Drift weed trapping and algae growing abalone cage and construction technique

摘要

PCT No. PCT/AU95/00200 Sec. 371 Date Oct. 28, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Oct. 28, 1996 PCT Filed Apr. 10, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO95/28079 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 26, 1995A cage for growing abalone, or other suitable underwater species, includes a ballast device having a device for holding the cage steady in flowing water. The cage is constructed substantially from a stiff mesh material, with at least two opposite faces of the cage being constructed so that folds of mesh form collection chambers. The collection chambers are substantially U-shaped and sealed at their innermost ends while having a V-shaped funnel entrance, so that an escape of an underwater species held within the cage is prevented. A large surface area of mesh is presented to water flowing through the cage. As a result, drift weed or other food material is able to be captured on the large surface area of mesh for providing a food source for the underwater species within the cage. The construction of the cage allows for the collection of drift weed, regardless of the direction that the tide is flowing.