CA2139101A1 - Fish farm cage security system - Google Patents
Fish farm cage security systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2139101A1 CA2139101A1 CA002139101A CA2139101A CA2139101A1 CA 2139101 A1 CA2139101 A1 CA 2139101A1 CA 002139101 A CA002139101 A CA 002139101A CA 2139101 A CA2139101 A CA 2139101A CA 2139101 A1 CA2139101 A1 CA 2139101A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cage
- sound
- security system
- sounds
- detector means
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 241000251468 Actinopterygii Species 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 244000062645 predators Species 0.000 description 10
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241001417955 Agonidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000726103 Atta Species 0.000 description 1
- KLYCPFXDDDMZNQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Benzyne Chemical compound C1=CC#CC=C1 KLYCPFXDDDMZNQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diethyl ether Chemical compound CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241001508687 Mustela erminea Species 0.000 description 1
- DOQPXTMNIUCOSY-UHFFFAOYSA-N [4-cyano-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-methylhexyl]-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-methylazanium;chloride Chemical compound [H+].[Cl-].C1=C(OC)C(OC)=CC=C1CCN(C)CCCC(C#N)(C(C)C)C1=CC=C(OC)C(OC)=C1 DOQPXTMNIUCOSY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229940116800 covera Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- VKYKSIONXSXAKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N hexamethylenetetramine Chemical compound C1N(C2)CN3CN1CN2C3 VKYKSIONXSXAKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/16—Actuation by interference with mechanical vibrations in air or other fluid
- G08B13/1654—Actuation by interference with mechanical vibrations in air or other fluid using passive vibration detection systems
- G08B13/1672—Actuation by interference with mechanical vibrations in air or other fluid using passive vibration detection systems using sonic detecting means, e.g. a microphone operating in the audio frequency range
-
- 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
- A01K61/00—Culture of aquatic animals
- A01K61/60—Floating cultivation devices, e.g. rafts or floating fish-farms
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
- Y02A40/80—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in fisheries management
- Y02A40/81—Aquaculture, e.g. of fish
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
- Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
Abstract
2139101 9400007 PCTABS00030 A fish farm cage security system includes sound-emitting devices (13) attached to the cage (10) for detecting tampering with one or more of the nets (12) forming the cage (10). Detector means (14) are provided for detecting the sound emitted by the sound-emitting devices (13) and to ambient sounds. Also provided are discriminator means (15) responsive to the output of the detector means (14) and operable to determine whether the sounds detected by the detector means (14) represent a perceived threat to stock contained within the cage (10). The output of the discriminator means (15) may actuate alarm means (17) as appropriate to the perceived threat.
Description
~ FrSS3/DNB ~ 1 3 ~
`!~7~ ~ .
. . -., - - 1 _ ' FISH F~RM C~CE S~CURITY SYST~
During the year 1991, aquacul~lre as an indust~y produced at least 14 million tonnes of produce. ~ percentage of thls production was fin fish, cultured in floating cage structures at sea. Due to the e~vironmental require~ents of the stoclc. these cages are often placed in ~emote loc~tions.
The stocks held in t~ese struc~ures usually have a long growing cycle. ~ large loss just'prior to the fish being marketed could cause financial ruin to~the enterprise. This problem is made more acute as t is very difficult to insure these fish stocks competitivel~. Due to ~hese Lacts~ losses from theft or from marine or human predators are a ma~or concern.
; ~ lt iS known that some marine predators, s~ch as seals, can '~e repelled from a~tacking fish far~ing ca~es by ult-a sound a~ cer~ain : : I
levels of in~ensity and at certain frequencies. ~hese current aevices, though, have to be in operation 24 hours a day. Consequen~ly, there is a lerge~power demand and predators have the opportun~'ty to acclimatise the selves to the sound produced. Another drawbacX of the c~rren~
` ' 20 dev~lces is that they do~ not inform the owner o~ the occurrence. If a preaator~attacX has~ occurred and the net has been torni then large losses of stoc~ may result without warning~being given.
International Patent ApplicationW090/01758 discloses a fish far~ cage security system in which sounds originating from the volume 25~ ar~und the~cage~are~detected by detectors arranged near to the cage and the pos`s~ibl~e~threat~represented by the sounds so detected is e~aluated.
If~the~;threat:ls~considered~to be from marine creatures such as seals then~sound-emitting~devices are used~to produce sound which are intended to ~rishten away` the-pr~dators. Unfortunately, it has ~een found tna;
30 ~ such preda~ors may often make very little detectable noise around the ca~e~and~may~damàgelthe nets~ with no apprec~iable~'warning.~ Whilst the subsequent~ actLvation~o~ the sound-emitting device may then frighten away;the predators, ~if the~nets are already dam ged the stock from the ne~s may~escape, with considerable financial loss.
35 ~ It~is an objec~of the present invention to provide a fish fa~m cage~ security system~whicA docs not suffer from the above disadvan~tages . ~ ~
I\MENDED SHEE~ `
~SS3/D~ ' 2Si ~ 1 3 ~ ~ 01 - s~ la -. . .
According to the invention there is provided a fish farm cage security system which includes sound-emitting means attached to the cage for detecting tampering with one or more nets forming the cage, detector means responsive to the sound emitted by the sound-emitting means, discriminator means responsive to the output of the detector means to determine whether the sounds detected by the detector means repr~sent a perceived threat and alarm means responsive to the output of tne detector to respond in a manner appropriate to the nature of the perceived threat.
According to one aspect of the invention the sound-emitting means comprise a number of bells attached to the nets forming the cage .
~ , :
::: : : :
' :
::
AMENDE~ S~E
W 0 94/00007 '~ L 3 3 1 ~ PCT/GB93/0131 ~
`!~7~ ~ .
. . -., - - 1 _ ' FISH F~RM C~CE S~CURITY SYST~
During the year 1991, aquacul~lre as an indust~y produced at least 14 million tonnes of produce. ~ percentage of thls production was fin fish, cultured in floating cage structures at sea. Due to the e~vironmental require~ents of the stoclc. these cages are often placed in ~emote loc~tions.
The stocks held in t~ese struc~ures usually have a long growing cycle. ~ large loss just'prior to the fish being marketed could cause financial ruin to~the enterprise. This problem is made more acute as t is very difficult to insure these fish stocks competitivel~. Due to ~hese Lacts~ losses from theft or from marine or human predators are a ma~or concern.
; ~ lt iS known that some marine predators, s~ch as seals, can '~e repelled from a~tacking fish far~ing ca~es by ult-a sound a~ cer~ain : : I
levels of in~ensity and at certain frequencies. ~hese current aevices, though, have to be in operation 24 hours a day. Consequen~ly, there is a lerge~power demand and predators have the opportun~'ty to acclimatise the selves to the sound produced. Another drawbacX of the c~rren~
` ' 20 dev~lces is that they do~ not inform the owner o~ the occurrence. If a preaator~attacX has~ occurred and the net has been torni then large losses of stoc~ may result without warning~being given.
International Patent ApplicationW090/01758 discloses a fish far~ cage security system in which sounds originating from the volume 25~ ar~und the~cage~are~detected by detectors arranged near to the cage and the pos`s~ibl~e~threat~represented by the sounds so detected is e~aluated.
If~the~;threat:ls~considered~to be from marine creatures such as seals then~sound-emitting~devices are used~to produce sound which are intended to ~rishten away` the-pr~dators. Unfortunately, it has ~een found tna;
30 ~ such preda~ors may often make very little detectable noise around the ca~e~and~may~damàgelthe nets~ with no apprec~iable~'warning.~ Whilst the subsequent~ actLvation~o~ the sound-emitting device may then frighten away;the predators, ~if the~nets are already dam ged the stock from the ne~s may~escape, with considerable financial loss.
35 ~ It~is an objec~of the present invention to provide a fish fa~m cage~ security system~whicA docs not suffer from the above disadvan~tages . ~ ~
I\MENDED SHEE~ `
~SS3/D~ ' 2Si ~ 1 3 ~ ~ 01 - s~ la -. . .
According to the invention there is provided a fish farm cage security system which includes sound-emitting means attached to the cage for detecting tampering with one or more nets forming the cage, detector means responsive to the sound emitted by the sound-emitting means, discriminator means responsive to the output of the detector means to determine whether the sounds detected by the detector means repr~sent a perceived threat and alarm means responsive to the output of tne detector to respond in a manner appropriate to the nature of the perceived threat.
According to one aspect of the invention the sound-emitting means comprise a number of bells attached to the nets forming the cage .
~ , :
::: : : :
' :
::
AMENDE~ S~E
W 0 94/00007 '~ L 3 3 1 ~ PCT/GB93/0131 ~
- 2 - :
~;~ and of a form which lS not actuated by the normal movements of the .
~ cage due to tide and weather. ..
;~ : According to another aspect of the invention the detector means~ comprise sonar detector means operable to detect underwat~r l ~.
5~: sounds.
According to a~further a~pect o~ ~he invention the alarm ~: : means may: compri~e so~nd generating means operable to generate underwater sounds to~;deter~the cause of the perceived threat. The larm :;
means -ay also include means~:to~alert~personnel~:to the~existence of a O~ percei~ed threat.
The~inven~ion~will now~be~described with refer~nce to the ..
accompanying draw~ngs~,~in;~which~
Flgure 1 is ~a~schematic diagram~of a fish farm cage : incorporating one:~embodiment of~he security sy&tem; , ;
: 15 ~ Figuré 2 ~illustrates~ in :schematic ~orm the electronic èlë~è~t~ f~e security~ ~ stem~ cording to:the i~ ~ tion. ~ :
ferring~now;to~Fl e l:, a fish ~a ~ cage lO compr floatlng~ rom;~w~ich are ~suspended~nets 12 formin~ an enclosure~ Attached~to~th~e nèts:l2~for~ing the sides~and~bottom of~the cagë.l0: ~sre ~a ~r~: of ~;~er~ b 11~:~13~,~ ge r ly ~t gh not~
atta~hed to~the:net~awsy:~:from~ ~ e~co ~ rs~o~ the~cage wher ment~ to i ~ e~:of~t :n s will b ~ eatest.;~ so d t~ i Y ~be ~ 3 i~-deteGted~by:~ e~or~more ~ e ~ ater detectors~
to~c ~ ~o ~ ~ cs~ whic ~m ~:co 'ently be~
25:~ o~ d~ ~ ~ w ~ ~fl.~A iw ~be:de-c i ~ lat r,:~;~the cag -mo ~ ~ed~
elec ~ des~ or d~ete lng~ pr ~ ~le ~so ce he; ~A ~ : snd al80 ccmmon~c~elon~mssns for~
ng~ ~ a.l6.t~ Also~mo ~ ted~:~;on~;the.~n~ts:~ 12~ further~ls ` d~
30~ emitting~devices ~ t~ ~c ~ le of edstors:,~ ch~;a ~;~;~8`'~
18:~to ~detect~ the~presence of;p-ople or~: ;
``U`de sr b~lls~such~ ~ose s ~ n at:~l3~1n Fi ~ re~l ~ e :~
ly ~mechsnic~i;dévices~whi~h~ e~activa :distùrbed~by~a predstar~pushln6~into the net.~They will not be activated water~current~!:or~ather:~movements~generated by the tides or westher.
~ SUBSTiTUTE SHEET ~
94~Q0007 P ~ /GB93/01319 If a num~er of cages are located closP together it is possible to use bells emitting sound at different frequencies on each cage so that it is possible to ~etermine which cage is being disturbed.
The underwater detectors 14 may conveniently be hy~rophones, positioned so as to detect sounds from the area around the cage lO. The detectors may be responsive not only to the sounds emitted by the bells 13 but also to other sounds generated in the Area of the cages, such as those made by boats. Thc physical location o~ the detectors 14 will depend upon the area of covera~e required around the cage lO.
The ~urther sound-emitting devices used to scare away marine :~ predators will preferably emit pulses of sound at frequencies and intensities which are known to have the desired effect on the particular ~ przdators believed to constitute a threat to the stock in the cage.
It will be appreciated that the sound-emitting means 13 need not be in the form of mechanical bells as has been described. Electronic sound~emitting devices of many types will be suitable, so long as they are able to operate in the marine environment. The use of such devices will, however, normally require the addition of sume form of movement ~; detector to detect movement o~ the nets and cause the activation of the sound-emi~ting devices~ themselves. One advantage of using such :el~ctronic sound-emitting devices is that t~ey may ~lso be actuated by o~her e~ects:than net movement. For example it is ~ossible to mount ~;; detectors on the walkw~y 11 to detect the presence of people or marine creatures such ~s seals on the walkway when the system is activated, thus~ detecting potential poachers. The discriminator means may be arrange~ to ase such~presence of ~eop1e to operate~an alarm system to the bàse station without triggeri~g the sound-em1tting devices, so that ; the apprehension of the~people is more likely.
The cage-mounted electronics 15 is preferab~y powered by an i~ernaI bati~ery, as~it is likely that the location of the cage will preclude the supply of power~through a cable. Battery charging devices such ss a cage-mounted wind generator may be used, as may solar cells.
The electronics may simply 5ransmlt signals representing the detected , sounds to the base station &nd receive signals from the base station representing the act1on to~be taken, such as the actuation of the seal-:scaring devices. Alternatively, the cage-mounted electronics 15 may have ~ : : the ability to determine the threat posed by thé sounds detected and to : ~ ~ :
SlJB~lTUTE SHEET
W 0 94/00007 ~13 9 101 P ~ ~GB93/013} ~ -_ 4 _ cause the ~ppropriate action to be taken, signalling the base s~ation ~nly when the threat is one which needs to be drawn to the attention of a base station operator. As well as transmitting signals to the base station representing action being taken, the cage-mounted electronics 15 ~ay also tr~nsmi.t to the base station the actual sounds detected by '' the hydrophones 14 so that a base station operator may de~ermine whether further action is necessar~. The cage-mounted electronics will usually be contained in a wàtertight tamper-proof container so that it is . .
; protected~both from the~environment and from tampering by unauthorised 10 ~ persons.~
Figure 2 illustrate~s the~cage-mounted electronics 15 and the base~station~20 in~schematlc manner~. me electronics 15 is represented by~block 21, having~connected to it one or more~hydrophones 14 and one or more sound-emitting devices~l7. Forming part o~the electronics,15 is~a radio tran~mitter-rec iver 22 connected to the antenna 16. In most situations the radio~will'con~enl~ntly o~perate at ~ freguencies. The electronics~lS~wiIl~ so~be c~ ~ ected~to~the battery charging system 'such~à`s~solar cells~Qr~wind generator ~ re~ady~mentioned and represent d schèmatic~ly~at~23. In~addition to the so ~ d-emitting devices 17 the 20~ ;electro~'ics may~ ~ so~actuate flood lights 24 if $he perceived threat warr ~ ts this action.
;1 ~ e base~station 20 is also sho~ in~Fi ~ re;2. ~ is includes radio~receiver which receives the data transmitted by the cage-mo ~ ted elèct~onics~ over~the~ radio ~li ~ . In addltion,~the base statlon may `25~ `inclùde~a~10u~spe ~ er~ 5~so;~that~the base station operAtor may hear the ac~tu ~ ~;soùnds~detect`ed;by~the~hydrophones 14~ nd a ksyboard~2 which ~instructions or responses m ~be e tered~in o;~he~system.
e~cage-mo ~ ted~electronics may conveniently include the decision-making~me ~is which dete ~ ines the action to be taken in , 30~ 'àc~ ~ nce with~the~Idènti~ication o~ a perceived~threat to he c~ge othe~,fish~stock~contsined~in~it.~This will~require~the~provision of some fo~m~of~data~,~prQcessor~in~ the~ cage-mounted electronics 15 which is pro6r ~ d ,to,,~res~ nd`~to~detected~ sound~to cause~ the~appropriste response.~Alternatively, if~;the~purpose of the~cage-mounted electronics `' 35~ is only~ o~transmit the~detected soùnd to~the base ststion and respondto~ins~tru-tions~received~'from~the~base station, then;the data processor may~be~loGAted st~ the base station.
~ SUB~IITIJTESH~
~ 94/00007 h 13 ~1 U 1 P~/GB93/01319 In use9 the main purpose of the security system is to detect and respond to attacks on the cage by msrine predators such as, but not restricted to, seals. Since such attacks will involve the seals making physical contact with the nets forming the c~ge, such attac~s will actuate the underwater bells or other movement detectors 13. The sound emitted by the sound-e~itting device~ will be detected by one or more of the hydrophones 14, causing signals to be detected by the cage-mounted electronics 15. It is difficult to detect the sounds of seals or other marine predators in the water with any accuracy and hence the provision of the und~rwater bells or other sound-~mitting devices is an essentiaI feature of the security system. The sounds detected by the hydrophones may be transmitted to the base station 20 over the radio - link but will ~lso cause signals representing the actuation of the sound-emit~ing devices to b applied to the data processor, which will respond as programmed. If, for example, the signals detected by the hydrophones indlcate tbat a single seal or a small number of seals is ~; ~aking unsuccessful attempts to penetrate the nets, then the system may respond only by actuating the sound-emitting devices 17 to frighten the ; ~eals ~way. In this situation there may be no need to alert the basestation operator. If, on the other hand, the signals detected by the hydrophones indicate a mass attack, an attack by a much larger predator or the pre~ence of people on the walkway lI, the response ~ay be to ~ operate the sound-emitting devices and/or to warn the base-station ; ~ ~ operat~r.
5~ Non-~arine predators, generally human, may be able to attack the stock held in a c~ge wlth~ut making physical contact with the nets and actuating the underwater sound-emitting de~ices 13. However, the hydrophones will be able to pick up the sound of their approach if by boat and these sounds may be used to actuate the security system by ~; 30 themselves. The dsta processor may be programmed to respond to such sounds by sending an alarm signal to the b~se station. The use of the sound-emitting devices 17 may not be necessary since it unlikely that these will afPect human predators. If the incident occurs at night then he illumination of flood llghts will be use~ul but the call-out o~
personnel from the base station will be the most likely response. In order to provide further information on an incident of this type the miorophones 18 mounted on the floating platform will detect the sounds ~; S0BSTITUTE S~
W 0 94/00007 ~13~1 Vl PC~r/GB93/0131 ~
made by people on the pla~form, so that ~hese sounds may be transmitted back to the b~se station for analysis by an operator.
The base station operator, to whom reference has been made above, may be located at the base station or may be provided with a 5 paging device to warn when an incident occurs at the cage.
Alternatively, it is possible to incorporate in the base station a telephone dialler which will call the operator by telephone and relay `~ the signals received by the base station ~rom the cage.
It is not necessary for the com~unications link between the cage and the b~se station to be by radio. If the cage is located close to the shore or is, for example, in an inland lake or an inlet from the sea, then cable links may be adequate. In either situation it may be ` ~ advisable to provide an alarm to indicate if the communication link has been subjec~ to physical or other interference.
A single base station may be provided for a number of cages each having its own sound-emitting de~ices, detectors, eleotronics and 90 on. As has already been suggested it is possible to provide each cage with sound-emitting devices emitting sound of different frequencies so that the cage-mounted electronics of one cage is not ~ctivated by sounds 20 ~r~m~ emitterB attached to an adjacent cage. Electronic filters may provide~the neces~ary discrimination in thi~ si~uation.
; The cage- unted p~rts of the security system are ~ounted in a~ hostile environment and it is advisable to include some form of self-tes~tlng progr~m which is activ~ted from time to time to check that 25~ the integrity of the system has not been compromised. In the event of a system~failure o~ any type sn appropriate message will be sent to the base~station.~n ~ddi~ion, other features common to security systems of other~ types; ay~be ~incorporated where these will provide a useful output. The base station may be provided with some or all of the 30 per~pheral devLees shown in Figure 2, such as a printer 27D sound and 8ignal recording devices 28, a status display 29 or other appropri~te ; devices.
:: J
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
~;~ and of a form which lS not actuated by the normal movements of the .
~ cage due to tide and weather. ..
;~ : According to another aspect of the invention the detector means~ comprise sonar detector means operable to detect underwat~r l ~.
5~: sounds.
According to a~further a~pect o~ ~he invention the alarm ~: : means may: compri~e so~nd generating means operable to generate underwater sounds to~;deter~the cause of the perceived threat. The larm :;
means -ay also include means~:to~alert~personnel~:to the~existence of a O~ percei~ed threat.
The~inven~ion~will now~be~described with refer~nce to the ..
accompanying draw~ngs~,~in;~which~
Flgure 1 is ~a~schematic diagram~of a fish farm cage : incorporating one:~embodiment of~he security sy&tem; , ;
: 15 ~ Figuré 2 ~illustrates~ in :schematic ~orm the electronic èlë~è~t~ f~e security~ ~ stem~ cording to:the i~ ~ tion. ~ :
ferring~now;to~Fl e l:, a fish ~a ~ cage lO compr floatlng~ rom;~w~ich are ~suspended~nets 12 formin~ an enclosure~ Attached~to~th~e nèts:l2~for~ing the sides~and~bottom of~the cagë.l0: ~sre ~a ~r~: of ~;~er~ b 11~:~13~,~ ge r ly ~t gh not~
atta~hed to~the:net~awsy:~:from~ ~ e~co ~ rs~o~ the~cage wher ment~ to i ~ e~:of~t :n s will b ~ eatest.;~ so d t~ i Y ~be ~ 3 i~-deteGted~by:~ e~or~more ~ e ~ ater detectors~
to~c ~ ~o ~ ~ cs~ whic ~m ~:co 'ently be~
25:~ o~ d~ ~ ~ w ~ ~fl.~A iw ~be:de-c i ~ lat r,:~;~the cag -mo ~ ~ed~
elec ~ des~ or d~ete lng~ pr ~ ~le ~so ce he; ~A ~ : snd al80 ccmmon~c~elon~mssns for~
ng~ ~ a.l6.t~ Also~mo ~ ted~:~;on~;the.~n~ts:~ 12~ further~ls ` d~
30~ emitting~devices ~ t~ ~c ~ le of edstors:,~ ch~;a ~;~;~8`'~
18:~to ~detect~ the~presence of;p-ople or~: ;
``U`de sr b~lls~such~ ~ose s ~ n at:~l3~1n Fi ~ re~l ~ e :~
ly ~mechsnic~i;dévices~whi~h~ e~activa :distùrbed~by~a predstar~pushln6~into the net.~They will not be activated water~current~!:or~ather:~movements~generated by the tides or westher.
~ SUBSTiTUTE SHEET ~
94~Q0007 P ~ /GB93/01319 If a num~er of cages are located closP together it is possible to use bells emitting sound at different frequencies on each cage so that it is possible to ~etermine which cage is being disturbed.
The underwater detectors 14 may conveniently be hy~rophones, positioned so as to detect sounds from the area around the cage lO. The detectors may be responsive not only to the sounds emitted by the bells 13 but also to other sounds generated in the Area of the cages, such as those made by boats. Thc physical location o~ the detectors 14 will depend upon the area of covera~e required around the cage lO.
The ~urther sound-emitting devices used to scare away marine :~ predators will preferably emit pulses of sound at frequencies and intensities which are known to have the desired effect on the particular ~ przdators believed to constitute a threat to the stock in the cage.
It will be appreciated that the sound-emitting means 13 need not be in the form of mechanical bells as has been described. Electronic sound~emitting devices of many types will be suitable, so long as they are able to operate in the marine environment. The use of such devices will, however, normally require the addition of sume form of movement ~; detector to detect movement o~ the nets and cause the activation of the sound-emi~ting devices~ themselves. One advantage of using such :el~ctronic sound-emitting devices is that t~ey may ~lso be actuated by o~her e~ects:than net movement. For example it is ~ossible to mount ~;; detectors on the walkw~y 11 to detect the presence of people or marine creatures such ~s seals on the walkway when the system is activated, thus~ detecting potential poachers. The discriminator means may be arrange~ to ase such~presence of ~eop1e to operate~an alarm system to the bàse station without triggeri~g the sound-em1tting devices, so that ; the apprehension of the~people is more likely.
The cage-mounted electronics 15 is preferab~y powered by an i~ernaI bati~ery, as~it is likely that the location of the cage will preclude the supply of power~through a cable. Battery charging devices such ss a cage-mounted wind generator may be used, as may solar cells.
The electronics may simply 5ransmlt signals representing the detected , sounds to the base station &nd receive signals from the base station representing the act1on to~be taken, such as the actuation of the seal-:scaring devices. Alternatively, the cage-mounted electronics 15 may have ~ : : the ability to determine the threat posed by thé sounds detected and to : ~ ~ :
SlJB~lTUTE SHEET
W 0 94/00007 ~13 9 101 P ~ ~GB93/013} ~ -_ 4 _ cause the ~ppropriate action to be taken, signalling the base s~ation ~nly when the threat is one which needs to be drawn to the attention of a base station operator. As well as transmitting signals to the base station representing action being taken, the cage-mounted electronics 15 ~ay also tr~nsmi.t to the base station the actual sounds detected by '' the hydrophones 14 so that a base station operator may de~ermine whether further action is necessar~. The cage-mounted electronics will usually be contained in a wàtertight tamper-proof container so that it is . .
; protected~both from the~environment and from tampering by unauthorised 10 ~ persons.~
Figure 2 illustrate~s the~cage-mounted electronics 15 and the base~station~20 in~schematlc manner~. me electronics 15 is represented by~block 21, having~connected to it one or more~hydrophones 14 and one or more sound-emitting devices~l7. Forming part o~the electronics,15 is~a radio tran~mitter-rec iver 22 connected to the antenna 16. In most situations the radio~will'con~enl~ntly o~perate at ~ freguencies. The electronics~lS~wiIl~ so~be c~ ~ ected~to~the battery charging system 'such~à`s~solar cells~Qr~wind generator ~ re~ady~mentioned and represent d schèmatic~ly~at~23. In~addition to the so ~ d-emitting devices 17 the 20~ ;electro~'ics may~ ~ so~actuate flood lights 24 if $he perceived threat warr ~ ts this action.
;1 ~ e base~station 20 is also sho~ in~Fi ~ re;2. ~ is includes radio~receiver which receives the data transmitted by the cage-mo ~ ted elèct~onics~ over~the~ radio ~li ~ . In addltion,~the base statlon may `25~ `inclùde~a~10u~spe ~ er~ 5~so;~that~the base station operAtor may hear the ac~tu ~ ~;soùnds~detect`ed;by~the~hydrophones 14~ nd a ksyboard~2 which ~instructions or responses m ~be e tered~in o;~he~system.
e~cage-mo ~ ted~electronics may conveniently include the decision-making~me ~is which dete ~ ines the action to be taken in , 30~ 'àc~ ~ nce with~the~Idènti~ication o~ a perceived~threat to he c~ge othe~,fish~stock~contsined~in~it.~This will~require~the~provision of some fo~m~of~data~,~prQcessor~in~ the~ cage-mounted electronics 15 which is pro6r ~ d ,to,,~res~ nd`~to~detected~ sound~to cause~ the~appropriste response.~Alternatively, if~;the~purpose of the~cage-mounted electronics `' 35~ is only~ o~transmit the~detected soùnd to~the base ststion and respondto~ins~tru-tions~received~'from~the~base station, then;the data processor may~be~loGAted st~ the base station.
~ SUB~IITIJTESH~
~ 94/00007 h 13 ~1 U 1 P~/GB93/01319 In use9 the main purpose of the security system is to detect and respond to attacks on the cage by msrine predators such as, but not restricted to, seals. Since such attacks will involve the seals making physical contact with the nets forming the c~ge, such attac~s will actuate the underwater bells or other movement detectors 13. The sound emitted by the sound-e~itting device~ will be detected by one or more of the hydrophones 14, causing signals to be detected by the cage-mounted electronics 15. It is difficult to detect the sounds of seals or other marine predators in the water with any accuracy and hence the provision of the und~rwater bells or other sound-~mitting devices is an essentiaI feature of the security system. The sounds detected by the hydrophones may be transmitted to the base station 20 over the radio - link but will ~lso cause signals representing the actuation of the sound-emit~ing devices to b applied to the data processor, which will respond as programmed. If, for example, the signals detected by the hydrophones indlcate tbat a single seal or a small number of seals is ~; ~aking unsuccessful attempts to penetrate the nets, then the system may respond only by actuating the sound-emitting devices 17 to frighten the ; ~eals ~way. In this situation there may be no need to alert the basestation operator. If, on the other hand, the signals detected by the hydrophones indicate a mass attack, an attack by a much larger predator or the pre~ence of people on the walkway lI, the response ~ay be to ~ operate the sound-emitting devices and/or to warn the base-station ; ~ ~ operat~r.
5~ Non-~arine predators, generally human, may be able to attack the stock held in a c~ge wlth~ut making physical contact with the nets and actuating the underwater sound-emitting de~ices 13. However, the hydrophones will be able to pick up the sound of their approach if by boat and these sounds may be used to actuate the security system by ~; 30 themselves. The dsta processor may be programmed to respond to such sounds by sending an alarm signal to the b~se station. The use of the sound-emitting devices 17 may not be necessary since it unlikely that these will afPect human predators. If the incident occurs at night then he illumination of flood llghts will be use~ul but the call-out o~
personnel from the base station will be the most likely response. In order to provide further information on an incident of this type the miorophones 18 mounted on the floating platform will detect the sounds ~; S0BSTITUTE S~
W 0 94/00007 ~13~1 Vl PC~r/GB93/0131 ~
made by people on the pla~form, so that ~hese sounds may be transmitted back to the b~se station for analysis by an operator.
The base station operator, to whom reference has been made above, may be located at the base station or may be provided with a 5 paging device to warn when an incident occurs at the cage.
Alternatively, it is possible to incorporate in the base station a telephone dialler which will call the operator by telephone and relay `~ the signals received by the base station ~rom the cage.
It is not necessary for the com~unications link between the cage and the b~se station to be by radio. If the cage is located close to the shore or is, for example, in an inland lake or an inlet from the sea, then cable links may be adequate. In either situation it may be ` ~ advisable to provide an alarm to indicate if the communication link has been subjec~ to physical or other interference.
A single base station may be provided for a number of cages each having its own sound-emitting de~ices, detectors, eleotronics and 90 on. As has already been suggested it is possible to provide each cage with sound-emitting devices emitting sound of different frequencies so that the cage-mounted electronics of one cage is not ~ctivated by sounds 20 ~r~m~ emitterB attached to an adjacent cage. Electronic filters may provide~the neces~ary discrimination in thi~ si~uation.
; The cage- unted p~rts of the security system are ~ounted in a~ hostile environment and it is advisable to include some form of self-tes~tlng progr~m which is activ~ted from time to time to check that 25~ the integrity of the system has not been compromised. In the event of a system~failure o~ any type sn appropriate message will be sent to the base~station.~n ~ddi~ion, other features common to security systems of other~ types; ay~be ~incorporated where these will provide a useful output. The base station may be provided with some or all of the 30 per~pheral devLees shown in Figure 2, such as a printer 27D sound and 8ignal recording devices 28, a status display 29 or other appropri~te ; devices.
:: J
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
Claims (9)
1. A fish farm cage security system which includes detector means responsive to sounds detected in the volume around the nets (12) forming the cage (10), discriminator means (15) responsive to the output of the detector means (14) to determine whether the sounds detected by the detector means (14) represent a perceived threat and alarm means (17) responsive to the output of the detector means (14) to respond in a manner appropriate to the nature of the perceived threat, characterised by sound-emitting means (13) attached to the cage (10) for detecting tampering with one or more of the nets (12), the detector means (14) being responsive to sounds emitted by the sound-emitting means (13).
2. A security system as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the sound-emitting means (13) comprise a number of bells attached to the nets (12) forming the cage (10) and of a form which is not actuated by the normal movements of the cage (10) due to tide and weather.
3. A security system as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the sound-emitting means (13) comprise sensors attached to the nets (12) forming the cage (10) and responsive to movements thereof other than the normal movement of the cage 10) due to tide and weather.
4. A security system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the detector means (14) comprise sonar detectors operable to detect underwater sounds.
5. A security system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the discriminator means (15) includes means for determining whether the sounds detected by the detector means (14) constitute a threat to stock contained in the cage (10).
6. A security system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the alarm means includes sound-generating means (17) operable to generate underwater sound to deter the cause of any perceived threat to the stock contained in the cage (10).
7. A security system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised by a base station (20) located remote from the cage (10) and a communications link between the cage (10) and the base station (20) over which data may be transmitted from either location to the other.
- 7a -
- 7a -
8. A security system as claimed in Claim 7 characterised in that a single base station (20) is connected by one or more communications links to a plurality of cages (10).
9. A security system as claimed in either of Claims 7 or 8 characterised in that the communications link is a radio link.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9213715.7 | 1992-06-27 | ||
| GB929213715A GB9213715D0 (en) | 1992-06-27 | 1992-06-27 | Fish farm cage security system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2139101A1 true CA2139101A1 (en) | 1994-01-06 |
Family
ID=10717857
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002139101A Abandoned CA2139101A1 (en) | 1992-06-27 | 1993-06-23 | Fish farm cage security system |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH08501445A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU4349893A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2139101A1 (en) |
| GB (2) | GB9213715D0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1994000007A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104304114A (en) * | 2014-10-14 | 2015-01-28 | 浙江海洋学院 | Deepwater net cage and net monitoring method and device based on supershort baseline |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2369025B (en) * | 2000-11-18 | 2002-10-16 | John Mansel Ace-Hopkins | Scaring devices |
| ES2239493B1 (en) * | 2003-01-23 | 2006-11-16 | Fundacion Internacional Para La Proteccion Y Difusion Del Arte | CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM OF UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS AND WATER QUALITY. |
| GB0707204D0 (en) * | 2007-04-14 | 2007-05-23 | Gray Douglas | Otter predation defence system |
| FR2996722A1 (en) * | 2012-10-17 | 2014-04-18 | Serge Menard | AQUACULTURE INSTALLATION OF HIGH SEA |
| WO2018059674A1 (en) * | 2016-09-28 | 2018-04-05 | Helgi Larsen | A method for farming fish and an artificial barrier used for the method |
| FI127510B (en) | 2017-12-22 | 2018-08-15 | Raisioagro Oy | System comprising alarm devices |
| FI127467B (en) | 2017-12-22 | 2018-06-29 | Raisioagro Oy | Measuring waves travelling fish cage |
| CN112640821A (en) * | 2020-12-23 | 2021-04-13 | 浙江海洋大学 | Sound domestication method and effect test method for large yellow croaker cultured in seawater net cage |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3803548A (en) * | 1971-08-18 | 1974-04-09 | Us Army | Fence tampering alarm system |
| GB8819097D0 (en) * | 1988-08-11 | 1988-09-14 | Jones R | Security system |
-
1992
- 1992-06-27 GB GB929213715A patent/GB9213715D0/en active Pending
-
1993
- 1993-06-09 GB GB9311899A patent/GB2268266B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-06-23 WO PCT/GB1993/001319 patent/WO1994000007A1/en active Application Filing
- 1993-06-23 AU AU43498/93A patent/AU4349893A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-06-23 CA CA002139101A patent/CA2139101A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-06-23 JP JP6502153A patent/JPH08501445A/en active Pending
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104304114A (en) * | 2014-10-14 | 2015-01-28 | 浙江海洋学院 | Deepwater net cage and net monitoring method and device based on supershort baseline |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9311899D0 (en) | 1993-07-28 |
| WO1994000007A1 (en) | 1994-01-06 |
| GB2268266B (en) | 1996-03-20 |
| GB2268266A (en) | 1994-01-05 |
| JPH08501445A (en) | 1996-02-20 |
| GB9213715D0 (en) | 1992-08-12 |
| AU4349893A (en) | 1994-01-24 |
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