventing unintended flow or transfer of fish and/or water.
  • the supporting structure 60 may be a rigid metal framework configured to hold the plurality of tanks 10 in the required vertical disposition.
  • the supporting structure 60 may further provide anchor points for the first arrangement of conduits 100, and/or the second arrangement of conduits 200 and/or the third arrangement of conduits 300.
  • the supporting structure 60 may further provide anchor points for the aeriation pumps 90 and/or the sensors 4.
  • the plurality of tanks 10 may be integrated structurally with the supporting structure 60 by brackets or saddles so that the top 21 , the bottom 22 and the plurality of sides 23 are protected from abnormal stresses.
  • the first end 201 of the second arrangement of conduits 200 is connected to the outlet 24 of the upper tank 11 located toward the second end 26 while make-up water from the first arrangement of conduits 100 enters the upper tank 11 toward or at the first end 25, establishing a longitudinal flow to the outlet 24.
  • the outlet conduit 204 then delivers culture water and entrained organic matter to the treatment conduit 206, where the biofilm 84 of microorganisms 86 adherent to the conduit wall 207 digests the organic matter and enriches the culture water with dissolved oxygen.
  • the flow control means 210 including the baffles 212 and the sedimentation reservoirs 216, retain particulates, after which the feed conduit 208 with openings 209 discharges treated culture water to the lower tank 12 at the top 21 thereof, at least at the first end 25 and preferably along the length L.
  • the third arrangement of conduits 300 collects treated culture water from the lower tank 12, preferably the bottom tank 14, into the recycle reservoir 35 and uses the pump 310 to return said treated culture water by the
  • the aquaculture system 1 achieves controlled water parameters with a reduced land footprint and with a reduced requirement for large mechanical filtration hardware when compared to conventional installations.
  • the present disclosure further provides a method for cultivating fish using an aquaculture system 1 such as that previously described.
  • Figure 4 shows examples of aspects of the method for cultivating fish using the aquaculture system.
  • the aquaculture system 1 comprising at least a plurality of vertically displaced tanks 10 that include at least an upper tank 11 and a lower tank 12, a first arrangement of conduits 100, and a second arrangement of conduits 200.
  • culture water is introduced to the upper tank 11 together with a plurality of fishlings or fingerlings.
  • the method for cultivating these fishlings or fingerlings into fish broadly comprises the following steps. The method begins by feeding, via the first arrangement of conduits 100 clean make-up water into the upper tank 11 to augment the culture water therein. Culture water and any organic matter therein are then passed from an outlet 24 of the upper tank 11 through the second arrangement of conduits 200 of the upper tank 11 . The culture water is the purified at a water purifier 80, and the purified culture water is passed to the lower tank 12. Throughout these steps, gravity is advantageously employed to drive flow wherever elevation differences permit.
  • the operation of the method is configured to be continuous such that fish are cultivated over time using the aquaculture system 1.
  • Culture water and any organic matter therein are passed from an outlet 24 of the lower tank 12 along the second arrangement of conduits 200 of the lower tank 12, including through the water purifier 80.
  • the purified culture water is received at a third arrangement of conduits 300 and is returned, through the third arrangement of conduits 300, as recycled culture water to the upper tank 11 alongside the make-up water from the first arrangement of conduits 100.
  • the method establishes a loop in which culture water traverses the upper tank
  • the make-up water and recycled culture water are introduced to the upper tank 11 in a controlled ratio of between 1 :5 and 1 :25, more preferably between 1 :8 and 1 :15.
  • This ratio may be maintained by controlling the inflow through the first arrangement of conduits 100 relative to the return flow through the third arrangement of conduits 300.
  • the resulting hydraulic regime keeps metabolite levels below stress thresholds while minimising overall water consumption.
  • a dilution of approximately 1 :10 may be used at each stage such that, in each operational cycle, one litre of clean make-up water introduced to the upper tank 11 combines with approximately ten litres of culture water to produce approximately eleven litres of mixed water that advances downstream.
  • this progressive introduction of clean make-up water can be considered as a staged dilution where the overall dilution factor is a function of the number of vertically connected tanks 10 in a module.
  • Such staged dilution may be coordinated by a controller responding to sensors 4 that monitor water-quality parameters.
  • the culture water is passed along the first arrangement of conduits 100, through the plurality of tanks 10 and the respective second arrangements of conduits 200 by gravity. This is achieved by arranging the elevation of a first reservoir 31 in the source of makeup water 30 above the elevation of the top 21 of the top tank 13, and by arranging the second arrangement of conduits 200 to descend from the outlet 24 of the upper tank 11 to a discharge point proximal to the top 21 of the lower tank 12.
  • the lower passages of the second arrangement of conduits 200 associated with the lower tank 12 may similarly descend to the third arrangement of conduits 300 so that a recycle reservoir 35 receives treated culture water
  • the water purifier 80 includes a biofiltration subsystem 82, and the step of passing the culture water through any second arrangement of conduits 200 includes passing the culture water along a treatment conduit 206 of the water purifier 80 that includes the biofiltration system 82.
  • the treatment conduit 206 provides a conduit wall on which a biofilm 84 comprising cultured aerobic microorganisms 86 adheres.
  • the microorganisms 86 digest organic fish waste and uneaten feed, produce a mucilaginous matrix that retains solid particles, and generate dissolved oxygen, thereby improving water clarity and oxygen content before the culture water reaches the lower tank 12. Oxygenation may be further promoted by maintaining the treatment conduit 206 open to atmosphere and by employing surface texture 88 or structured media within the treatment conduit 206 to increase the wetted area for the biofilm 84.
  • the continuous reverse aqua serial dilution circuit may be run in a synchronised manner wherein inflow, mixing within each tank 10 and discharge to the respective second arrangement of conduits 200 occur in coordinated intervals.
  • each tank 10 may operate on a one-second interval such that approximately 3,600 litres of clean make-up water pass through the aquaculture system 1 per hour, effecting a corresponding staged dilution of approximately 36,000 litres of culture water.
  • incoming partially treated culture water is further purified, via oxygenation, before being transferred onward, which assists in preventing backward impurity dilution and crosscontamination.
  • flow equalisation devices within the treatment conduit 206 may be actuated or configured to stabilise the synchronised cycle.
  • the method can further include monitoring water quality and/or animal welfare using sensors 4 and a visual logging device such as a camera included among the sensors 4.
  • Measurements of any one or more of: pH, temperature, salt concentration, organic matter concentration, flow rate, water level and dissolved oxygen can be used by a data logger or controller to regulate the inflow through the first arrangement of conduits 100, the return through the third arrangement of conduits 300, and the duty of any aeriation pumps 90 installed in the tanks 10.
  • Monitoring water quality and/or animal welfare also supports decision-making for husbandry operations such as fish transfer described below.
  • the fish transfer means 40 comprises an aperture 42 in the upper tank 11 and an obturating means 44, and transferring fish includes moving the obturating means 44 from a first closed position 44a to a second open position 44b to allow culture water and fish to flow through the aperture 42.
  • the aperture 42 is preferably closed by moving the obturating means 44 to the first closed position 44a so that the upper tank 11 can again receive culture water and fish.
  • a fish guide 50 may be employed during transfer to control the velocity and/or path of the fish from the upper tank 11 to the lower tank 12, thereby protecting the fish from injury or stress during the transfer.
  • the fish guide 50 may include an inclined section 54 and a curved section to adjust trajectory; reversible fixings 53 may permit installation and removal between transfer events without disturbing the supporting structure 60.
  • the method may further include trapping heat from the sun in a thermal structure 70 and thereby heating the culture water.
  • the culture water is maintained at a target temperature of between about 10 and 45 degrees C.
  • the temperature may be most preferably at around 40 degrees C.
  • the thermal structure 70 may include a roof 72 that admits solar radiation while limiting convective losses and may cooperate with a means for electrical power generation 74 to supply auxiliary devices such as the pump 310 and the sensors 4. Temperature measurements from the sensors 4 may be used to modulate ventilation or shading so that the target temperature is maintained within the specified range.
  • the method may include collecting organic matter including waste food and animal waste in sedimentation reservoirs 216 and harvesting the organic matter collected therein.
  • the sedimentation reservoirs 216 are formed by flow control means within the treatment conduit 206 and retain particulates separated by the biofilm 84 and by gravitational settling. Harvesting of sedimentation may be carried out periodically, synchronised with the above-described operational intervals, so that removal of settled solids does not disturb the biofilm 84.
  • the sedimentation reservoirs 216 may be
  • the culture water introduced to the upper tank 11 may be fresh water or salt water depending on the cultured species of fish.
  • the first arrangement of conduits 100 may be supplied by a source of make-up water 30 that includes a rainwater collection system 34, so that the method includes collecting rainwater and feeding the first reservoir 31 to sustain the continuous reverse aqua serial dilution circuit.
  • the method may be executed across multiple vertical modules arranged as a first vertical column 61 and a second vertical column 62, wherein the culture fluid of the first vertical column 61 is isolated from the culture fluid of the second vertical column 62 for biosecurity.
  • the steps described above are carried out independently in each vertical column so that transfer events, make-up water ratios and recirculation duty can be tailored per column without cross-infection.
  • aeriation pumps 90 within the tanks 10 may operate to create internal micro-flow so that the outlet 92 ejects culture water substantially horizontally toward the second end 26, which promotes surface oxygenation and encourages suspended solids to migrate toward the outlet 24 for removal in the second arrangement of conduits 200.
  • the aquaculture system 1 achieves a controlled hydraulic and biochemical regime.
  • the continuous reverse aqua serial dilution circuit sustains high stocking densities while maintaining stable water-quality parameters with reduced reliance on external aeration or chemical treatment, the biofiltration system 82 ensuring digestion of organic matter, retention of solids in the sedimentation reservoirs 215, and generation of dissolved oxygen as the culture water proceeds from the upper tank 11 to the lower tank 12 and back to the upper tank 11 as recycled culture water.
  • the isolation of vertical columns 61 , 62 and the monitoring by sensors 4 further support positive outcomes under operational variability.
  • the present disclosure further provides a method of creating organic fertiliser from organic matter harvested from an aquaculture system 1.
  • Figure 11 shows examples of aspects of a system and method of creating organic fertiliser from organic matter harvested from an
  • the organic matter may comprise aquatic animal waste collected during operation of the aquaculture system 1.
  • the method firstly comprises receiving the organic matter and purifying the organic matter by passing the organic matter over a coarse screen 402.
  • the coarse screen 402 removes large debris and non-desired inclusions while allowing smaller suspended particulates and moisture to pass so that the organic matter is presented for fermentation with an initial, reproducible particle-size profile.
  • the organic matter purified by the coarse screen 402 is then combined with liquid and solid additives to provide a controlled substrate for microbial processing.
  • the method then comprises adding harvested organic matter, molasses, fermented milk (lactic acid), fish scales (Chitin) and a microbial starter culture to a primary fermentation vessel 404 to create a mixture 410.
  • the additives are selected to balance carbon and nitrogen sources and to seed the mixture 410 with beneficial microorganisms; in particular, the microbial starter is EM-1 in a preferred implementation. However, other equivalent microbial starter formulations or naturally derived microbial consortia may be employed.
  • the microbial starter culture may be of any suitable type capable of initiating and supporting the desired fermentation process, and may include, for example, commercial effective microorganism formulations, lactic acid bacteria cultures, yeast cultures, photosynthetic bacteria, nitrifying or denitrifying bacterial cultures, Bacillus species, Rhodopseudomonas species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus oryzae, or combinations thereof.
  • the primary fermentation vessel 404 is configured to allow intermittent agitation and controlled venting so that aerobic consortia can proliferate without excessive foaming or pressure build-up.
  • the mixture 410 in the primary fermentation vessel 404 is then fermented with intermittent agitation by an agitator 406 of the fermentation vessel 404 over a first time period to create a first ferment 411.
  • the agitator 406 is operated on a duty cycle sufficient to homogenise the mixture 410 without shearing the developing biofilm structures or destabilising the emulsion phases that may form during proteolysis of the organic matter.
  • the first time period preferably exceeds two weeks so that metabolic conversion reaches a steady state in which volatile nitrogen compounds are reduced and the first ferment 411 becomes stable. During this first time period, oxygen is replenished to the headspace and the mixture 410 so that aerobic catabolism remains dominant.
  • the first time period may be up to 30 days for aerobic fermentation and up to 45-60 days anaerobic fermentation.
  • the method then may further comprise introducing the molasses and the microbial starter via add ports 405 of the primary fermentation vessel 404.
  • the add ports 405 enable controlled
  • the mixture 410 is mixed by the agitator 406 to distribute substrates and inoculum uniformly. Fermentation of the mixture 410 is carried out under vented aerobic conditions so that carbon dioxide generated during metabolism is discharged while oxygen exchange is maintained; the vented aerobic conditions are regulated to avoid vacuum or positive pressure excursions in the primary fermentation vessel 404, thereby maintaining stable operating conditions for the microorganisms.
  • the primary fermentation vessel 404 may be provided with one or more vents configured to permit controlled release of gases while preventing ingress of contaminants, which may include, for example, simple open vents with insect screens, filtered vents employing hydrophobic membranes, or vents incorporating nonreturn valves.
  • the venting arrangement may be adjustable or actively regulated to control the rate of gas exchange according to the stage of fermentation.
  • the mixture 410 may be created with defined ratios of additives.
  • the mixture 410 includes 15-25% molasses, 0.5-2% fermented milk and 5-20% fish scales (Chitin), with a particularly suitable formulation being approximately 10% molasses, 1 % fermented milk and 10% fish scales (Chitin).
  • the carbohydrate from molasses provides readily metabolizable carbon
  • the fermented milk supplies lactic acid and lactobacilli to lower pH and suppress spoilage flora
  • the fish scales (Chitin) supply chitin as a substrate that favours chitinolytic microorganisms and contributes to the nitrogen profile of the first ferment 411.
  • the microbial starter is EM-1 in a preferred implementation, introduced via the add ports 405.
  • the first ferment 411 Upon completion of the first time period in the primary fermentation vessel 404, the first ferment 411 is clarified to separate residual unfermented solids.
  • the method may then include passing the first ferment 411 through a separator 414 comprising a fine mesh filter 416 for separating unfermented solids from the liquid first ferment 411 .
  • the separator 414 provides a controlled cut-off so that solids that require further digestion are removed from the liquid stream, while dissolved and colloidal nutrients remain in the clarified first ferment 411.
  • the fine mesh filter 416 may be operated in flow-through or batch mode, provided that the retained fraction is captured without clogging and the permeate remains representative of the first ferment 411.
  • the clarified first ferment 411 is passed to a second fermentation vessel 408.
  • the second fermentation vessel 408 is sealed or otherwise conditioned so that the clarified first ferment 411 can be fermented under anaerobic conditions for a second time period to create a second ferment 412.
  • the anaerobic conditions are established to favour facultative and obligate anaerobes that convert
  • the second time period preferably exceeds two weeks, and in some examples is between 14 and 28 days, so that the second ferment 412 achieves long-term storage stability and a beneficial nutrient profile.
  • the second time period may be up to 30 days for aerobic fermentation and 45-60 days anaerobic fermentation.
  • the method may include returning the unfermented solids retained by the separator 414 and the fine mesh filter 416 to the primary fermentation vessel 404 to form part of the mixture 410 for a further aerobic fermentation. Recirculating this solids fraction exposes larger or more recalcitrant particles to the conditions in the primary fermentation vessel 404, where the agitator 406 and vented aerobic conditions promote further hydrolysis and oxidation. The returned material is again dosed through the add ports 405 if re-balancing of the mixture 410 is required to maintain the desired ratios and PH.
  • the second ferment 412 is separated into distinct product phases.
  • the method includes separating liquid and gel products of the second ferment 412 to create individual fertilizer products 415.
  • the liquid fraction of the individual fertilizer products 415 may be suitable for fertigation or foliar application, while the gel fraction of the individual fertilizer products 415 may be suited to soil amendment where slow nutrient release is required.
  • the individual fertilizer products 415 may optionally be packaged for sale using conventional filling and sealing operations, provided that the packaging process preserves the microbial viability and nutrient integrity of the individual fertilizer products 415.
  • the method may further include harvesting the fish scales (Chitin) from the fish produced in the aquaculture system 1 .
  • the harvested fish scales (Chitin) are then used as the fish scales (Chitin) component in the mixture 410 added to the primary fermentation vessel 404. Integrating this harvesting step closes a resource loop within the installation and ensures that the fish scales (Chitin) are compositionally matched to the aquatic animal waste used to create the mixture 410.
  • faecal solids and uneaten feed entrained in water are directed into bio-filtration gutters of the second arrangement of conduits 200, where an aerobic microbial community colonises and digests the material for a residence period of at least about two week, or longer .
  • Harvesting the resultant sedimented biomass from the gutters yields a pre-conditioned organic matter stream in which biological solids capture,
  • the intermittent agitation by the agitator 406 maintains dissolved oxygen in the mixture 410 during the first time period and to keep suspended solids from settling without disrupting the structure of the developing microbial consortia.
  • the vented aerobic conditions in the primary fermentation vessel 404 allow carbon dioxide to vent while replenishing oxygen; the transition to the anaerobic conditions in the second fermentation vessel 408 then shifts metabolic pathways to favour polymerisation and stabilisation in the second ferment 412. Returning the unfermented solids to the primary fermentation vessel 404 reduces waste and increases conversion efficiency by exposing resistant fractions to further aerobic degradation.
  • the separator 414 with the fine mesh filter 416 thus serves as a decision point between streams destined for further aerobic processing in the primary fermentation vessel 404 and streams that are suitable for anaerobic finishing in the second fermentation vessel 408.
  • the coarse screen 402 may be positioned immediately downstream of the harvesting point of the aquaculture system 1 so that gross impurities are removed before storage, or may be integrated into a receiving chamber that feeds directly to the primary fermentation vessel 404.
  • the add ports 405 may be arranged to permit sequential or simultaneous dosing of molasses, fermented milk (lactic acid), fish scales (Chitin) and the microbial starter EM-1.
  • the separator 406 may be operated continuously when the aquaculture system 1 provides a continuous inflow of organic matter, or in batches when the first ferment 411 is produced at discrete intervals; in each case, the fine mesh filter 406 is sized so that the unfermented solids are reliably captured for the optional return step and the clarified first ferment 411 is prepared for anaerobic finishing in the second fermentation vessel 408.
  • the method as described provides for the creation of stable, microbe-enriched organic fertiliser from aquatic animal waste using a controlled two-stage fermentation in the primary fermentation vessel 404 and the second fermentation vessel 408.
  • the method has defined inputs through the add ports 405, controlled agitation by the agitator 406, defined residence times for the first ferment 411 and the second ferment 412, clarification by the separator 406
  • the closest prior art may be considered to be recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in which aquatic animals such as finfish are cultivated in land-based tanks, and the culture water is circulated through a treatment loop comprising filtration, aeration, and sterilisation before being returned to the tanks.
  • RAS recirculating aquaculture systems
  • Such systems are known to reduce the environmental impact compared to open-water ponds or cages and to permit a degree of water-quality control.
  • they require complex and costly equipment, including pressurised biofilters, mechanical solids filters, ultraviolet or ozone sterilisation units, and precise thermal regulation systems.
  • These subsystems consume significant amounts of energy for pumping, aeration, and heating or cooling, and the capital and operational costs are often prohibitive for small and medium-scale operators.
  • waste solids management remains a challenge, biosecurity is limited by common hydraulic connections, and stock handling can cause stress and injury.
  • the systems and methods of the present disclosure namely the vertical tank arrangement and gravity-fed transfer, reduce the need for pumping, thereby lowering energy consumption and mechanical complexity.
  • Reverse serial dilution and integrated bio-filtration maintain water quality without the need for expensive pressurised filtration or sterilisation units.
  • Passive fishtransfer means minimise handling stress and reduce mortality.
  • Modular isolation of tanks improves biosecurity by enabling containment of disease outbreaks to affected units only. Waste capture and fermentation convert an environmental liability into a commercial product, closing the nutrient loop and reducing disposal costs.
  • An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vertically oriented aquaculture system for cultivating aquatic animals, including finfish, shellfish, crustaceans, and molluscs, wherein tanks are arranged in a stacked or tiered configuration to enable gravity-fed water transfer and fish movement.
  • This arrangement significantly reduces the reliance on energy-intensive pumping for routine operation, thereby lowering both operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions relative to biomass yield.
  • the compact vertical footprint also permits deployment in
  • Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the integration of continuous, low-energy bio-filtration and reverse serial dilution into the water circulation pathway.
  • This approach maintains stable water-quality parameters without the need for complex pressurised filtration units, ultraviolet sterilisation, or chemical dosing systems, thereby making the technology accessible to small and medium-scale operators.
  • the system also provides for passive gravity migration of fish between tanks via dedicated fish-transfer means that minimise handling stress.
  • the system preserves fin integrity and reduces stress- related mortality. This is of particular significance for high-value species where product quality is closely tied to welfare standards.
  • Biosecurity is enhanced through the modular arrangement of tanks, which permits individual tanks or cohorts to be hydraulically isolated in the event of a disease outbreak. This configuration allows the operator to maintain unaffected stock in continued production while containing and treating only the affected units.
  • the capacity for selective water routing and cohort segregation directly addresses a major shortcoming of existing pond, cage, and RAS installations, where a single contamination event can compromise an entire facility.
  • the present disclosure pertains to the an aquaculture vertical system for cultivating fish or aquatic animal protein and producing organic bio-fertilizer from fish waste.
  • the technique is designed to address environmental concerns, promote sustainability, and contribute to the circular economy by recycling over 95% of water and achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions.
  • the innovation aims to increase fish production to meet the demands of a growing global population.
  • this present disclosure relates in some examples to a Reverse Aqua Serial Dilution (RASD) method for fish cultivation and the production of fish waste as organic biofertilizers.
  • RASD Reverse Aqua Serial Dilution
  • the system employs vertical aquaculture methods, making it suitable for urban areas and desert regions to improve food security.
  • the discharged water (approximately 1 litre of aquamix also known as culture water) passes through long gutter pipes such as the treatment conduit 206 for biofiltration at the water purifier 80 before entering the next tank 10.
  • Cultured microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) in the gutter pipes of the second arrangement of conduits 200 purify the culture water by retaining fish waste and sediments, which serve as substrates for the microbes. These aerobic microbes ferment and break down the organic matter in the aquamix or culture water, ensuring clean water flows to the next tank. This biofiltration process is repeated at each tank level.
  • the bio-cleaning mechanism begins with cultured microbes producing a mucous attachment component that helps them adhere to the organic matter substrate, maximizing organic matter retention and ensuring firm attachment to the gutter pipes.
  • aerobic microbes such as cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) consume carbon dioxide from the environment and produce oxygen. This oxygen is then transferred through the flowing clean water to the next tank, providing the dissolved oxygen necessary for fish survival.
  • This aquaculture vertical system not only supports sustainable fish production but also generates high-quality organic bio-fertilizers, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and food security in various regions.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates back view of a reverse aqua serial dilution system as displayed in the present invention. It provides the location an aqua tank 10 being placed next to an open gutter pipe 04 which is connected to aqua tank inlet water pipes 02 that supported by metal stands 03.
  • FIG. 12 shows a reinforced aqua tank 05 used in the serial dilution process as presented in the current invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a front view as presented in this current convention. It illustrates the position of an aqua tank overflow water pipe 06 and aqua tanks laid on metal stand 60 or supporting structure 60 arranging the tanks 10 vertically 07.
  • FIG. 17 is the outward look of the overhead water tank 17, the exterior structure 16 that may also be referred to as the thermal structure 70, the underground tank 18 also referred to herein as the recycle reservoir 35 and water pump 20, 310.
  • FIG. 18 avails a side view of the aqua tanks 10 and stands 21 , 60 as stated in this present invention.
  • FIG. 19 provides how the structure 60 appears in the house 70 as stated in this present invention. It shows the location housing interior 22, aqua tanks 10 side view 23 and metal support /stand 60 for aqua tanks 10 and open gutter pipes 24 or second arrangement of conduits 200.
  • the fish receive aeration from the abundant dissolved oxygen produced by microbes, such as cyanobacteria, present in the gutter pipes 200, 206. Additionally, aeration is achieved by positioning the inlet pipes 02, 208, 209 at a 90-degree angle above the tank, causing water to drop and splash, thereby agitating the water.
  • the combined oxygen from the microbes and the atmospheric oxygen, along with the water agitation, provides sufficient oxygen for the fish to survive.
  • Serial dilution is achieved by repeatedly releasing water from one tank to the next through gravity, ensuring proper dilution. During the daytime, the fish move randomly, causing the settled deposits (fish waste) to be stirred up and removed by the flowing water, keeping the tanks (10) clean and providing a comfortable environment for the fish. Bio filtration occurs at every tank 10 interval in the second arrangement of conduits 200 before the culture water is released to the next tank or lower tank 12. The combination of serial dilution and bio filtration makes this technology unique, allowing for the vertical stacking of tanks 10 to an endless level ("sky is the limit").
  • fish are preferably fed with organic feeds.
  • Water quality is monitored using sensors and indicators, and fish welfare is tracked with cameras. It takes six months to raise a mature fish, averaging 300 grams in weight, in 10 litres of water that is serially diluted by a continuous flow of 1 litre of fresh bio-filtered aquaculture water (or 1000 fish in 10,000 litres of water being serially diluted by 1000 litres of fresh filtered water).
  • This digestion process continuously cleans the water.
  • the numerous microorganisms present produce oxygen, which is then supplied to the third tank as dissolved oxygen.
  • the deposit materials, including microbe colonies and fish waste can be harvested and processed into organic fertilizer. It takes two weeks to develop a full colony of microbe-enriched biofertilizer in the biofiltration pipes.
  • a shut off valve 27 preferably located at the outlet 24 of a tank 10, allowing the gutter to dry and the fish waste to settle at the bottom of the pipes 200, 206.
  • the sedimented fish waste can be scooped manually or, on a larger scale, drained into a holding container where the water is decanted, and the sediments are either dried or transferred to a fermentation tank 400. Fermentation takes an additional two weeks to produce a highly nutritious organic bio fertilizer.
  • the RASD method in vertical aquaculture is a clean and healthy system for fish production, ensuring traceability of food, water, and the growing environment.
  • This gravity-driven biofiltration system efficiently recycles water, making responsible use of this resource. It emits zero carbon footprints and greenhouse gases.
  • the method processes fish waste into biofertilizer, reducing environmental waste. Its clean setup minimizes the need for antibiotics, thereby reducing antimicrobial resistance. The system also limits resource use, with zero feed wastage and reduced fish mortality and predation.
  • the RASD method optimizes land use, making it suitable for urban and densely populated areas. It is cost-effective, requiring no equipment like pond aerators and water heaters. The method ensures accountability and rapid growth in fish production, facilitating proper market planning. Fish harvesting is simplified by draining the tanks. Additionally, this method does not harm the environment, contribute to climate change, or interfere with human activities.
  • Any feature in one aspect may be applied to other aspects, in any appropriate combination.
  • method aspects may be applied to system aspects, and vice versa.
  • any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.
  • a vertical aqua system 1 for growing fish comprising:
  • each tank 10 is an open gutter pipe 200 that collects water and is hung on the outer side of the metal stand 60.
  • a vertical aqua system for growing aquatic animals comprising sensors, monitors, cameras and automated robotics for feeding, inspection and fish welfare.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Farming Of Fish And Shellfish (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système et des procédés d'aquaculture comprenant une pluralité de réservoirs déplacés verticalement destinés à la pisciculture ; un premier agencement de conduits pouvant être relié à une source d'eau d'appoint propre et relié à au moins un réservoir de la pluralité de réservoirs pour fournir de l'eau d'appoint à celui-ci ; la pluralité de réservoirs comprenant au moins un réservoir supérieur et un réservoir inférieur comprenant une sortie vers le fond de ce dernier pour libérer l'eau de culture et la matière organique se trouvant à l'intérieur ; un second agencement de conduits ayant une première extrémité en communication fluidique avec la sortie, un purificateur d'eau pour traiter l'eau de culture et une seconde extrémité pour libérer l'eau de culture purifiée à proximité de la partie supérieure du réservoir inférieur pour faire passer l'eau de culture du réservoir supérieur au réservoir inférieur.
PCT/GB2025/051817 2024-08-16 2025-08-15 Système et procédés d'aquaculture Pending WO2026038056A2 (fr)

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Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3804063A (en) 1973-02-01 1974-04-16 Sioux Corp Vertical fish farm

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2349786A (en) * 1999-05-12 2000-11-15 Univ Portsmouth Apparatus and method for rearing and collection of aquatic organisms
AU2009214838A1 (en) * 2008-02-14 2009-08-20 Mcrobert Aquaculture Systems Pty Ltd Device for removing marine animals from an aquaculture tank
DE202014103397U1 (de) * 2014-07-23 2015-10-26 Gordon Bock Aquakulturanlage
JP6047749B1 (ja) * 2016-02-09 2016-12-21 ホリマサシティファーム株式会社 アクアポニックスシステムとそれを使用した魚介類飼育方法及び植物栽培方法
CN113170754A (zh) * 2021-05-18 2021-07-27 青岛农业大学 一种锦鲤鱼菜共生循环水养殖系统及方法

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3804063A (en) 1973-02-01 1974-04-16 Sioux Corp Vertical fish farm

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