WO2022201012A1

WO2022201012A1 - Device for growing mussels and methods thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2022201012A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/052587
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gat Ramon
Original assignee: Oceansix Gmbh
Priority date: 2021-03-25
Filing date: 2022-03-22
Publication date: 2022-09-29

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (900) for growing mussels, comprising an elongated base (206, 902) configured to be planted in an aquatic land; and a mussel holder (208, 904) comprising a body, said body attached to said base and configured for attaching a plurality of mussel-seeded elements (204a-b, 908) therein. The invention also relates to a method for growing mussels on such a device, comprising attaching a plurality of mussel-seeded elements comprising mussel larvae to said body of said mussel holder. The invention further relates to a device for growing mussels, comprising an external unit (1206, 1208) configured to receive at least one mussel holder, a mussel holder comprising a body, said mussel holder mountable on said external unit, and a plurality of mussel-seeded elements attached to said body of said mussel holder.

Description

DEVICE FOR GROWING MUSSELS AND METHODS THEREOF RELATED APPLICATION/S

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/165,876 filed on 25 March 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to devices for farming mussels and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to devices for farming mussels on water either on poles or rafts.

Mussel production is the top shellfish farming activity in Europe. There were reports in France in the 13th century of cultivation on wooden stakes. Production began on the Atlantic coast with the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), followed by the Spanish Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean with the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), which is reared right up to the Black Sea. Hybrids of the two species are also commonly found in nature.

Culture begins with the collection of mussel seed either from natural beds or from a rope or other collection devices placed in areas chosen for their currents and the presence of micro organisms. The ropes are collected and transferred to mussel farms, generally between May and July. Mussel dredges move the juveniles from natural beds to sheltered growing areas inshore. The three most common rearing methods in EU coastal areas use ropes, stakes and plots.

Ropes (mainly in Spain, the Mediterranean, Ireland and the United Kingdom) - The mussels are attached to ropes that are suspended vertically in the water from a fixed or floating structure (raft). In Galicia (Spain), rafts are located in estuaries. There is some near-shore mussel farming in France, Ireland and Belgium using longlines.

Stakes (called ‘bouchots’ in France) - This type of culture uses rows of wooden stakes driven into the lower tidal zone. Three to five meters of collecting rope or tubing filled with spat (larvae) are wrapped around the stake and attached. A net is then placed over the whole structure to keep the mussels from falling off.

Plots (in the Netherlands, Ireland and the United Kingdom)— Juveniles are spread over plots in shallow water, generally in bays or sheltered areas on the ground.

Harvesting takes place 12 to 15 months later.

Additional background art includes US patent No 5511514 disclosing a cultivation of shellfish. A first type of shellfish capable of securing themselves to a cultch such as by producing byssus are seeded onto a culture rope together with a second type of shellfish which are not capable of securing themselves. The seeding process is carried out using a seeding machine, and the shellfish are retained against the culture rope by way of a seeding stocking. The seeding stocking, the culture rope, and all of the shellfish, are then transferred to a suitable environment for cultivation. The first type of shellfish produce byssus and thereby secure themselves to the culture rope. The second type of shellfish are also secured by way of the byssus produced by the first type of shellfish. The seeding stocking is then no longer required and degrades or is burst by both types of the shellfish.

US patent No 6578523 disclosing a mussel farming device including a planar body with a slot in one side thereof for receiving a rope or mesh bag, an aperture at the center of the body, and a clip in the aperture for attaching the body to the rope or bag. A plurality of such devices are attached to a rope or bag at intervals along its length, thereby providing a large surface area for mussel attachment and creating stable platforms on which the mussels can mature.

US patent application No 20060165925A1 disclosing a netting material is comprised of both degradable and non-degradable sections. The degradable portions or sections fail over time to enable access to the internal contents of a package made by the non-degradable netting material.

US patent application No 20200008401A1 disclosing a releasably submergible float assembly for use with a mooring line. The float assembly includes a buoyant float body and a retainer. The mooring line is passed through conduits in each of the float body and the retainer, and the assembly submerged to a depth by pressing down on the float body. When the downward pressing is released, the retainer prevents the buoyant float body from rising to the surface. The engagement of the retainer with the mooring line is actuated by the buoyant float body pressing against the retainer. Pressing down on the float body releases the engagement of the retainer with the mooring line, which releases the float assembly from its submerged position on the mooring line. The float assembly may thereby easily be relocated to a position on the mooring line when used in a longline culture system employing the “double backbone” configuration.

US patent application No 20200146266A1 disclosing a double pipe cultivation system which enables to reduce falling of the mussels cultivated with the effect of vertical and horizontal forces that will occur due to wind, wave and tides that can be received all directions in mussel farms established in sea and lake areas, and the losses that can occur due to the similar reasons. SUMMARY

Following is a non-exclusive list including some examples of embodiments of the invention. The invention also includes embodiments which include fewer than all the features in an example and embodiments using features from multiple examples, also if not expressly listed below.

Example 1. A device for growing mussels, comprising : a. an elongated base configured to be planted in an aquatic land; and b. a mussel holder comprising a body, said body attached to said base and configured for attaching a plurality of mussel- seeded elements therein.

Example 2. The device according to example 1, wherein said mussel holder is reversibly attached to said base.

Example 3. The device according to example 1, wherein said mussel holder is irreversibly attached to said base.

Example 4. The device according to example 1, wherein said body of said mussel holder comprises a structure comprising a surface for said mussels to attach.

Example 5. The device according to any one of examples 1-4, wherein said structure comprises a plurality of openings.

Example 6. The device according to any one of examples 1-5, wherein said openings allow water and light to pass through so as to reach the mussels growing on said surface.

Example 7. The device according to any one of examples 1-6, wherein said structure comprises an oval shape along a horizontal axis of said structure.

Example 8. The device according to any one of examples 1-7, wherein said structure comprises a conic shape along a vertical axis of said structure.

Example 9. The device according to any one of examples 1-8, wherein said mussel holder is made of plastic.

Example 10. The device according to any one of examples 1-9, wherein said mussel holder is made of recycled plastic.

Example 11. The device according to any one of examples 1-10, wherein said mussel holder is made of metal.

Example 12. The device according to any one of examples 1-11, wherein said mussel holder is made of reinforced plastic.

Example 13. The device according to any one of examples 1-12, wherein said body of said mussel holder comprises a form that allows a plurality of said mussel holders to be stacked one on top of another. Example 14. The device according to any one of examples 1-13, wherein said mussel holder is made of one piece.

Example 15. The device according to any one of examples 1-14, wherein said mussel holder is made of more than one piece. Example 16. The device according to any one of examples 1-15, wherein said mussel holder is made of two halves interconnected with each other.

Example 17. The device according to any one of examples 1-16, wherein said two halves are stackable on to each other.

Example 18. The device according to any one of examples 1-17, wherein said body of said mussel holder comprises a form that allows a lower level of resistance to flow of water when compared with regular devices for growing mussels.

Example 19. The device according to any one of examples 1-18, wherein said mussel holder comprises one or more protection structures configured to protect mussels growing on said mussel- seeded elements from natural predators. Example 20. The device according to any one of examples 1-19, wherein said one or more protection structures comprises a bottom plate located at the bottom of said mussel holder for protecting said mussels from aquatic predatory animals coming from a bottom of said mussel holder.

Example 21. The device according to any one of examples 1-20, wherein said bottom plate is made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

Example 22. The device according to any one of examples 1-21, wherein said one or more protection structures comprises a plurality of spiked arms at the top of said mussel holder for protecting said mussels from predatory birds.

Example 23. The device according to any one of examples 1-22, wherein said plurality of spiked arms are made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

Example 24. The device according to any one of examples 1-23, wherein said mussel holder comprises at least one ruder configured to rotate around said elongated base by movements of waters inside or below said mussel holder.

Example 25. The device according to any one of examples 1-24, wherein said at least one ruder is made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

Example 26. The device according to any one of examples 1-25, wherein said area of said mussel holder allows to grow from about 10% to about 600% more mussels when compared with a regular device for growing mussels. Example 27. The device according to any one of examples 1-26, wherein said area of said mussel holder is from about 10% to about 600% larger in comparison to a regular Bouchot.

Example 28. The device according to any one of examples 1-27, wherein said mussel holder holds between about 60 Kg to about 500 Kg of grown mussels. Example 29. The device according to any one of examples 1-28, wherein said body of said mussel holder comprises a plurality of rings.

Example 30. The device according to any one of examples 1-29, wherein said plurality of rings are made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

Example 31. The device according to any one of examples 1-30, wherein said body of said mussel holder comprises a plurality of elongated elements interconnected to said rings for said mussel- seeded elements to be attached to.

Example 32. The device according to any one of examples 1-31, wherein said plurality of elongated elements are one or more of wires, tubes and pipes.

Example 33. The device according to any one of examples 1-32, wherein said plurality of elongated elements are made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

Example 34. The device according to any one of examples 1-33, wherein said plurality of elongated elements are arranged in a vertical form.

Example 35. The device according to any one of examples 1-34, wherein said plurality of elongated elements are arranged in a form selected from the group consisting of horizontal, spiral, zigzag and scalar.

Example 36. The device according to any one of examples 1-35, wherein each of said plurality of rings comprise a different diameter.

Example 37. The device according to any one of examples 1-36, wherein said plurality of rings are between two and twenty discs.

Example 38. The device according to any one of examples 1-37, wherein said plurality of rings are arranged by size.

Example 39. The device according to any one of examples 1-38, wherein said arrangement is from big to small where the biggest is at the bottom of said mussel holder and the smallest is at the top of said mussel holder.

Example 40. The device according to any one of examples 1-39, wherein said plurality of elongated elements are between two and twenty elongated elements. Example 41. The device according to any one of examples 1-40, wherein said plurality of rings each generate a spatial separation between said plurality of elongated elements and said elongated base.

Example 42. The device according to any one of examples 1-41, wherein said elongated base is a pole.

Example 43. The device according to any one of examples 1-42, wherein said elongated base is made of a plurality of poles.

Example 44. The device according to any one of examples 1-43, wherein said elongated base is configured to hold said mussel holder.

Example 45. The device according to any one of examples 1-44, wherein said elongated base is made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

Example 46. The device according to any one of examples 1-45, wherein said elongated base comprises a geometrical shape selected from the group consisting of round, square, cross, elliptic and rectangular.

Example 47. The device according to any one of examples 1-46, wherein said elongated base comprises a first feature configured to be interconnected to a complementary feature located in said body of said mussel holder.

Example 48. The device according to any one of examples 1-47, wherein said body of said mussel holder further comprises a holding element for allowing a crane to hold said mussel holder.

Example 49. The device according to any one of examples 1-48, wherein said device produces mussels in compliance with PDO requirements.

Example 50. A method for growing mussels on a device comprising an elongated base, and a removable mussel holder comprising a body, comprising: a. attaching a plurality of mussel-seeded elements comprising mussel larvae to said body of said mussel holder; b. mounting said removable mussel holder on said base.

Example 51. A method for growing mussels on a device comprising an elongated base, a mussel holder comprising a body, comprising: a. mounting said mussel holder on said base; b. attaching a plurality of mussel-seeded elements comprising mussel larvae to said body of said mussel holder after said mussel holder has been mounted on said elongated base. Example 52. A device for growing mussels, comprising: a. an external unit configured to receive at least one mussel holder; b. a mussel holder comprising a body, said mussel holder mountable on said external unit; and c. a plurality of mussel-seeded elements attached to said body of said mussel holder.

Example 53. The device according to example 52, wherein said external unit is a raft.

Example 54. The device according to any one of examples 52-53, wherein said external unit is a buoy.

Example 55. The device according to any one of examples 52-54, wherein said external unit is a rope

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a device for growing mussels, comprising a base and a removable mussel holder mountable on the base. According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder comprises a structure comprising a surface for the mussels to attach.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the structure comprises a plurality of openings.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the openings allow water and light to pass through.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the structure comprises an oval shape along a horizontal axis of the structure.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the structure comprises a conic shape along a vertical axis of the structure. According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder is made of plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder is made of recycled plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder is made of metal.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder is made of reinforced plastic. According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder comprises a form that allows a plurality of the removable mussel holders to be stacked one on top of another.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder is made of one piece.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder is made of more than one piece.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder is made of two halves interconnected with each other.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the two halves are stackable on to each other.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder comprises a form that allows a lower level of resistance to flow of water when compared with regular devices for growing mussels.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder comprises a bottom plate located at the bottom of the removable mussel holder for protecting the mussels from aquatic predatory animals coming from a bottom of the removable mussel holder.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the bottom plate is made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder comprises a plurality of spiked arms at the top of the removable mussel holder for protecting the mussels from predatory birds.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of spiked arms are made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder comprises at least one ruder for rotating the removable mussel holder by movements of waters below the removable mussel holder.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one ruder is made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the area of the removable mussel holder allows to grow from about 100% to about 600% more mussels when compared with a regular device for growing mussels.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder holds between about 60 Kg to about 500 Kg of grown mussels. According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder comprises a plurality of rings.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of rings are made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder comprises a plurality of elongated elements interconnected to the rings for the mussels to be attached to.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of elongated elements are one or more of wires, tubes and pipes.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of elongated elements are made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of elongated elements are arranged in a vertical form.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of elongated elements are arranged in a form selected from the group consisting of horizontal, spiral, zigzag and scalar.

According to some embodiments of the invention, each of the plurality of rings comprise a different diameter.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of rings are between two and twenty discs.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of rings are arranged by size.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the arrangement is from big to small where the biggest is at the bottom of the removable mussel holder and the smallest is at the top of the removable mussel holder.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of elongated elements are between two and twenty elongated elements.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of rings each generate a spatial separation between the plurality of elongated elements and the pole.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the base is a pole.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the base is made of a plurality of poles.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the base is configured to hold the removable mussel holder.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the base is made of plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the base is made of recycled plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the base is made of metal. According to some embodiments of the invention, the base is made of reinforced recycled plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the base comprises a round shape.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the base comprises a cross shape.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the base comprises a geometrical shape selected from the group consisting of round, square, cross, elliptic and rectangular.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the base comprises a first feature configured to be interconnected to a complementary feature located in the removable mussel holder.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder further comprises a holding element for allowing a crane to hold the removable mussel holder.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the device produces mussels in compliance with PDO requirements.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for growing mussels on a device comprising a base and a removable mussel holder, comprising: a. attaching a plurality of ropes comprising mussel larvae to the removable mussel holder; b. mounting the removable mussel holder on the base.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a device for growing mussels, comprising a removable mussel holder mountable on an external unit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder comprises a structure comprising a surface for the mussels to attach.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the structure comprises a conic shape along a vertical axis of the structure.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder is made of plastic. According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder is made of recycled plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder is made of reinforced plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder comprises a form that allows a plurality of the removable mussel holders to be stacked one on top of another.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder comprises at least one ruder for rotating the removable mussel holder by movements of waters below the removable mussel holder. According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one ruder is made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder holds between about 60 Kg to about 500 Kg of grown mussels.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the removable mussel holder comprises a plurality of rings.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of rings each generate a spatial separation between the plurality of elongated elements and the pole. According to some embodiments of the invention, the external unit is a pole.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the external unit is made of a plurality of poles.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the external unit is configured to hold the removable mussel holder.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the external unit is made of plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the external unit is made of recycled plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the external unit is made of metal. According to some embodiments of the invention, the external unit is made of reinforced recycled plastic.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the external unit comprises a round shape.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the external unit comprises a cross shape.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the external unit comprises a geometrical shape selected from the group consisting of round, square, cross, elliptic and rectangular.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the external unit comprises a first feature configured to be interconnected to a complementary feature located in the removable mussel holder.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the external unit is a raft.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the external unit is a buoy.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or images. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary production life cycle of mussels, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a Bouchot concept according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a removable mussel holder, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figures 4a-d are schematic representations of another exemplary Bouchot, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figures 5a-e are schematic representations of another exemplary Bouchot, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figures 6a-g are schematic representations of another exemplary Bouchot, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figures 7a-f are schematic representations of another exemplary Bouchot, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figures 8a-f are schematic representations of another exemplary Bouchot, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 8g is a schematic representation of removable mussel holders stacked on each other to facilitate the transport, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figures 9a-f are schematic representations of another exemplary Bouchot, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figures lOa-d are schematic representation of an exemplary thin Bouchot, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figures lla-e are schematic representations of an exemplary thin Bouchot without openings, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figures 12a-c are schematic representations of exemplary non-pole devices, according to some embodiments of the invention; Figure 13 is a schematic representation of an exemplary holder for oysters or other shellfish, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 14 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of producing mussels, according to some embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Overview

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to increasing mussel production by expanding the growing area provided to the mussels to grow. In some embodiments, increasing the production is by at least 200%. In some embodiments, expanding the growing area is performed by providing a removable device that connects to a pole, which is firmly fixed in the seabed, where the device geometry increases the area/surface where the mussels are allowed to grow. In some embodiments, the area is increased from about 10% to about 600% when compared to a regular Bouchot. In some embodiments, instead of a pole, the device is connected/fixed on a different structure, like rafts, floaters or sunk structures. In some embodiments, in addition to increasing the area where the mussels grow, the device potentially improves the grow conditions of the mussels. In some embodiments, improvements of grow conditions is performed by providing a device that combines increasing of the surface to grow with openings that allow water and sun to filter into the interior of the device. In some embodiments, the device allows water to flow internally and externally to the area of growth of the mussels, providing fresh water to all the mussels, including the ones closer to the interior. In some embodiments, in addition to increasing the area where the mussels grow, the device potentially improves the protection of the mussels from predators. In some embodiments, the device includes elements at the bottom that keep seabed predators, such as crabs, away from the mussels. In some embodiments, in addition the device includes elements at the top that keep flying predators (birds) away from the mussels. In some embodiments, in addition to increasing the area where the mussels grow, the device potentially improves the efficiency of installation and removal of the mussels. In some embodiments, the combination of a fixed pole, which acts as support for the removable device, with the removable device, potentially allows to mount the mussels nurseries on the removable device elsewhere (meaning away from the pole, not necessarily in the water), for a faster and easier installation process. In some embodiments, the device allows the positioning of devices deeper in the water, therefore potentially increasing the area of cultivation. In some embodiments, in addition there is no need for an operator to install each nursery on the water. In some embodiments, the same applies for non-pole devices.

For purposes of better understanding some embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the following description and drawings, reference is first made to the construction and operation of a pole for growing and farming mussels as illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary production life cycle of mussels (see full description and modified from w w w (do t ) fao (do t ) o g/t c m p e IVF I /C D o rn/aq u ac u 11 u e/ 11 1 29m/file/en/.152507 !en_bluemussel(dot)htm). The production cycle commences with the spawning and fecundation of the larvae 102, which is then allowed to settle on fiber ropes 104, usually made for example of hemp or coconut fibers, for about 2 months. Then, the seeded ropes are coiled 106 around free bouchots 108 or laid out on temporary horizontal structures built on the foreshore until new bouchots are available. Once mussels start growing, producers stabilize the structure of the bouchot by progressively encasing each in three to seven polypropylene nets, depending on the wind and sea currents exposure of their sites. To reach the culture sites, producers use tractors, small aluminum boats, or amphibious boats. Harvesting is often performed by boats and/or divers. The boats/amphibious boats are equipped with dedicated hardware for pulling out the coiled ropes, now filled with grown mussels, leaving the poles for another round of growing mussels until they need to be replaced. After harvest, mussels are placed in an oxygenated/aerated purification tank for at least 24 h, at the technical base. Water from the bay is pumped into a tank shared by all shellfish producers in the area. Afterwards, mussels go through a declumper, which separates the mussels and shreds the ropes and nets. Mussels are then cleaned in a brushing machine and calibrated, first mechanically, then by hand, to remove other waste (crabs, algae, broken mussels, etc.). Mussels are then placed in 5, 10, or 15 kg polypropylene bags of mussels for sale. They may also pass through another machine that removes the byssus threads and be sold in 5, 10, or 15 kg polypropylene bags of ready-to-cook mussels or 1 kg polypropylene trays of ready-to-cook mussels.

For the invention, the relevant part of the process is the growing of the mussel on the bouchots. The term « Bouchot » refers to a mussel cultivation system: bouchots are wooden pilings sung deep into the sandy ground in a foreshore area. Bouchots are placed in lines, and different parameters drive the density of mussel populations; these include the number of bouchot lines, the number of bouchots per line, and the number of bouchot that are effectively seeded per line (seeding rate). Bouchots can be constructed from exotic wood, usually Lophira alata and Dinizia excelsa, or just oak or chestnut wood, and are expected to last at least 15 years, when they will have lost half of their weight (then they are replaced).

In addition, rules for the protection of origin and quality of production have been established from some cultivation of mussels, for example, mussels from the zone of France of Mont-Saint Michel have a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) recognition - “Bouchot mussels from the bay of Mont-Saint Michel”, and in order for the mussels to be recognized as such, the growers must adhere to strict parameters. For example, as explained in “Auvrit L., Schaer B. (2019) PDO Saint- Michel’s Bay Bouchot Mussels in France. In: Arfini F., Bellassen V. (eds) Sustainability of European Food Quality Schemes. Springer, Cham. www(dot)doi(dot)org/10.1007/978-3-030-27508-2_25”, the main specifications of the PDO

Bouchot Mussels from the bay of Mont-Saint- Michel are as disclosed on the following table:

The main reason these rules were created is that the authorities and the growers wanted to establish the gold standard for mussels, and the commonly way to assess the gold standard in mussels is by performing organoleptic assessments (tasting assessments). Hence, in order to reproduce the organoleptic properties required by PDO, optimal growing conditions were established, also in view of the limitations provided by the use of wood-pole Bouchots. For example, there is a limit on the maximum weight of mussels per piling (meaning per wooden pole) on average, which is 60 Kg. The reason for this limitation is that an excess of mussels on the pole does not allow the mussels to reach the optimal size due to the lack of space, in this case the optimal size is “an average length equal to or greater than 4 cm”. Also, over-crowding of mussels cause more mussels to be deprived from nutrition, which then may affect the texture and taste of the flesh of the mussels.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Referring now to Figure 2, showing a schematic representation of a Bouchot concept according to some embodiments of the invention. As explained above, current Bouchots simply comprise a wooden pole 202 on which mussel-seeded elements, for example, ropes of fiber 204a- b, usually two - optionally more, are attached. In some embodiments, the Bouchot of the invention, comprises an elongated base, for example a plastic pole 206, which is planted on the aquatic ground, similarly to how the wooden poles are planted, and a mussel holder 208 attached to it, which is schematically represented in Figure 2. In some embodiments, the mussel holder 208 is a removable mussel holder 208, which can be easily mounted and removed from the plastic pole 206, as schematically shown in Figure 3. In some embodiments, the mussel holder 208 comprises a body on which the mussels are allowed to grow. In some embodiments, a plurality of mussel-seeded elements, for example, ropes of fiber are attached to the body of the mussel holder 208 and then the mussels grow on the surface of the body of the mussel holder 208.

In some embodiments, a potential advantage of using a plastic pole as the elongated base is that plastic poles comprise long lasting qualities, especially in comparison to wooden poles. As mentioned above, wooden poles are replaced once half of their volume is lost, approximately every 10-15 years. Plastic poles on the other hand do not lose their volume, or at least they lose their volume every 100 years or so. In some embodiments, the plastic poles are made of recycled plastic, making them more sustainable than using wood. In some embodiments, the advantage is doubled, on one side no wood is used, and on the other, recycled plastic is used. In some embodiments, another potential advantage is the cost of producing the poles, which is extremely lower than the costs for acquiring the wooden poles. In some embodiments, another potential advantage is that specialized poles, comprising special features, can be manufactured according to the needs (see below, special features).

In some embodiments, plastic poles are manufactured according to any required length, for example, having lengths of from about 4m to about 6m, optionally form about 2m to about 8m, optionally form about 0.5m to about 10m, for example, lm, 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, and any meters in between. In some embodiments, plastic poles are manufactured according to any required diameter, for example, having diameters of from about 10cm to about 30cm, optionally form about 30cm to about 60cm, optionally form about 5cm to about 100cm, for example, 10cm, 20cm, 30cm, 40cm, 100cm, and any centimeters in between. In some embodiments, plastic poles are manufactured according to any required form, for example, round, square, cross, elliptic, rectangular, and any other geometrical form. In some embodiments, a pole comprises more than one form along the length of the pole, for example, the pole can begin as circular in the bottom part and finish as a cross form on the upper part.

Referring now to Figures 4a-d, showing a schematic representation of an exemplary Bouchot 400, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the Bouchot comprises an elongated base, for example a plastic pole 402, in this example having a cross form, easily seen in Figure 4b, and a removable mussel holder 404 comprising a body on which a plurality of mussel-seeded elements, for example, ropes of fiber are attached and further comprising a body’s surface on which the mussels are allowed grown. In some embodiments, removable mussel holder 404 comprises two or more discs 406 (three are shown in Figures 4a, 4c and 4d), which are optionally interconnected by a plurality of wires and or pipes 408. In some embodiments, the number of discs is between two and four. In some embodiments, the number of discs is three. In order to ease the explanations, part 408 will be referred as wire, but it should be understood that it can be a pipe or any other element on which the mussel-seeded elements (for example ropes) can be attached. In some embodiments, the wires are arranged in a spiral manner. In some embodiments, this form is the preferred form, since it increases the area on which the mussels can grow. In some embodiments, while mussels are first grown, for example, on ropes, and then the ropes are attached to the removable mussel holder’s body 404, the mussels are then left to grow on any surface on the removable mussel holder 404, independently of the mussel- seeded element (rope) on which the mussels were first planted/seeded. In some embodiments, the wires are arranged in a form other than a spiral form, for example, horizontal, vertical, zigzag, scalar. In some embodiments, the discs are made of plastic. In some embodiments, the discs are made of recycled plastic. In some embodiments, the discs are made of metal. In some embodiments, the wires are made of metal, for example aluminum. In some embodiments, the wires are made of reinforced plastic. In some embodiments, the wires are made of reinforced recycled plastic. In some embodiments, the diameter of the discs is bigger than the diameter of a wooden pole, for example from about 30cm to about 60cm, optionally form about 25cm to about 80cm, optionally form about 20cm to about 150cm, for example, 40cm, 50cm, 60cm, and any centimeters in between. In some embodiments, the number of wires on the structure are higher than two, for example, three, four, five or six. In some embodiments, the length of the wires is at least as long as the ropes on a regular Bouchot, for example from about 2m to about 4m, optionally from about lm to about 6m, optionally from about 0.5m to about 20m, for example 4m, 6m, 8m.

In a regular Bouchot, as shown for example in Figure 1, the fiber seeded ropes (mussel- seeded elements) are attached to the wooden pole and the mussels are allowed to grow on the rope and then the mussels expand to the surface of the wooden pole. This configuration allows for a certain amount of mussels to be grown on a single wooden pole. In some embodiments, the discs 406 allow for a spatial separation “SI” between the wires 408 and the plastic pole 402, as shown for example in Figure 4c. In some embodiments, that spatial separation is used to provide the necessary space for the additional number of mussels to grow.

In some embodiments, the spatial separation “SI” is from about 5cm to about 30cm, optionally from about 2.5cm to about 60cm, optionally from about 1.5cm to about 150cm, for example 5cm, 10cm, 15cm, 20cm, 40cm, 60cm and any centimeters in between. In some embodiments, once the seeded ropes with the mussels (mussel-seeded elements) are ready to be mounted on the removable mussel holder 404, the ropes are inserted in nets 410 and attached to the wires 408 and/or to the removable mussel holder 404, as shown for example in Figure 4d. In some embodiments, once all the ropes in the nets are attached to the wires of the removable mussel holder 404, the whole removable mussel holder 404 can be mounted on the plastic pole (that is located for example on the water). The term “mussel-seeded elements” refer hereinafter to any configuration comprising one or more objects on which mussels are seeded and then are attached to a Bouchot body or any other compatible system. In some embodiments, the objects might be ropes, ropes with nets or any other collection of objects that are mounted and/or attached to a Bouchot’ s body to allow the growth of the mussels on the surface therein.

In some embodiments, a potential advantage of a Bouchot as shown in Figures 4a-d is that more mussels can be grown on a single pole. For example, in the Bouchot shown in Figures 4a-d, twice the amount of mussels (200% capacity when compared to a regular Bouchot) can be grown when compared to a regular Bouchot. In some embodiments, another potential advantage is that more mussels can be grown in a single pole, while keeping the necessary PDO requirements. For example, in order for a regular Bouchot to be in compliance with the PDO regulations, it must have a maximum of 60 Kg of mussels per piling (meaning per wooden pole) on average the Bouchot shown in Figures 4a-d allows the growing of from about 90 Kg to about 120Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 80 Kg to about 160Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 70 Kg to about 180Kg of mussels per piling on average, for example 90 Kg, 120 Kg, 150 Kg, and any Kg in between, while conserving the organoleptic characteristics required by the PDO.

Referring now to Figures 5a-d, showing a schematic representation of an exemplary Bouchot 500, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the Bouchot comprises an elongated base, for example a plastic pole 502, in this example the elongated base comprises a round form, and a removable mussel holder 504 attached to it. In some embodiments, removable mussel holder 504 comprises a body comprising two or more ribs 506 (six are shown in Figures 5a-d), which hold a plurality of wires/pipes/tubes 508. In order to ease the explanations, part 508 will be referred as wire, but it should be understood that it can be a pipe or a tube or any other element on which the ropes (mussel- seeded elements) can be attached and/or the mussels can grow. In some embodiments, the mussels are first grown, for example, on ropes, and then the ropes are attached to the removable mussel holder 504, where the mussels are left to grow on any surface on the body of the removable mussel holder 504, independently of the mussel-seeded elements on which the mussels were first planted. In some embodiments, the wires are arranged in a spiral manner. In some embodiments, this form is the preferred form, since it increases the area on which the mussels can grow. In some embodiments, the wires are arranged in a form other than a spiral form, for example, vertical, zigzag, scalar. In some embodiments, the ribs are made of plastic. In some embodiments, the ribs are made of recycled plastic. In some embodiments, the ribs are made of metal, for example aluminum. In some embodiments, the wires are made of metal, for example aluminum. In some embodiments, the wires are made of reinforced plastic. In some embodiments, the wires are made of reinforced recycled plastic. In some embodiments, the internal diameter created by the ribs is bigger than the diameter of a wooden pole, for example from about 30cm to about 60cm, optionally form about 25cm to about 80cm, optionally form about 20cm to about 150cm, for example, 40cm, 50cm, 60cm, and any centimeters in between. In some embodiments, the number of wires on the device are higher than two, for example, three, four, five or six. In some embodiments, the length of the wires is at least as long as the ropes on a regular Bouchot, for example from about 2m to about 4m, optionally from about lm to about 6m, optionally from about 0.5m to about 20m, for example 4m, 6m, 8m.

In a regular Bouchot, as shown for example in Figure 1, the fiber seeded ropes are attached to the wooden pole and the mussels are allowed to grow on the rope. This configuration allows for a certain amount of mussels to be grown on a single wooden pole. In some embodiments, the ribs 506 allow for a spatial separation “S2” between the wires 508 and the plastic pole 502, as shown for example in Figure 5a. In some embodiments, that spatial separation is used to provide the necessary space for the additional number of mussels to grow. In some embodiments, the spatial separation “S2” is from about 5cm to about 30cm, optionally from about 2.5cm to about 60cm, optionally from about 1.5cm to about 150cm, for example 5cm, 10cm, 15cm, 20cm, and any centimeters in between.

In some embodiments, once the seeded ropes with the mussels are ready to be mounted on the removable mussel holder 504, the ropes are inserted in nets 510 and attached to the wires 508, as shown for example in Figure 5c. In some embodiments, once all the ropes in the nets are attached to the wires of the removable mussel holder 504, the whole removable mussel holder 504 can be mounted on the plastic pole 502 (that is located for example on the water), as schematically shown in Figures 5d and 5e. Here the removable mussel holder 504 is mounted on the plastic pole 502 using a crane 512.

In some embodiments, a potential advantage of a Bouchot as shown in Figures 5a-d is that more mussels can be grown on a single pole. For example, in the Bouchot shown in Figures 5a-d, twice or three times the amount of mussels (200%-300% capacity when compared to a regular Bouchot) can be grown when compared to a regular Bouchot. In some embodiments, another potential advantage is that more mussels can be grown in a single pole, while keeping the necessary PDO requirements. For example, in order for a regular Bouchot to be in compliance with the PDO regulations, it must have a maximum of 60 Kg of mussels per piling (meaning per wooden pole) on average the Bouchot shown in Figures 5a-d allows the growing of from about 90 Kg to about 120Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 80 Kg to about 160Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 70 Kg to about 220Kg of mussels per piling on average, for example 90 Kg, 120 Kg, 150 Kg, and any Kg in between, while conserving the organoleptic characteristics required by the PDO.

Referring now to Figures 6a-g, showing a schematic representation of an exemplary Bouchot 600, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the Bouchot comprises an elongated base, for example a plastic pole 602, in this example having a round form, and a removable mussel holder 604 attached to it. In some embodiments, removable mussel holder 604 comprises a body comprising two half cages 606, optionally interconnected to each other. In some embodiments, two half cages 606 together form a removable mussel holder 604. In some embodiments, the two half cages comprise horizontal and vertical elements. In some embodiments, the half cages 606 are made of plastic. In some embodiments, the half cages 606 are made of recycled plastic. In some embodiments, the half cages 606 are made of metal, for example aluminum. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder 604 comprises a body having an organic, oval and aerodynamic shape to increase water flow throughout the surface of the removable mussel holder 604, as shown for example in Figure 6c. In some embodiments, this shape allows to increase the area of the removable mussel holder 604 thereby increasing the number of mussels that can be grown on one pole by at least 200%. In some embodiments, the area is increased between 50% and about 75% in comparison with a regular Bouchot. Optionally is increased between about 40% and about 90%. Optionally is increased between about 30% and about 100%. Optionally is increased above 100%. Optionally is increased between about 10% and about 600%. In some embodiments, the shape allow a decrease in water resistance by from about 50% to about 80%, when compared to regular Bouchot. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the removable mussel holder 604 are about 30cm by about 50cm, optionally about 25cm by about 60cm, optionally about 20cm by about 200cm, and any centimeters in between. In some embodiments, the number of mussel-seeded elements, for example ropes, that are attached to the removable mussel holder 604 are higher than two, for example, three, four, five or six or more. In some embodiments, the length of the mussel-seeded elements (ropes) attached to the removable mussel holder 604 are at least as long as the ropes on a regular Bouchot, for example from about 2m to about 4m, optionally from about lm to about 6m, optionally from about 0.5m to about 20m, for example 4m, 6m, 8m.

In some embodiments, once the seeded ropes with the mussels are ready to be mounted on the removable mussel holder 604, the ropes are inserted in nets 608 (thereby generating the mussel-seeded elements) and attached to the removable mussel holder 604, as shown for example in Figure 6d. In some embodiments, once all the mussel-seeded elements are attached to the wires of the removable mussel holder 604 and/or to the removable mussel holder in general, the whole removable mussel holder 604 can be mounted on the elongated base (for example the plastic pole) 602 (that is located/planted for example on the land in the water), as schematically shown in Figures 6e and 6f. Here the removable mussel holder 604 is mounted on the plastic pole 602 using a crane 610. In some embodiments, as explained before, the mussels are first grown on ropes (thereby generating the mussel-seeded elements), and then the ropes are attached to the removable mussel holder 604, the mussels are left to grow on any surface on the removable mussel holder 604, independently of the rope on which the mussels were first planted.

In some embodiments, a potential advantage of a Bouchot as shown in Figures 6a-e is that half cages can be stacked on each other to facilitate the transport, as shown for example in Figure 6f. In some embodiments, a potential advantage of a Bouchot as shown in Figures 6a-e is that more mussels can be grown on a single pole. For example, in the Bouchot shown in Figures 6a-e, two, three, four, five or six times the amount of mussels (from about 10% to about 600% more capacity when compared to a regular Bouchot) can be grown when compared to a regular Bouchot. In some embodiments, another potential advantage is that more mussels can be grown in a single pole, while keeping the necessary PDO requirements. For example, in order for a regular Bouchot to be in compliance with the PDO regulations, it must have a maximum of 60 Kg of mussels per piling (meaning per wooden pole) on average the Bouchot shown in Figures 6a-f allows the growing of from about 240 Kg to about 320Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 200 Kg to about 380Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 180 Kg to about 500Kg of mussels per piling on average, for example 250 Kg, 300 Kg, 350 Kg, and any Kg in between, while conserving the organoleptic characteristics required by the PDO.

Referring now to Figures 7a-f, showing a schematic representation of an exemplary Bouchot 700, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the Bouchot comprises an elongated body, for example a plastic pole 702, in this example having a cross form, and a removable mussel holder 704 is attached to it. In some embodiments, removable mussel holder 704 comprises a body comprising two or more rings 706 (three are shown in Figures 7a- f), which are interconnected to a plurality of wires/pipes/tubes 708 (six are shown). In some embodiments, the rings 706 comprise the same diameter. In some embodiments, the rings 706 comprise a different diameter. In some embodiments, the rings 706 having different diameter are arranged in an orderly fashion by size. For example, the rings shown in Figures 7a-f are organized in a decreased manner from the bottom to the top, providing a cone form. In order to ease the explanations, part 708 will be referred as tube, but it should be understood that it can be a pipe or a tube or a wire or any other element on which the ropes can be attached and the mussels can attach themselves to. In some embodiments, the mussels are first grown on ropes (thereby generating the mussel-seeded elements), and then the ropes are attached to the removable mussel holder 704, then the mussels are left to grow on any surface on the removable mussel holder 704, independently of the rope on which the mussels were first planted. In some embodiments, the tubes 708 are arranged horizontally, as shown for example in Figure 7a. In some embodiments, the tubes 708 are arranged in a form other than horizontally, for example, vertically, in zigzag, scalar, spirally. In some embodiments, the rings are made of plastic. In some embodiments, the rings are made of recycled plastic. In some embodiments, the rings are made of metal, for example aluminum. In some embodiments, the tubes are made of metal, for example aluminum. In some embodiments, the tubes are made of reinforced plastic. In some embodiments, the tubes are made of reinforced recycled plastic. In some embodiments, the tubes are made of recycled plastic. In some embodiments, the diameter of the rings is bigger than the diameter of a wooden pole, for example from about 30cm to about 60cm, optionally form about 25cm to about 80cm, optionally form about 20cm to about 150cm, for example, 40cm, 50cm, 60cm, and any centimeters in between. In some embodiments, the number of tubes on the device are higher than two, for example, three, four, five, six or more. In some embodiments, the length of the tubes is from about lm to about 3m, optionally from about lm to about 5m, optionally from about lm to about 20m, for example 3m, 4m, 5m, 6m, and any meters in between.

In a regular Bouchot, as shown for example in Figure 1, the fiber seeded ropes are attached to the wooden pole and the mussels are allowed to grow on the rope. This configuration allows for a certain amount of mussels to be grown on a single wooden pole. In some embodiments, the rings 706 allow for a dynamic spatial separation “S3”-“S3”’-“S3”” between the tubes 708 and the plastic pole 702, as shown for example in Figure 7a. In some embodiments, S3>S3’>S3”. In some embodiments, that spatial separation is used to provide the necessary space for the additional number of mussels to grow. In some embodiments, that spatial separation is used to provide the necessary space for the entry of light and/or water between the growing mussels. In some embodiments, the spatial separation “S3”-“S3”’-“S3”” is from about 5cm to about 60cm, optionally from about 2.5cm to about 80cm, optionally from about 1.5cm to about 150cm, for example 5cm, 10cm, 25cm, 50cm, and any centimeters in between. In some embodiments, the area of the mussel holder is increased between 50% and about 75% in comparison with a regular Bouchot. Optionally is increased between about 40% and about 90%. Optionally is increased between about 30% and about 100%. Optionally is increased above 100%. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder 704 further comprises a plurality of spiked arms 710 at the top of the removable mussel holder 704. In some embodiments, the plurality of spiked arms 710 confer protection to the growing mussels from predatory birds. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder 704 further comprises a bottom plate 712 on which the lowest ring 706 is located. In some embodiments, the bottom plate 712 fulfills a plurality of roles. In some embodiments, on one side, the bottom plate 712 provides stability to the removable mussel holder 704 once mounted on the plastic pole 702. In some embodiments, on the other side, the bottom plate 712 confers protection to the growing mussels from predatory animals coming from the water. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder 704 optionally further comprises at least one rudder 714 at the bottom of the removable mussel holder 704. In some embodiments, the rudder 714 rotates the removable mussel holder 704, which potentially enables for the mussels to receive sun, wind and water equally. In some embodiments, the rotation of the removable mussel holder 704 is enabled by a rotational mechanism 716 located at the top ring 708 of the removable mussel holder 704.

In some embodiments, once the seeded ropes with the mussels are ready to be mounted on the removable mussel holder 704, the ropes are inserted in nets 718 (thereby generating the mussel-seeded elements) and attached to the tubes 708, as shown for example in Figures 7b-7c. In some embodiments, once all the ropes in the nets are attached to the wires of the removable mussel holder 704, the whole removable mussel holder 704 can be mounted on the plastic pole 702 (that is located for example on the water), as schematically shown in Figures 7d and 7e. Here the removable mussel holder 704 is mounted on the plastic pole 702 using a crane 720.

In some embodiments, a potential advantage of a Bouchot as shown in Figures 7a-e is that the removable mussel holders 704 can be stacked on each other to facilitate the transport, as shown for example in Figure 7f. In some embodiments, a potential advantage of a Bouchot as shown in Figures 7a-f is that more mussels can be grown on a single pole. For example, in the Bouchot shown in Figures 7a-f, twice or three times the amount of mussels (200%-300% capacity when compared to a regular Bouchot) can be grown when compared to a regular Bouchot. In some embodiments, the area of the mussel holder is increased between 50% and about 75% in comparison with a regular Bouchot. Optionally is increased between about 40% and about 90%. Optionally is increased between about 30% and about 100%. Optionally is increased above 100%. In some embodiments, another potential advantage is that more mussels can be grown in a single pole, while keeping the necessary PDO requirements. For example, in order for a regular Bouchot to be in compliance with the PDO regulations, it must have a maximum of 60 Kg of mussels per piling (meaning per wooden pole) on average the Bouchot shown in Figures 5a-d allows the growing of from about 90 Kg to about 120Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 80 Kg to about 160Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 70 Kg to about 220Kg of mussels per piling on average, for example 90 Kg, 120 Kg, 150 Kg, and any Kg in between, while conserving the organoleptic characteristics required by the PDO.

Referring now to Figures 8a-f, showing a schematic representation of an exemplary Bouchot 800, according to some embodiments of the invention. Referring now to Figure 8a, showing a complete exemplary Bouchot 800, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the Bouchot comprises an elongated body, for example a plastic pole 802, in this example having a cross form, and a removable mussel holder 804 attached to it. In some embodiments, removable mussel holder 804 comprises a body having an external structure 806 dedicated to the mussels to grow, and an internal structure 808, which is an internal rudder, which enables provision of fresh water to the mussels growing on the external structure (shown better in Figure 8b). In some embodiments, the external structure comprises vertical elements 810 that provide basis for the spiral elements 812, on which the mussels will grow. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder 804, optionally comprises a conical element 814 at the bottom, which provide protection from predators coming from the water. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder 804, optionally comprises spikes 816 at the top, which provide protection from predators coming from the air, also shown in detail in Figure 8d.

In some embodiments, the internal structure and/or the external structure are made of plastic. In some embodiments, the internal structure and/or the external structure are made of recycled plastic. In some embodiments, the internal structure and/or the external structure are made of metal, for example aluminum. In some embodiments, the diameter of the external structure is bigger than the diameter of a wooden pole, for example from about 30cm to about 60cm, optionally form about 25cm to about 80cm, optionally form about 20cm to about 200cm, for example, 40cm, 50cm, 60cm, and any centimeters in between. In some embodiments, the area of the mussel holder is increased between 50% and about 75% in comparison with a regular Bouchot. Optionally is increased between about 40% and about 90%. Optionally is increased between about 30% and about 100%. Optionally is increased above 100%. In some embodiments, once the seeded ropes with the mussels are ready to be mounted on the removable mussel holder 804, the ropes are inserted in nets 818 (thereby generating the mussel-seeded elements) and attached to the external structure 806, as shown for example in Figure 8c. In some embodiments, once all the ropes in the nets are attached to the removable mussel holder 804, the whole removable mussel holder 804 can be mounted on the plastic pole 802 (that is located for example on the water), as schematically shown in Figures 8e and 8f. Here the removable mussel holder 804 is mounted on the plastic pole 802 using a crane 820.

In some embodiments, a potential advantage of a Bouchot as shown in Figures 8a-f is that the removable mussel holders 804 can be stacked on each other to facilitate the transport, as shown for example in Figure 8g. In some embodiments, a potential advantage of a Bouchot as shown in Figures 8a-g is that more mussels can be grown on a single pole. For example, in the Bouchot shown in Figures 8a-g, twice or three times the amount of mussels (200%-300% capacity when compared to a regular Bouchot) can be grown when compared to a regular Bouchot. In some embodiments, another potential advantage is that more mussels can be grown in a single pole, while keeping the necessary PDO requirements. For example, in order for a regular Bouchot to be in compliance with the PDO regulations, it must have a maximum of 60 Kg of mussels per piling (meaning per wooden pole) on average the Bouchot shown in Figures 8a-g allows the growing of from about 90 Kg to about 120Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 80 Kg to about 160Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 70 Kg to about 220Kg of mussels per piling on average, for example 90 Kg, 120 Kg, 150 Kg, and any Kg in between, while conserving the organoleptic characteristics required by the PDO.

Referring now to Figures 9a-d, showing a schematic representation of an exemplary Bouchot 900, according to some embodiments of the invention. Referring now to Figure 9a, showing a complete exemplary Bouchot 900, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the Bouchot comprises an elongated base, for example a plastic pole 902, in this example having a round form, and a removable mussel holder 904 attached to it. In some embodiments, removable mussel holder 904 comprises a body having a structure similar to a cage, optionally having an oval shape. In some embodiments, the surface of the removable mussel holder 904 is increased by the cage-like structure, providing more area for the mussels to grow. In some embodiments, the area of the mussel holder is increased between 50% and about 75% in comparison with a regular Bouchot. Optionally is increased between about 40% and about 90%. Optionally is increased between about 30% and about 100%. Optionally is increased above 100%. In some embodiments, the orifices on the removable mussel holder 904 allow water to reach the mussels growing on the surface. In some embodiments, optionally, the removable mussel holder 904 comprises a rudder on the internal part (not shown). In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder 904, optionally comprises a conical element 906 at the bottom, which provide protection from predators coming from the water, also shown in Figures 9b and 9c. In some embodiments, the conical element 906 is optionally removed, if necessary. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder 904, optionally comprises spikes the top (not shown), which provide protection from predators coming from the air. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder 904 comprises a structure that block the passage of mussels to the internal surface of the removable mussel holder 904, as shown for example in Figure 9d. In some embodiments, removable mussel holder 904 is made of two separated parts, jointed together, for example, by a snap-fit connector 910. In some embodiments, the pole comprises a feature 912 at the top end, configured to fit a complementary feature 914 located in the removable mussel holder 904, as shown for example in Figures 9e and 9f. It should be understood that although these features 912/914 have been shown for exemplary Bouchot 900, these features are optionally used in other exemplary embodiments shown above.

In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder 904 is made of plastic. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder 904 is made of recycled plastic. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder 904 is made of metal, for example aluminum. In some embodiments, the diameter of the external structure is bigger than the diameter of a wooden pole, for example from about 30cm to about 60cm, optionally form about 25cm to about 80cm, optionally form about 20cm to about 200cm, for example, 40cm, 50cm, 60cm, and any centimeters in between.

In some embodiments, once the seeded ropes with the mussels are ready to be mounted on the removable mussel holder 904, the ropes are inserted in nets 908 (thereby generating the mussel-seeded elements) and attached to the removable mussel holder 904, as shown for example in Figure 9b. In some embodiments, once all the ropes in the nets are attached to the removable mussel holder 904, the whole removable mussel holder 904 can be mounted on the plastic pole 902 (that is located for example on the water), as schematically shown before.

In some embodiments, a potential advantage of a Bouchot as shown in Figures 9a-d is that the removable mussel holders 904 can be stacked on each other to facilitate the transport. In some embodiments, a potential advantage of a Bouchot as shown in Figures 9a-d is that more mussels can be grown on a single pole. For example, in the Bouchot shown in Figures 9a-d, twice or three times the amount of mussels (200%-300% capacity when compared to a regular Bouchot) can be grown when compared to a regular Bouchot. In some embodiments, another potential advantage is that more mussels can be grown in a single pole, while keeping the necessary PDO requirements. For example, in order for a regular Bouchot to be in compliance with the PDO regulations, it must have a maximum of 60 Kg of mussels per piling (meaning per wooden pole) on average the Bouchot shown in Figures 9a-d allows the growing of from about 90 Kg to about 120Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 80 Kg to about 160Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 70 Kg to about 220Kg of mussels per piling on average, for example 90 Kg, 120 Kg, 150 Kg, and any Kg in between, while conserving the organoleptic characteristics required by the PDO.

Referring now to Figures lOa-d, showing a schematic representation of an exemplary thin Bouchot 1000, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the thin Bouchot comprises an elongated body, for example a plastic pole 1002, in this example having a round form and a thin mussel holder 1004 attached to it, as shown for example in Figures lOa-d. In some embodiments, the thin mussel holder 1004 comprises a body having two halves that are connected to each other, as shown for example in Figure 10b and Figure lOd. In some embodiments, the thin mussel holder 1004 is completely fixed/attached to the plastic pole 1002. In some embodiments, when the thin mussel holder 1004 is completely fixed/attached to the plastic pole 1002, dedicated means, like screws, glue, soldering and/or any other means known in the art are used to fix the thin mussel holder 1004 to the plastic pole 1002. In some embodiments, the thin mussel holder 1004 is removable from the plastic pole 1002. In some embodiments, mussel holder 1004 comprises a structure similar to a cage, optionally having a round shape. In some embodiments, the mussel holder 1004 comprises a diameter that is bigger from the diameter of the plastic pole 1002. In some embodiments, the diameter of the mussel holder 1004 is from about 10cm to about 30cm bigger than the plastic pole 1002. Optionally from about 7cmm to about 50cm bigger. Optionally from about 5cm to about 100cm. In some embodiments, the area of the mussel holder is increased between 50% and about 75% in comparison with a regular Bouchot. Optionally is increased between about 40% and about 90%. Optionally is increased between about 30% and about 100%. Optionally is increased above 100%. In some embodiments, the orifices on the mussel holder 1004 allow water to reach the mussels growing on the surface. In some embodiments, since the diameter of the mussel holder 1004 is smaller than that of previous explained mussel holders, for example for Figures 4a-d, 5a-d, 6a-g, 7a-f, 8a-g and 9a-f, a minimal surface is required to allow the growing of the mussels, while keeping enough openings for the passage of water and air. Additionally, when the mussel-seeded elements having the larvae mussels are firstly attached in the mussel holder, the size of the mussels is very small. Therefore, in some embodiments, the openings in the thin mussel holder are small enough to not allow growing mussels to enter into the space between the mussel holder and the pole. In some embodiments, the openings in the thin mussel holder are between about 1mm to about 20mm, optionally between about 0.5mm to about 40mm. In some embodiments, the available external surface of the mussel holder 1004 between the openings is at least about 40 mm long. In some embodiments, a potential advantage of allowing this available external surface is that it potentially provides enough surface to the mussels to attach. In some embodiments, the mussel holder 1004 does not allow for mussels to access the internal space of the mussel holder 1004 (contrary to previous embodiments where mussels are allowed to access and grown in the internal space of the mussel holder (the space between the pole and the mussel holder).

In some embodiments, mussel holder 1004 comprises an internal structure 1008, as shown for example in Figure 10c, configured to receive the upper end of the plastic pole 1002, and define a final height of the mussel holder 1004 in relation to the plastic pole 1002.

In some embodiments, optionally, the mussel holder 1004 comprises a rudder on the internal part (not shown). In some embodiments, the mussel holder 1004, optionally comprises a conical element 1006 at the bottom, which provide protection from predators coming from the water. In some embodiments, the conical element 1006 is optionally removed, if necessary. In some embodiments, the mussel holder 1004, optionally comprises spikes the top (not shown), which provide protection from predators coming from the air. In some embodiments, as mentioned above, mussel holder 1004 can be made of two separated parts, jointed together, for example, by a snap-fit connector, as shown for example in Figure 10b and Figure lOd. In some embodiments, the mussel holder 1004 is made of plastic. In some embodiments, the mussel holder 1004 is made of recycled plastic. In some embodiments, the mussel holder 1004 is made of metal, for example aluminum. In some embodiments, the diameter of the external structure is bigger than the diameter of a wooden pole, for example from about 30cm to about 60cm, optionally form about 25cm to about 80cm, optionally form about 20cm to about 200cm, for example, 40cm, 50cm, 60cm, and any centimeters in between.

In some embodiments, once the seeded ropes with the mussels are ready to be mounted on the removable mussel holder 1004, the ropes are inserted in nets as explained above (thereby generating the mussel-seeded elements) and attached to the removable mussel holder 1004. In some embodiments, once all the ropes in the nets are attached to the removable mussel holder 1004, the whole removable mussel holder 1004 can be mounted on the plastic pole 902 (that is located for example on the water), as schematically shown before.

In some embodiments, when the thin mussel holder 1004 is completely fixed to the plastic pole 1002, the nets are attached to the mussel holder 1004 while in the water. In some embodiments, a potential advantage of a thin Bouchot as shown in Figures lOa-d is that the, optionally removable, mussel holders 1004 can be stacked on each other to facilitate the transport. In some embodiments, a potential advantage of a thin Bouchot as shown in Figures lOa-d is that more mussels can be grown on a single pole. For example, in the Bouchot shown in Figures lOa-d, twice the amount of mussels can be grown when compared to a regular Bouchot. In some embodiments, another potential advantage is that more mussels can be grown in a single pole, while keeping the necessary PDO requirements. For example, in order for a regular Bouchot to be in compliance with the PDO regulations, it must have a maximum of 60 Kg of mussels per piling (meaning per wooden pole) on average the Bouchot shown in Figures lOa-d allows the growing of from about 90 Kg to about 120Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 80 Kg to about 160Kg of mussels per piling on average, optionally from about 70 Kg to about 220Kg of mussels per piling on average, for example 90 Kg, 120 Kg, 150 Kg, and any Kg in between, while conserving the organoleptic characteristics required by the PDO.

Referring now to Figures lla-e, showing a schematic representation of an exemplary thin Bouchot 1100 without openings, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the exemplary thin Bouchot 1100 of Figures lla-b is the same as the exemplary thin Bouchot of Figures lOa-d, with the difference that the exemplary thin Bouchot 1100 of Figures lla-e do not comprise orifices on the mussel holder. In some embodiments, instead, the mussel holder comprises a plurality of carved channels 1102 configured to allow the passage of water and air between the mussel holder and the mussels growing on top of it. The abovementioned characteristics and disclosure of the exemplary thin Bouchot of Figures lOa-d also apply to the exemplary thin Bouchot of Figures 1 la-e.

Exemplary protection structures

In some embodiments, any of the abovementioned embodiments of the exemplary Bouchots can optionally comprise one or more protection structures. In some embodiments, protection structures are configured to protect the mussels against natural predators, for example, birds and/or animals coming from the water. In some embodiments, the one or more protection structures are located on the top of the mussel holder and/or on the bottom of the mussel holder. In some embodiments, for example, a protection structure against birds comprises a plurality of spiked arms mounted and/or located at the top of a mussel holder. In some embodiments, for example, a protection structure against animals coming from the sea comprises a plate located at the bottom of the mussel holder that blocks the access of the animals coming from the water to the growing mussels. Exemplary non-pole devices

Referring now to Figures 12a-c, showing exemplary non-pole devices, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holders can be installed/mounted on non-pole constructions (non-elongated bases), for example rafts, floaters or sunk structures. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holders are prepared in advanced by attaching to them the mussel-seeded elements and then brought to the location of installation, where they are then connected.

Referring now to Figure 12a, showing an exemplary long line floating system 1200, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, a long base 1202 of a plurality of mussel holders 1204, each comprising a body where one or more mussel-seeded elements are attached therein, is connected to a plurality of buoys 1206. In some embodiments, the long line floating system 1200 comprises at least 2 mussel holders 1204. In some embodiments, the long line floating system 1200 comprises more than 2 mussel holders 1204, for example between 2 and 50 mussel holders 1204, optionally between 2 and 100 mussel holders 1204, optionally between 2 and 500 mussel holders 1204. In some embodiments, the long line floating system 1200 comprises at least 2 buoys 1206. In some embodiments, the long line floating system 1200 comprises more than 2 buoys 1206, for example between 2 and 50 buoys 1206, optionally between 2 and 100 buoys 1206, optionally between 2 and 500 buoys 1206.

Referring now to Figure 12b, showing an exemplary single floating system 2000, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, a single mussel holder 1204 comprising a body where one or more mussel-seeded elements are attached therein, is connected to a single buoy 1206. In some embodiments, the mussel holder 1204 is connected to the single buoy by a rope.

Referring now to Figure 10c, showing an exemplary raft floating system 3000, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, a plurality of mussel holders 1204 each comprising a body where one or more mussel-seeded elements are attached therein, are connected to a raft 1208. In some embodiments, the raft 1208 comprises a base 1210 on which the plurality of plurality of mussel holders 1004 are attached and buoyance elements 1212 for keeping the raft floating. In some embodiments, the raft floating system 1200 comprises at least 2 mussel holders 1204. In some embodiments, the raft floating system 1200 comprises more than 2 mussel holders 1204, for example between 2 and 50 mussel holders 1204, optionally between 2 and 100 mussel holders 1204, optionally between 2 and 500 mussel holders 1204. In some embodiments, the long line floating system 1200 comprises at least 2 buoyance elements 1212. In some embodiments, the long line floating system 1200 comprises more than 2 buoyance elements

1212.

Exemplary holders for other scopes

Referring now to Figure 13, showing an exemplary holder for oysters 1300 or other shellfish, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, holder are modified to allow growing different types of organisms, for example shrimps, oysters and more. Figure 11 shows a holder that has been modified to have shelves 1302 inside the holder. In some embodiments, oysters are grown in the shelves inside the holders so they are protected, while growing.

Exemplary methods

Referring now to Figure 14, showing a flowchart of an exemplary method of producing mussels, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the following actions are performed when using the Bouchot disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fiber ropes are seeded with mussels 1402. In some embodiments, once the seeded ropes are ready to be placed on the removable mussel holder, they are first covered with nets 1404. In some embodiments, the covered seeded ropes are attached to a removable mussel holder 1406. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder is mounted on the plastic pole and left to allow growing of mussels 1408. In some embodiments, once the mussels are ready to be harvested, the mussels are harvested by removing the removable mussel holder from the plastic pole 1410. In some embodiments, the mussels are then removed from the removable mussel holder 1412. In some embodiments, the removable mussel holder is then reused for another mussel growing cycle 1414.

As used herein with reference to quantity or value, the term “about” means “within ± 20

% of’.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of’ means “including and limited to”.

The term “consisting essentially of’ means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, embodiments of this invention may be presented with reference to a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as “from 1 to 6” should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as “from 1 to 3”, “from 1 to 4”, “from 1 to 5”, “from 2 to 4”, “from 2 to 6”, “from 3 to 6”, etc.; as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein (for example “10-15”, “10 to 15”, or any pair of numbers linked by these another such range indication), it is meant to include any number (fractional or integral) within the indicated range limits, including the range limits, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases “range/ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “range/ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to”, “up to”, “until” or “through” (or another such range-indicating term) a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numbers therebetween.

Unless otherwise indicated, numbers used herein and any number ranges based thereon are approximations within the accuracy of reasonable measurement and rounding errors as understood by persons skilled in the art.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. It is the intent of the applicant(s) that all publications, patents and patent applications referred to in this specification are to be incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A device for growing mussels, comprising: a. an elongated base configured to be planted in an aquatic land; and b. a mussel holder comprising a body, said body attached to said base and configured for attaching a plurality of mussel-seeded elements therein.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said mussel holder is reversibly attached to said base.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said mussel holder is irreversibly attached to said base.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said body of said mussel holder comprises a structure comprising a surface for said mussels to attach.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said structure comprises a plurality of openings.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein said openings allow water and light to pass through so as to reach the mussels growing on said surface.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein said structure comprises an oval shape along a horizontal axis of said structure.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein said structure comprises a conic shape along a vertical axis of said structure.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein said mussel holder is made of plastic.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein said mussel holder is made of recycled plastic.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein said mussel holder is made of metal.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein said mussel holder is made of reinforced plastic.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein said body of said mussel holder comprises a form that allows a plurality of said mussel holders to be stacked one on top of another.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein said mussel holder is made of one piece.

15. The device according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein said mussel holder is made of more than one piece.

16. The device according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein said mussel holder is made of two halves interconnected with each other.

17. The device according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein said two halves are stackable on to each other.

18. The device according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein said body of said mussel holder comprises a form that allows a lower level of resistance to flow of water when compared with regular devices for growing mussels.

19. The device according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein said mussel holder comprises one or more protection structures configured to protect mussels growing on said mussel-seeded elements from natural predators.

20. The device according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein said one or more protection structures comprises a bottom plate located at the bottom of said mussel holder for protecting said mussels from aquatic predatory animals coming from a bottom of said mussel holder.

21. The device according to any one of claims 1-20, wherein said bottom plate is made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

22. The device according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein said one or more protection structures comprises a plurality of spiked arms at the top of said mussel holder for protecting said mussels from predatory birds.

23. The device according to any one of claims 1-22, wherein said plurality of spiked arms are made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

24. The device according to any one of claims 1-23, wherein said mussel holder comprises at least one ruder configured to rotate around said elongated base by movements of waters inside or below said mussel holder.

25. The device according to any one of claims 1-24, wherein said at least one ruder is made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

26. The device according to any one of claims 1-25, wherein said area of said mussel holder allows to grow from about 10% to about 600% more mussels when compared with a regular device for growing mussels.

27. The device according to any one of claims 1-26, wherein said area of said mussel holder is from about 10% to about 600% larger in comparison to a regular Bouchot.

28. The device according to any one of claims 1-27, wherein said mussel holder holds between about 60 Kg to about 500 Kg of grown mussels.

29. The device according to any one of claims 1-28, wherein said body of said mussel holder comprises a plurality of rings.

30. The device according to any one of claims 1-29, wherein said plurality of rings are made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

31. The device according to any one of claims 1-30, wherein said body of said mussel holder comprises a plurality of elongated elements interconnected to said rings for said mussel-seeded elements to be attached to.

32. The device according to any one of claims 1-31, wherein said plurality of elongated elements are one or more of wires, tubes and pipes.

33. The device according to any one of claims 1-32, wherein said plurality of elongated elements are made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

34. The device according to any one of claims 1-33, wherein said plurality of elongated elements are arranged in a vertical form.

35. The device according to any one of claims 1-34, wherein said plurality of elongated elements are arranged in a form selected from the group consisting of horizontal, spiral, zigzag and scalar.

36. The device according to any one of claims 1-35, wherein each of said plurality of rings comprise a different diameter.

37. The device according to any one of claims 1-36, wherein said plurality of rings are between two and twenty discs.

38. The device according to any one of claims 1-37, wherein said plurality of rings are arranged by size.

39. The device according to any one of claims 1-38, wherein said arrangement is from big to small where the biggest is at the bottom of said mussel holder and the smallest is at the top of said mussel holder.

40. The device according to any one of claims 1-39, wherein said plurality of elongated elements are between two and twenty elongated elements.

41. The device according to any one of claims 1-40, wherein said plurality of rings each generate a spatial separation between said plurality of elongated elements and said elongated base.

42. The device according to any one of claims 1-41, wherein said elongated base is a pole.

43. The device according to any one of claims 1-42, wherein said elongated base is made of a plurality of poles.

44. The device according to any one of claims 1-43, wherein said elongated base is configured to hold said mussel holder.

45. The device according to any one of claims 1-44, wherein said elongated base is made of one or more of plastic, recycled plastic, metal and reinforced plastic.

46. The device according to any one of claims 1-45, wherein said elongated base comprises a geometrical shape selected from the group consisting of round, square, cross, elliptic and rectangular.

47. The device according to any one of claims 1-46, wherein said elongated base comprises a first feature configured to be interconnected to a complementary feature located in said body of said mussel holder.

48. The device according to any one of claims 1-47, wherein said body of said mussel holder further comprises a holding element for allowing a crane to hold said mussel holder.

49. The device according to any one of claims 1-48, wherein said device produces mussels in compliance with PDO requirements.

50. A method for growing mussels on a device comprising an elongated base, and a removable mussel holder comprising a body, comprising: a. attaching a plurality of mussel-seeded elements comprising mussel larvae to said body of said mussel holder; b. mounting said removable mussel holder on said base.

51. A method for growing mussels on a device comprising an elongated base, a mussel holder comprising a body, comprising: a. mounting said mussel holder on said base; b. attaching a plurality of mussel-seeded elements comprising mussel larvae to said body of said mussel holder after said mussel holder has been mounted on said elongated base.

52. A device for growing mussels, comprising: a. an external unit configured to receive at least one mussel holder; b. a mussel holder comprising a body, said mussel holder mountable on said external unit; and c. a plurality of mussel-seeded elements attached to said body of said mussel holder.

53. The device according to claim 52, wherein said external unit is a raft.

54. The device according to any one of claims 52-53, wherein said external unit is a buoy.

55. The device according to any one of claims 52-54, wherein said external unit is a rope