A SEAWEED FARM, A PROCESS FOR FARMING SEAWEED AND A METHOD OF PROCESSING FARMED SEAWEED

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from UK Patent Application No. GB2109196.2, filed June 25, 2021, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to a seaweed farm, a process for farming seaweed and a method of processing farmed seaweed.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Seaweed farming is commonly considered to be relatively labour intensive and inefficient. For example, at present, it is estimated that over 90% of seaweed sales in Ireland are derived from wild harvested stock. The remaining 10% of seaweed sales are derived from imported and cultivated seaweed stock. However, this model is not sustainable for a number of reasons.

[0004] The overreliance on wild harvested stock poses a significant threat to both the seaweed processing industry and the environment. The supplies of wild harvested stock are typically irregular at best, and it is common to receive a large amount of stock at the processing facility in one go, followed by prolonged periods of no supply. This uncertainty increases the complexity of processing seaweed for commercial operations that in turn require certainty of supply for their own processes. In addition, the wild harvested stock is commonly taken from those easily accessible locations along the coastline, leading to overharvesting from certain areas and underharvesting from other areas. This can be detrimental to aquatic life, water quality and the marine habitat which is harmful to the environment and is highly undesirable.

[0005] Various attempts have been made to cultivate seaweed for commercial supply. However, there are numerous problems with this approach. It is estimated that the current cost of cultivated seaweed compared with wild harvested stock is 10 to 30 times more expensive, which is commercially unsustainable. It is further understood that the current processes fail to optimise the yield from the crop, thereby reducing return. There is a need therefore to provide a seaweed farm and a process for farming seaweed that is commercially viable and that will provide relative certainty of supply to customers.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a seaweed farm and a method of farming seaweed that overcomes at least some of the problems with the existing offerings. It is a further object of the invention to provide a useful choice to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to the invention there is provided a seaweed farm comprising a designated offshore aquaculture farm remote from shore, the designated offshore aquaculture farm comprising at least two mooring buoys, spaced apart from each other and both anchored to the sea bed, the seaweed farm comprising a plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines that have been seeded with seaweed sporelings and/or seaweed gametophytes, the seaweed farm further comprising a plurality of buoyant and substantially rigid seaweed growing line spacers, the buoyant seaweed growing line spacers being positioned spaced apart from each other along the length of the seaweed growing lines, the seaweed growing line spacers connecting the plurality of seaweed growing lines together and holding a pair of adjacent seaweed growing lines spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the length of the seaweed growing lines.

[0008] By having such a seaweed farm, the seaweed farm's designated offshore aquaculture farm will be located offshore, remote from the shore where the seaweed can be grown with minimal detrimental impact on the environment. Areas of coastline will not be overharvested as a consequence and a regular supply will be achievable. In addition to the foregoing, the configuration of seaweed farm with spacers intermediate the plurality of seaweed growing lines allows a plurality of seaweed growing lines to be placed in close proximity to each other without getting tangled, and while still allowing the seaweed to flourish in good growing conditions with plenty of light. This will produce a substantial amount of seaweed in an intensive farming manner, resulting in a relatively high yield of crop per area of seaweed farm, improving the commercial viability of the seaweed farm.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which there are three elongate submersible seaweed growing lines held spaced apart from each other and substantially parallel to each other along their length by a plurality of seaweed growing line spacers. This is seen as the optimum amount of lines for ease of handing the lines, including casting the lines and subsequently harvesting the seaweed crop from the lines.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which there is provided a plurality of seaweed growing line spacers positioned at fixed intervals along the length of the seaweed growing lines. In this way, long seaweed growing lines can be used to good effect, improving the commercial viability of the offering.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which the seaweed growing line spacers are located at intervals along the length of the seaweed growing lines of the order of 5 to 15 meters apart, preferably of the order of 10 meters apart. This will provide good separation of the lines, and a useful degree of structural integrity, while at the same time not being too prone to failure in adverse weather and wave conditions. The configuration can withstand significant forces caused by waves prior to failure.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which the adjacent seaweed growing lines are held apart by the seaweed growing line spacers by a predetermined distance of the order of 10 meters apart. Again, this spacing is preferred as it will provide a construction that is robust and capable of withstanding significant forces from waves.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which the seaweed growing lines are submerged to an average depth of the order of 1.0 meter to 1.5 meters deep. This is seen as the ideal depth to submerge the seaweed to in order to provide sufficient light and nutrients in the water for optimal growing conditions. The seaweed lines may be buoyant, in which case the lines may be weighted down, or the lines may be provided with buoyancy. The buoyancy may come from the seaweed growing line spacers and/or other buoyant members.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which the offshore seaweed designated offshore aquaculture farm comprises at least three mooring buoys spaced apart from each other and anchored to the sea bed. In this way, there will be a choice of mooring point and indeed, two or more seaweed growing lines may be placed end to end in the seaweed farm.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which there are provided a first set of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines connected at their ends to the first and second mooring buoys, and a second set of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines connected at their ends to the second and third mooring buoys.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which there are more than three mooring buoys spaced apart from each other and anchored to the sea bed and in which there are provided a plurality of sets of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines arranged end to end in a daisy chain configuration.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which the offshore seaweed designated offshore aquaculture farm comprises an array of mooring buoys, spaced apart from each other and anchored to the sea bed, the array of mooring buoys being arranged in two spaced apart rows, the rows being configured for attachment of at least one set of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines at one of their ends to one of the mooring buoys in the first row of the array, and the set of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines connected at the other of its ends to one of the mooring buoys in the second row of the array. By having such a configuration, the seaweed growing lines can be placed in a number of disparate places in the array. This will enable the seaweed growing lines to be placed in the location for the best nutrient rich environment and the best possible growing conditions. Similarly, it will allow a number of seaweed growing lines to be placed in parallel with each other in the array, thereby providing a more intensive seaweed farm arrangement.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which the designated offshore aquaculture farm is provided with a plurality of sensors for monitoring one or more of: (i) line tension; (ii) water temperature; (iii) water turbidity; (iv) pH levels; (v) pathogens; (vi) line weight; (vii) wave height; (viii) wind speed measurements; (ix) current measurements; (x) seaweed crop weight; (xi) seaweed crop development. By having sensors to measure one or more of these components, the seaweed farm may be managed in an efficient manner, with the crop moved or harvested when appropriate.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which the designated offshore aquaculture farm further comprises a control pod having means to receive data from the sensors. This is seen as a particularly good construction. All of the data from the sensors may be conveyed to a control pod located at the farm and relayed ashore for further analysis if desired. The data may be processed ashore on in the control pod to reduce communication bandwidth and volume of data transferred ashore. By relaying all of the data to a control pod, the seaweed farm will be able to collate all of the environmental condition data and subsequently provide reports on the sea conditions during the growing cycle, including potential presence of heavy metals or pathogens. This will provide customers with peace of mind regarding the quality of the seaweed before it is put in their produce.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which the control pod has a communication module for transmission of the data from the sensors to a remote onshore location. Instead of a communication module, the data could be stored in a memory and the memory interrogated ashore once the seaweed farm is brought in for harvest.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which there are provided a plurality of thruster pods, at least one connected to each end of an elongate submersible seaweed growing line, the thruster pods being operable to detach the elongate submersible seaweed growing line from the mooring buoy and move the elongate submersible seaweed growing line to another pair of mooring buoys. This is seen as a highly advantageous aspect of the present invention. In this way, if the sensors detect adverse sea or weather conditions, the thruster pods will be able to move the seaweed growing lines from their current location to a new, safer or more advantageous location for growth. This can all be done autonomously, without the need for a tow boat and personnel. In addition, this can be done far quicker than if a tow boat had to be transported out to the seaweed farm site, which may take hours or several days even depending on the time of day and weather conditions. In this way, if there are pathogens or other poor sea water conditions detected, there will be no delay in getting the seaweed growing lines to another location, thereby reducing the likelihood of the seaweed crop being lost.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines are constructed in a modular format with a plurality of line segments connected to end to end to at least one other line segment. By having the lines in a modular format, the lines may be handled with greater ease and if one line segment should become damaged or the seaweed thereon deemed unworthy for harvesting, the line segment may be swapped out for another.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a seaweed farm in which the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines are of the order of between 250 meters and 400 meters in length, preferably 330 meters in length. This is seen as a useful, commercially viable size for the elongate submersible seaweed growing line. It is envisaged that in some embodiments, it may be suitable to have longer or shorter lines, depending on the environment, towing boat capability, maneuverability, size of the landing area and the like considerations. For example, if there are four of five lines substantially parallel to each other, it may be preferable that the lines are shorter than 330 meters in length.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a process for farming seaweed in the seaweed farm, the process for farming seaweed comprises the steps of: seeding a plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines with seaweed sporelings and/or seaweed gametophytes close to shore in a sheltered location; towing the seeded plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines from the sheltered location to the designated offshore aquaculture farm; tethering the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines at one of their ends to a first mooring buoy; tethering the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines at the other of their ends to a second mooring buoy; monitoring the growth of the seaweed; and upon the seaweed crop reaching maturity; detaching the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines from the mooring buoys; and harvesting the seaweed from the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines.

[0025] This is seen as a particularly useful process for the farming of seaweed. In this way, the seaweed lines may be seeded inshore in a safer environment for the seaweed farmers to work in, before the lines are towed offshore for mooring to fixed buoys, where they will be away from most pollution and located in good growing conditions. This will also reduce the likelihood of the lines forming an obstruction and/or becoming entangled in pleasure craft which tend to operate closer to shore.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a process for farming seaweed in which the method comprises the intermediate step of, having detached the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines from the mooring buoys, towing the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines from the mooring buoys to a sheltered location closer to shore for harvesting. In this way, the seaweed growing lines can be harvested in safer conditions, closer to shore. At the same time, as seaweed loses a lot of its beneficial nutrients and mineral properties within hours of being harvested, the seaweed will be harvested closer to the processing location, thereby improving the yield from the seaweed harvest.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a process for farming seaweed in which the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines are landed for harvesting. This is seen as a preferred embodiment of the invention in that the seaweed lines can be brought ashore where they may be stripped of the seaweed, repaired if necessary and prepared for subsequent casting with a new crop.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a process for farming seaweed in which the process comprises the additional step of processing the harvested seaweed in a portable seaweed processing plant located adjacent to where the harvest of seaweed is landed. This is seen as particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention as the yield from the seaweed crop will be significantly improved and enhanced. As well as harvesting the solid seaweed, the process will be able to harvest the liquid seaweed and all the nutrients contained in the liquid seaweed. This is seen as a very useful way of increasing the yield and obtaining another, high value saleable product from the crop.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a process for farming seaweed in which the step of processing the harvested seaweed in a portable seaweed processing plant comprises the steps of: (i) washing the seaweed; (ii) pre-processing the seaweed to break down the cellular structure of the seaweed and release the nutrients from the seaweed from the cellular structure; (iii) separating the seaweed into liquid seaweed product and solid sea weed product; (iv) packing the liquid seaweed product; and (v) packing the solid seaweed product. Again, this is seen as a very simple yet efficient way in which the seaweed crop can be processed and an increased yield may be obtained from the crop. The liquid and solid seaweed products may be sold separately into different industries if desired, thereby improving the financial viability of the process.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a process for farming seaweed in which the method comprises the intermediate steps of: monitoring the water conditions of the designated offshore aquaculture farm with one or more sensors, and, upon detection of adverse water conditions in the designated offshore aquaculture farm: detaching the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines from at least one of the mooring buoys; moving the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines from the original location to another, remote location in the designated offshore aquaculture farm; and tethering the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines a second pair of mooring buoys.

[0031] This is seen as a useful aspect of the present invention. In this way, if the sea conditions are not conducive to growth of a healthy, valuable crop of seaweed, the seaweed growing lines can be moved from their original location to another remote location where the conditions are better for providing a good crop of seaweed.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a process for farming seaweed in which the step of moving the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines from the original location to another, remote location comprises using at least one autonomous thruster pod to move the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines. This is seen as particularly useful aspect of the present invention as the lines may be moved without the need for human intervention and there will be no delays in moving the lines, as it is not necessary to wait for a tow vessel to make its way to the offshore seaweed farm. Therefore, potential damage to the seaweed crop will be minimized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0033] The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) are a diagrammatic representations of a seaweed farm according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a second embodiment of designated offshore aquaculture farm of the seaweed farm according to the invention;

[0036] Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a third embodiment of designated offshore aquaculture farm of the seaweed farm according to the invention.

[0037] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of a control pod which may be used in the seaweed farm;

[0038] Figures 5(a) to 5(c) are a diagrammatic views of a thruster pod which may be used in the seaweed farm;

[0039] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portable seaweed processing plant according to the invention; and

[0040] Figure 7 is a diagrammatic side view of the portable processing plant with the components thereof shown in outline.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Referring to Figures 1(a) and 1(b), there is shown a diagrammatic representation of a seaweed farm according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. Referring specifically to Figure 1(b), the seaweed farm 100 comprises a designated offshore aquaculture farm 101 remote from shore, the designated offshore aquaculture farm 101 comprising at least two mooring buoys 103, spaced apart from each other and both anchored to the sea bed (not shown). The seaweed farm 100 comprises a plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a), 105(b) and 105(c) that have been seeded with seaweed sporelings and/or seaweed gametophytes. The seaweed farm 100 further comprises a plurality of buoyant and substantially rigid seaweed growing line spacers 107.

[0042] The buoyant seaweed growing line spacers 107 are positioned spaced apart from each other, approximately 10 meters apart, along the length of the seaweed growing lines 105(a)- 105(c). The seaweed growing line spacers 107 connect the plurality of seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) together and hold a pair of adjacent seaweed growing lines (105(a) and 105(b), and 105(b) and 105(c) respectively), spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, in this case 10 meters, along the length of the seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c).

[0043] Referring specifically to Figure 1(a), there is shown a pair of tow boats 109, one at either end of the plurality of elongate seaweed growing lines 105(a), 105(b), 105(c). The tow boat at the front of the line will tow the lines and the tow boat at the rear will act to stabilize the line and ensure that the lines do not become blown off course. The second tow boat will also assist in docking the elongate seaweed growing lines to the mooring buoys once the seaweed growing lines are towed out to the designated offshore aquaculture farm 101. A control pod (not shown), is provided with monitoring equipment and communication equipment to monitor the sea conditions and the crop conditions in the designated offshore aquaculture farm 101.

[0044] In use, the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines are seeded with seaweed sporelings and/or seaweed gametophytes close to shore in a sheltered location. This may be achieved onshore or on the water in a sheltered bay. For example, the seaweed growing lines may comprise a multistrand line in which case the seaweed sporelings and/or seaweed gametophytes may be placed intermediate the strands of the multi-strand line to hold them in position. The seaweed growing lines that have been seeded are then towed from the sheltered location to the designated offshore aquaculture farm by the tow boats 109. It is envisaged that in some circumstances, one, two or more tow boats may be required and the invention is not strictly limited to the use of two tow boats.

[0045] Once the seaweed growing lines have reached the designated offshore aquaculture farm, the seaweed growing lines are tethered at one of their ends to a first mooring buoy, and tethered at the other of their ends to a second mooring buoy. The seaweed growing lines are submerged to an average depth of the order of 1.0 meter to 1.5 meters deep. The growth of the seaweed is monitored, and upon the seaweed crop reaching maturity, the seaweed growing lines are detached from the mooring buoys. The seaweed is then harvested from the plurality of elongate submersible seaweed growing lines. Preferably, the seaweed growing lines are towed from the designated offshore aquaculture farm closer to shore before the seaweed is harvested from the seaweed growing lines. Indeed, it may be preferable to land the seaweed ashore before the seaweed is harvested off the seaweed growing lines. In this way, if a portable seaweed processing plant is provided, the seaweed can be processed adjacent to where it is landed.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of a second embodiment of designated offshore aquaculture farm of the seaweed farm according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 200, and where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The designated offshore aquaculture farm comprises a plurality of mooring buoys 103 arranged in a row. There are a plurality of positions, indicated by dashed lines 201, where the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) may be positioned. The position of the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105 (a)- 105(c) may be determined by where the water quality and water conditions are most conductive to good seaweed growth, or the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) may be cycled between the different positions to prevent exhaustion of the nutrients in a particular location. Indeed, it is envisaged that two or more elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) may be tethered to the mooring buoys at one time. Indeed, eight elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) may be moored, end to end, in a line in a daisy chain fashion. In this way, in some cases, two sets of growing lines may share a mooring buoy 103.

[0047] Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of a third embodiment of designated offshore aquaculture farm of the seaweed farm according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 300, and where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. In the embodiment shown, there are provided two strings of mooring buoys 301, 303, each of which contains nine mooring buoys 103. The number of mooring buoys 103 in each string 301, 303 is not limiting and may be more or less than nine if desired. The mooring buoys 103 in a string 301, 303 may be connected together by a chain or other warp, indicated by dashed lines 305, in order to maintain the mooring buoys in a relatively fixed relationship with respect to each other.

[0048] There are a plurality of positions, indicated by dashed lines 307, where the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) may be positioned. The position of the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) may be determined by where the water quality and water conditions are most conductive to good seaweed growth in the designated offshore aquaculture farm 300, or the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) may be cycled between the different positions (i.e. between different opposing pairs of mooring buoys 103 to prevent exhaustion of the nutrients in a particular location. Indeed, it is envisaged that two or more elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)- 105(c) may be tethered to the mooring buoys 103 in the designated offshore aquaculture farm 300 at one time. Indeed, nine elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) may be moored, side by side, in a row along the two strings 301, 303 of the designated offshore aquaculture farm. It is envisaged that more strings of mooring buoys may be provided (not shown) to provide further positions for the location of seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c).

[0049] Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a diagrammatic view of a control pod, indicated generally by the reference numeral 400, which may be used in the seaweed farm 100, 200, 300 according to the invention. The control pod 400 may have sensors, control equipment and communication equipment thereon. The sensors, which may also be provided elsewhere on the designated offshore aquaculture farm or indeed in several locations in the designated offshore aquaculture farm include a sensor to measure one or more of the following: (i) line tension; (ii) water temperature; (iii) water turbidity; (iv) pH levels; (v) pathogens; (vi) line weight; (vii) wave height; (viii) wind speed measurements; (ix) current measurements; (x) seaweed crop weight; (xi) seaweed crop development.

[0050] The control pod 400 shown has a solar panel array 401, wind turbines 403 and wave energy recovery arms 405 (only one of which is shown, the other being located on the opposite side of the control pod 400 to the first wave energy recovery arm 405. The power pod 400 is preferably constructed from 8mm plate steel, is of the order of 4.5 meters wide, 1.61 meters deep and 5 meters long, and may have scantlings to protect the structure from rough seas. The pod will be accessible through watertight hatches to allow access to and operation of the main instrumentation, the battery equipment and other sensors. It is envisaged that the control pod 400 will have its own moorings however in an alternative embodiment it may be moored to one of the mooring buoys. Load cells and other sensors connected to the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) may be connected to pad eyes on the control pod, or indeed may be led back to the control pod from their location in the seaweed farm.

[0051] In use, data from all the sensors is fed back to the control pod 400 and the control pod collates that data and transmits the data onwards to an onshore facility. This could be through satellite telephone connection or other communication channel. Indeed, the data may be processed on the control pod 400 prior to transmission to reduce the bandwidth requirement and in that case, processed data will be sent to the onshore location. The data or processed data may include warnings about adverse sea conditions, crop maturity and the like. It is envisaged that the seaweed farm 100, 200, 300 and/or the control pod 400 may have one or more cameras for monitoring of the seaweed farm.

[0052] Referring now to Figures 5(a) to 5(c) inclusive, there are shown diagrammatic views of a thruster pod, indicated generally by the reference numeral 500, which may be used in the seaweed farm 100, 200, 300 according to the present invention. The thruster pod 500 has a power supply 501, in this case provided by battery packs, a motor 503 and a pair of propellors 505. The thruster pod 500 may be used to move one or more of the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) in the seaweed farm 100, 200, 300.

[0053] For example, if a sensor (not shown) detects that there are heavy metals present in the water, it may be preferable to use the thruster pod 500 to untether the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) from the mooring buoys and move the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) to another location in the seaweed farm 100, 200, 300. Once in the alternative location, the thruster pod may have means (not shown) to tether the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c) to another mooring buoy 103. The thruster pods may be manually controlled, remotely controlled, or may be steered using Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation, as is known in the art of marine navigation. A combination of the techniques may be used. It will be understood that several hours or even days may be saved by the thruster pods being able to autonomously move the elongate submersible seaweed growing lines 105(a)-105(c).

[0054] It is envisaged that in certain embodiments, instead of having a dedicated thruster pod connected to each end of an elongate submersible seaweed growing line, one or more thruster pods will be assigned to the seaweed farm. The thruster pods may then be used to move any of a plurality of seaweed growing lines in the seaweed farm.

[0055] Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a perspective view of a portable seaweed processing plant, indicated generally by the reference numeral 600, for use in the process according to the invention. The portable seaweed processing plant comprises a shipping container 601 have a rectangular cuboid-shaped body 603 with a releasably securable door 605 at one end thereof. There may be provided a releasably securable door (not shown) at the other end so that product may enter the container at one end, pass through the container for processing, and processed product may exit the container at the other end.

[0056] The shipping container 601 is configured to be transported on the rear of an articulated chassis (not shown) and towed from one location to another, and when at the location may be dismounted from the articulated chassis if suitable lifting equipment is available. Indeed, it is envisaged that a lifting truck, such as a forklift truck, may be transported internal the container or on the rear of the articulated chassis for loading and unloading the portable seaweed processing plant.

[0057] Internal the container, there is provided a seaweed processing line (not shown) including a seaweed washing station, a seaweed pre-processing station, a seaweed separation station, and a seaweed packing station. The processing line is capable of receiving a harvest of fresh seaweed within minutes of the fresh seaweed being brought ashore and processing that seaweed to obtain packaged liquid seaweed product and solid seaweed product.

[0058] Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a diagrammatic side view of the portable processing plant 600 with the components of the portable seaweed processing plant and the seaweed processing line 609 shown in dashed outline as they are located internal, and in some cases external, the shipping container 601. The seaweed processing line 609 includes a seaweed washing station 611, a seaweed pre-processing station 613, a seaweed separation station 615 to separate the seaweed into liquid seaweed and solid seaweed, and a seaweed packing station 617 to pack the liquid seaweed and the solid seaweed for onward transport. The stations 611, 613, 615, 617 are shown joined together in a processing line by conveyors 619(a), 619(b) and 619(c).

[0059] A power supply is provided by way of a solar panel array 621 mounted on the roof of the body 603 of the shipping container 601. Preferably, the solar panel array 621 may be mounted on a frame (not shown) to allow the solar panel array to be directed towards the incident rays from the sun to provide a more efficient solar panel array output. Instead of or in addition to the solar panel array, a wind turbine (not shown) may be provided that could, if desired, be mounted on the roof of the container 601. It is envisaged that the wind turbine may pivot to and from an upright operation position and a substantially horizontal storage position lying along the roof of the container. In this way, the wind turbine will be protected and only deployed when required by pivoting the wind turbine to its upright position. A backup generator 623 is provided if there is a shortfall in power generated by either of the renewable energy supplies (wind turbine and solar array).

[0060] In addition to the foregoing, a water tank may be provided in the container for storage of water for washing the seaweed in the seaweed washing station 611. The washing station is provided to remove sand, crustaceans and other detritus from the seaweed before it is passed onwards for further processing. The water tank may be provided with a filtration system so that the water may be recycled and any materials removed from the seaweed can be removed from the water and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

[0061] The seaweed washing station 611 comprises one or more of: (i) an immersion bath; (ii) at least one spray nozzle; (iii) a sprinkler; (iv) a hand-operated hose; (v) a conveyor; and (vi) a centrifuge. Indeed, the seaweed washing station may comprise a plurality of these stations. The specific choice may depend in part on at least one or more of the type of seaweed, the level of pollution (if appropriate) on the seaweed, the season, and the amount of material on the seaweed. Therefore, a number of the options may be provided as part of the seaweed washing station and the appropriate seaweed washing option chosen depending on the raw material. Once washed, the seaweed is passed along conveyor 619(a) to the seaweed pre-processing station 613.

[0062] The seaweed pre-processing station 613 comprises one or more of: (i) a sonication device; (ii) a bead beater; (iii) a cavitation unit; and (iv) an autoclave. Again, the seaweed pre-processing station may comprise a plurality of these components (or indeed other components suitable to achieve the desired result) as the specific choice of component 30 may depend in part on at least one or more of the type of seaweed, the consistency of the seaweed, and the season. For example, more rugged types of seaweed, and/or more mature crops of seaweed, may require more aggressive pre-processing techniques in the pre processing station 613 in order to achieve the desired effect, which is to break down the cellular structure of the seaweed and release the nutrients into a liquid form. Indeed, in some cases, it will be desirable to pass the seaweed through two or more of the components in the pre-processing station 613. A number of the components may be provided as part of the seaweed pre-processing station 613 and the appropriate washing option(s) chosen depending on the raw material. Once pre-processed, the seaweed is passed along conveyor 619(b) to the seaweed separation station 615.

[0063] The seaweed separation station 615 comprises a vat (not shown) or other suitable receptacle having one or more of: (i) a mixer; (ii) a heat source; and (iii) a chopper therein for agitating the seaweed and separating the liquid seaweed from the solid seaweed. This part of the process, namely the separation and retrieval of the liquid seaweed from the solid seaweed, is a fundamental component of the present invention. By separating the seaweed in this way, it is possible to subsequently package the liquid seaweed, with the many nutrients and advantageous features thereof in a concentrated format, and sell that liquid seaweed as a relatively high-value commodity in industries such as food processing, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and the like. The solid seaweed, having less nutrients and less minerals, or at least having the same amount of nutrients and minerals but in a less concentrated form, may be sold separately as a different (lower value) product into industries such as food processing, animal feed and fertilizer. In this way, the financial return from the harvest is optimized as well as obtaining a greater yield of product from the harvest. Again, the type of treatment applied to the seaweed in the seaweed separation station may differ depending on the type of seaweed, the consistency of the seaweed, and the season. Once separated, the liquid seaweed and the solid seaweed are passed along conveyor 619(c) to the seaweed packing station 617.

[0064] Once the liquid seaweed and the solid seaweed reach the seaweed packing station 617, they are packed separately for onward transport to customers, for further processing into food products, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or the like. The packaged seaweed may be shipped directly, immediately after processing in the portable seaweed processing plant, in another transport vehicle (not shown), or the packaged seaweed may be stored in the shipping container 601 until a critical mass of product has been harvested and it is financially worthwhile to ship the consignment of goods to a customer.

[0065] It will be understood that various modifications could be made to the portable seaweed processing plant 600 described herein without departing from the invention. For example, a drying station may be provided to dry out the solid seaweed. The drying station could be located intermediate the seaweed separation station 615 and the seaweed packing station 617. In addition, a press may be provided as part of or separate to the vat and other equipment in the seaweed separation station 615. The press would effectively squeeze the seaweed to release moisture from the seaweed. Indeed, a press could be part of the seaweed pre-processing station 613.

[0066] In addition to the foregoing, it is envisaged that the portable seaweed processing plant 600 may further comprise a temperature control unit for controlling the internal temperature in the shipping container 601. The temperature control unit may be operable to heat and/or cool the interior of the shipping container. It is envisaged that it is preferable to not allow the temperature of the seaweed exceed 36°C. Therefore, the internal temperature may be monitored to keep the temperature to an acceptable level. Furthermore, this may be useful to provide a more comfortable working environment internal the portable seaweed processing plant, allowing the portable seaweed processing plant to be used in a number of different climates, locations and seasons.

[0067] The present invention also relates to a new process for processing seaweed. The method entails using the apparatus described above to process the seaweed on location, closely adjacent to where the seaweed is landed. In this way, the seaweed will be fresh when it is being processed and the yield from the harvest will be increased, with additional relatively high-value products being obtained from the harvest.

[0068] Throughout this specification, reference is made to offshore. By offshore, what is envisaged is an area that is not close to other marine traffic in the normal course of events and is a remote area with little or no commercial traffic on a regular basis. This may be one kilometer or several kilometers off the cost. Indeed, it may be located less than one kilometer from the coast if located in an area, such as a secluded bay, or an area remote from a port. For example, offshore may typically be considered to be an area remote from the nearest port by one or more kilometers at least, in an area with little other shipping traffic, that is not immediately accessible and that will not be detrimental to the environment in the surrounding area. In addition to being located away from a crowded marine space, the designated offshore aquaculture farm location will be assessed for suitability of water quality, seabed conditions, and environmental impact before a decision is made to locate the designated offshore aquaculture farm there.

[0069] In this specification the terms "comprise, comprised, comprises and comprising" and the terms "include, includes, included and including" are all deemed totally interchangeable and should be afforded the widest possible interpretation.

[0070] The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the appended claims.