The system, apparatus and method of the present invention provides for the cultivation of shellfish in subtidal environments. A key aspect of the invention is the use of specially configured baskets, into which the shellfish to be grown is seeded. In particular, the baskets are configured with a support bracket through which a cable passes. The mounting of the support bracket permits the rotation of the basket and allows a shellfish cultivator to replicate the growing conditions of intertidal ecosystems despite the invention being used in a subtidal environment.

For oyster aquaculture, oysters are housed in cylindrical containers. The containers have open (e.g. mesh) sides allowing water and nutrient flow. Containers are attached at each end to a horizontal anchoring system, such as a pair of lines running near the water surface. The attachment involves rotatable connection, allowing the containers to roll. The containers include a traction surface, such as a ridged or toothed surface for traction, or another roughened or corrugated surface. This allows the containers to be rolled without disconnection from the anchoring system, for tumbling and transport. A container handling device mounted on a boat includes a ramp descending into the water and an operating area. The operating area includes a de-fouling bath and a surface on which the containers roll, facilitating tumbling. The container handling device travels along a line of containers with the anchor lines running overtop, lifting each container up and through the operating area in turn.

For oyster aquaculture, oysters are housed in cylindrical containers. The containers have open (e.g. mesh) sides allowing water and nutrient flow. Containers are attached at each end to a horizontal anchoring system, such as a pair of lines running near the water surface. The attachment involves rotatable connection, allowing the containers to roll. The containers include a traction surface, such as a ridged or toothed surface for traction, or another roughened or corrugated surface. This allows the containers to be rolled without disconnection from the anchoring system, for tumbling and transport. A container handling device mounted on a boat includes a ramp descending into the water and an operating area. The operating area includes a de-fouling bath and a surface on which the containers roll, facilitating tumbling. The container handling device travels along a line of containers with the anchor lines running overtop, lifting each container up and through the operating area in turn.

A rearing device including a framework, at least one rearing enclosure internally delimiting a volume for receiving aquaculture animals, a float device connected to the at least one rearing enclosure, a connection connecting the at least one rearing enclosure to the framework, permitting a rotation of the at least one rearing enclosure about a first, substantially horizontal axis of rotation, and a rotation of the first axis of rotation with respect to the framework about a second axis of rotation substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation.

A rearing device including a framework, at least one rearing enclosure internally delimiting a volume for receiving aquaculture animals, a float device connected to the at least one rearing enclosure, a connection connecting the at least one rearing enclosure to the framework, permitting a rotation of the at least one rearing enclosure about a first, substantially horizontal axis of rotation, and a rotation of the first axis of rotation with respect to the framework about a second axis of rotation substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation.

A rearing device including a framework provided to be placed on a sea bed, at least one rearing enclosure internally delimiting a volume for receiving aquaculture animals, a connection connecting the at least one rearing enclosure to the framework, permitting a rotation of the at least one rearing enclosure with respect to the framework about at least one substantially horizontal axis of rotation, and a float device connected to the at least one rearing enclosure by a flexible connection of a length chosen such that, when the flexible connection is vertically tensioned, the float device is located in the intertidal zone.

A rearing device including a framework provided to be placed on a sea bed, at least one rearing enclosure internally delimiting a volume for receiving aquaculture animals, a connection connecting the at least one rearing enclosure to the framework, permitting a rotation of the at least one rearing enclosure with respect to the framework about at least one substantially horizontal axis of rotation, and a float device connected to the at least one rearing enclosure by a flexible connection of a length chosen such that, when the flexible connection is vertically tensioned, the float device is located in the intertidal zone.

A method of growing shellfish is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a support tray (I) with recesses (7) where at least some of the recesses (7) incorporate means adapted to create a deliberately formed alphanumeric, written or pictorial mark on the shellfish as it grows. Shellfish spat are attached to at least some of the recesses (7) and the tray (I) is placed in water so that the spat grow into substantially mature shellfish within the recesses (7). The spat each grow generally in the shape of their respective recess (7) so that the mark is created on the shellfish as it grows.

A method of growing shellfish is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a support tray (I) with recesses (7) where at least some of the recesses (7) incorporate means adapted to create a deliberately formed alphanumeric, written or pictorial mark on the shellfish as it grows. Shellfish spat are attached to at least some of the recesses (7) and the tray (I) is placed in water so that the spat grow into substantially mature shellfish within the recesses (7). The spat each grow generally in the shape of their respective recess (7) so that the mark is created on the shellfish as it grows.

A rearing device including a framework provided to be placed on a sea bed, at least one rearing enclosure internally delimiting a volume for receiving aquaculture animals, a connection connecting the at least one rearing enclosure to the framework, permitting a rotation of the at least one rearing enclosure with respect to the framework about at least one substantially horizontal axis of rotation, and a float device connected to the at least one rearing enclosure by a flexible connection of a length chosen such that, when the flexible connection is vertically tensioned, the float device is located in the intertidal zone.