NZ613846B2 - Improvements in and relating to fishing systems - Google Patents

Abstract

fishing system using a trawl (2) or dredge is disclosed. The fishing system includes at least one net (2) suspended in and moved through water by at least one vessel (4). The net has at least one aperture enabling aquatic species to enter and at least one second aperture (6a) enabling the caught species to exit. The second aperture is connected to a substantially elongate conduit (7) directing the caught species (21) along its length to be discharged into at least one reservoir for storage. The catch is elevated due to the dynamic pressure of the water entering the conduit. The reservoir means may be associated with the at least one vessel exclusively or with at least one other vessel as well or instead. The catch may be sorted (9) on board and any unsuitable catch (23) returned to the water. pecies to exit. The second aperture is connected to a substantially elongate conduit (7) directing the caught species (21) along its length to be discharged into at least one reservoir for storage. The catch is elevated due to the dynamic pressure of the water entering the conduit. The reservoir means may be associated with the at least one vessel exclusively or with at least one other vessel as well or instead. The catch may be sorted (9) on board and any unsuitable catch (23) returned to the water.

Description

Patents Form No. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 IPSPEC Ref: 125-4138NZ PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FISHING SYSTEMS After NZ Patent Appln No. 601632 Dated: 3 August 2012 I, ROBERT HAMILTON HALL, a New Zealand citizen, of 153 Karewa Parade, Papamoa Beach, Papamoa. 3118, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which I/we pray that a patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement : IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FISHING SYSTEMS Technical Field This invention relates to improvements in and relating to fishing systems.

In particular, this invention is directed to providing a substantially improved fishing system.

The improved fishing system, typically for commercial purposes, is directed to a catch of targeted animals with a preferred outcome of reduced damage to non-target animals and the environment.

It is envisaged the invention will be applicable to a range of fisheries, whether shell fish, crabs and other crustaceans, or a range of permissibly fishable fish species. In particular, it is envisaged the selectivity afforded by the operation of this system will mean less animals are damaged and non-target animals (based on size and species) are able to be returned to the sea thereby minimising depletion of stocks. Further, it is directed to a reduction in damage to seabed structure and communities.

Background Art There are number of existing fishing systems in use for commercially catching large numbers of fish. Some of these systems include bottom and mid-water trawling and gill netting.

Other fishing systems may be targeted to particular invertebrate species, such as shellfish and crabs.

Trawling is typically undertaken with one or more boats (called trawlers or draggers) pulling a fishing net through the water. This method is mainly used in commercial fishing. The general towing speed for trawlers is in the range of 2.5 – 4.0 knots.

Trawling is undertaken either on the ocean floor (termed bottom trawling) or, roughly halfway down the water depth (termed mid-water trawling).

With trawling, single boat trawls are more common. With this method, the horizontal spread of the fishing net in the water is controlled by otter boards (or trawl doors). Otter boards are designed either to keep the net on the sea floor or to enable the net to remain elevated for mid-water trawl.

If two boats are used the horizontal spread of the fishing net is controlled by the distance between the towing boats.

The trawl method used depends on the target species and their location in the ocean water column. For example, the bottom trawling method is used for cod, squid, halibut and rockfish. In New Zealand, Orange Roughy and Hoki stocks have been largely depleted by this method. Shrimp may also be caught using this technique. Mid-water trawling is more typically used for anchovies, shrimp, tuna and mackerel, as this is where these species are found.

Trawl nets are funnel shaped and have a closed off tail (or cod end) where the fish are collected. The vertical opening of the trawl net is provided by the floatline (which uses flotation devices) and the footrope (which uses weights). Mid-water trawling equipment is generally much larger and varies both in design and net mesh size in comparison to bottom trawl equipment.

Gill netting involves the use of gill nets which comprise vertical panels of netting. These panels are normally set in a straight line. Fish may be caught by gill nets through becoming wedged (where they are held by the mesh around the body), by becoming tangled (where the fish teeth, spines, maxillaries, or other protrusions get caught in the net mesh, but without the body penetrating the mesh), or most commonly by being gilled (where the net mesh gets behind the opercula or gill cover).

Existing bottom trawling, mid-water trawling and gill netting methods have a number of readily identifiable problems. These include: 1. They result in a large quantity of non-target fish (fish for which no quota is held) being caught. This is of particular concern when those fish stocks are either low or endangered. 2. There is a significant proportion of undersized fish caught and killed which places further strain on the longevity and vulnerability of fish stocks. 3. Fish are physically damaged when caught, so even if some are released, their injuries prevent them surviving. 4. Bottom trawls are generally heavy and cause significant damage to the ocean floor which has consequences for niches, food structures, sponge and coral communities, and general animal and plant diversity.

. Nets or parts thereof may be left behind which has ongoing consequences causing harm to sea life over longer periods of time.

Large areas of New Zealand’s coast are closed to gill netters as this fishing method represents a significant threat to endangered species.

New Zealand also has large areas closed to bottom trawling, such as seamounts and hydrothermal vented areas.

Lack of selectivity in terms of size and species and physical damage to the seabed are the two major environmental concerns raised against trawling.

While mid-water trawling does not damage the seabed as there is no contact with it, the non- selective catch from trawling results in both target fish and non-target species being caught and, of those, fish of both legal and illegal size and type are included. In addition, there are many fish unintentionally killed as a result of trawling. This is known as by-catch and is particularly detrimental when it also indiscriminately kills species such as dolphins, sea turtles, New Zealand sea lions, fur seals, seabirds and sharks; and, this is even more concerning where certain species of those animals are considered endangered.

While trawl designs used in commercial fishing attempt to control size selectivity by controlling the net mesh size at the cod end, this has had only limited success.

While bottom trawling is usually more selective in catching a single species, it is still subject to significant by-catch of dolphin, porpoises and whales and so forth. The feet of crabs do not normally ever leave the sea bottom so, when crabs show up in nets it is a clear indication that bottom trawling gear is churning up everything from the seabed in its path.

In addition, this method is a significant contributor to the damage to sea beds. Such damage caused by bottom trawling results from the towing of heavy fishing gear over the seabed.

The main sources of this damage are from the otter boards and the footrope. This damage can be detrimental to the ocean floor generally and to coral reefs specifically, can result in the removal of seaweed and cause issues arising from re-suspending sediments.

While the present invention has a number of potentially realisable applications, it is in relation to problems associated with existing fishing systems that the present invention was developed. More specifically, it was with regard to providing a fishing system more appropriately tailored to minimise the extent of negative impacts of existing commercial fishing systems. In particular, it was with the broad environmental issues typically associated with such systems in mind, that the present invention was developed; such as, having regard to maintaining fish stocks long term, protecting endangered species, maintaining seabed niches and the biodiversity at sea bed level and minimising waste whilst still able to provide a realisable catch to support the commercial fishing industry. Finally, it was having regard to the importance to New Zealand of the ocean diving and fishing tourist, to recreational fishing stocks and enhancing New Zealand’s coastline fisheries, shell fish and crab and crayfish stocks, that the invention was developed.

It would be useful therefore, to have a fishing system that: 1. Minimised the quantity of non-target fish (fish not wanted and/or for which no quota is held) being caught; and/or 2. Reduced the proportion of undersized fish caught and killed; which in turn 3. Better assisted and/or contributed to maintaining fish stocks that are currently either low or endangered at a sustainable level; by 4. Improved longevity and minimised vulnerability of fish stocks. 5. Minimised physical damage caused to the fish when caught, thereby improving the chances of them surviving if released back into the water. 6. Significantly minimised or avoided damage to the ocean floor; which in turn 7. Maintained existing niches, food structures, sponge and coral communities, and general animal and plant diversity. 8. Minimised or avoided nets or parts thereof being left behind; and thereby 9. Decreased the harm caused to sea life (fish, niche communities, coral, sponge beds, crustaceans, shell fish, plant communities, mammals, sea birds and so forth) over longer periods of time; and . Would be easy to use.

It would therefore be advantageous to have an invention that offered at least some, if not all, of the potential advantages of the above proposed treatment system. It is therefore an object of the present invention to consider the above problems and provide at least one solution which addresses a plurality of these problems.

It is another object of the present invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice or alternative system.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. It should be appreciated that variations to the described embodiments are possible and would fall within the scope of the present invention.

Disclosure of Invention The present invention is directed to the design and operation of an improved fishing system.

The basic system has application to a range of fisheries, with minor modifications directed to tailoring the system to catching specific species, as may be required.

Fishing in New Zealand waters operates on a quota system for most fish species caught.

Catching untargeted species can be costly. The quota relevant to any of the species caught must be abided to or the Government imposes expensive levies.

All fish landed on the vessel must be retained and not returned to the water. Refrigeration and storage space on the vessel is therefore often used uneconomically to store untargeted species; or, animals are illegally dumped back into the ocean.

Current systems are destructive, in terms of damage to the seabed and damage to the caught animals (fish or otherwise), whether the animals are target species or not. Undersized fish are killed which reduces future fishing stocks; and sea mammals, sea birds and other marine animals are indiscriminately caught and often injured or killed, including endangered animals.

Bottom trawling nets on the ocean floor may result in debris being trawled which negatively impacts on the ability for seabed communities and niches to recover from the damage. In addition, dredged debris in nets increases the time to clear the nets and inflicts damage to the animals also caught in the nets.

The present invention seeks to address as many of the negative outcomes and attributes of existing commercial fishing systems, whether used in fresh water or marine aquatic systems.

In particular, the present invention seeks to reduce and/or avoid where possible, damage to individual animals, damage to fish stocks, damage to untargeted animals and damage to the seabed, riverbed or lake bed.

Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system, said fishing system including at least one catching means, said catching means being suspended in an aquatic system and dragged by at least one towing vessel, said catching means having at least one first aperture enabling species to enter the catching means and at least one second aperture enabling the caught species to exit the catching means, said second aperture adapted to effect communication with a substantially elongate conduit, said conduit being dimensioned to enable species caught in the said catching means to be transported along the length of the conduit and discharged into at least one reservoir means, said reservoir means being associated with either or both the said at least one towing vessel and with at least one other vessel; the reservoir means including sorting means enabling target species to be selected from the catch and transferred to at least one storage means, the sorting means also being adapted to direct non-target species from the reservoir means back into the aquatic system without handling or effecting damage to said non-target species.

Therefore, as may be appreciated, the present invention has at least one catching means, so the potential is included for more than one catching means to be included. In addition, the at least one catching means has at least one first aperture enabling species to enter the catching means and at least one second aperture enabling the caught species to exit the catching means. The second aperture is adapted to effect communication with a substantially elongate conduit. Therefore, by extension it is also possible for there to be two catching means and two conduits; or, one catching means and two conduits. Accordingly, the species caught in the said catching means are able to be transported along the length of the respective conduit and discharged into at least one reservoir means. As such, it is therefore also possible for there to be multiple reservoir means; and further, the said reservoir means may thereby be associated with either or both the towing vessel and the other vessel. As such each vessel could have its own reservoir means which is serviced by a conduit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the aquatic system includes freshwater and marine systems.

As may be appreciated, there is the ability to adapt the present invention for use with varying marine and freshwater fisheries. In addition, various marine fisheries may also be accommodated, from commercial fish species as bottom dwellers and mid-water column species, to shell fish, cephalopods, crustaceans and so forth.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein said catching means includes a first distal end associated with said first aperture and, said catching means being configured therefrom to taper to an opposite distal end of the catching means, to direct species caught within the catching means to said opposite distal end associated with said second aperture.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the catching means is a net.

As may be appreciated, there are a range of fishing nets available in the prior art. Fishing nets are made from a range of materials.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the net is adapted to prevent injury to individual animals touching the net.

It is preferable for the net of the present invention to be of a material which is less likely to inflict damage to the fish and other animal life caught within it. It is a potentially realisable advantage of the present invention that both target and non-target species are caught undamaged. This is particularly relevant where non-target species are able to be returned to the water, so that stock of a range of animals are not unnecessarily depleted from indiscriminate fishing; and, where some non-target species are mammals and birds and/or endangered animals.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the internal surface of the net material is adapted to minimise injury to individual animals touching the net.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the internal surface of the substantially elongate conduit is adapted to minimise injury to individual animals touching the net.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the internal surface of the net and the internal surface of the substantially elongate conduit are coated to enable the animals caught to slip across the respective internal surfaces.

While the invention in operation is intended to minimise animals being forced against the net or conduit, it is recognised that in some instances the animals may swim into the surfaces of these structures. Therefore, it is preferably that either or both the net used in the trawl and the conduit may be coated with a protective coating such as, or including, Teflon or similar, to minimise or prevent fish injury if the animals touch the net and/or the conduit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the said second aperture of the opposite distal end of the catching means is smaller than the first aperture and adapted to be in communication with a first distal end and first aperture of the conduit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the conduit is dimensioned to allow flow of water through the conduit via the first aperture of the catching means through the second aperture of the catching means and through the first aperture of the conduit, along the length of the conduit to be discharged through a second aperture at the opposite distal end of the conduit.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first aperture of the catching means is the larger aperture. This larger aperture is at the forward end of the catching means as the catching means is being dragged through the water. The larger aperture enables a significant volume of water and fish therein to be guided into the catching means. The second aperture of the catching means is at the trailing end of the catching means. The trailing end of the catching means is also referred to as the Cod End. In typical trawling nets, the Cod End is closed off and there is no aperture. However, in the present invention, the Cod End of the catching means is opened and further modified.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is included at or before the cod end, a funnel means which is adapted to engage with the catching means in the vicinity of the second aperture.

The funnel is also adapted to engage with the first distal end of the conduit.

The funnel is preferably of substantially solid construction to maintain the opening of the catching means and conduit free from collapse and allow the fish to be directed from the catching means into the conduit.

The funnel may be made from any appropriate materials to achieve the desired purpose.

A range of funnel configurations and attachment systems for connecting the funnel and catching means and, the funnel and conduit means, appropriately, may be employed with the invention.

The funnel is preferably of a larger diameter than the conduit and tapers from the Cod End of the net to the portion adjacent to the opening of the conduit to which it is then connected to.

In other embodiments, funnel means may also or otherwise included at the discharge end of the conduit, depending on the configuration of the invention employed. At the discharge end of the conduit, the funnel means provides some additional means to maintain the discharge aperture of the conduit open, so as to allow free and directional discharge of the water and animals into the area of the reservoir and/or sorting means. Such configuration is designed to minimise collapse of the conduit at the discharge end and also to minimise animals being subjected to contact with the conduit as they are discharged from it.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein species caught in the catching means are transported by the water flowing through the conduit from the first aperture of the catching means through the second aperture of the catching means and through the first aperture of the conduit, along the length of the conduit to be discharged through a second aperture of the conduit at the discharge end of the conduit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the conduit is substantially flexible.

Preferably, the conduit is made of material able to withstand the impact of the relevant aquatic environment with which the fishing system is used. In addition, the conduit is preferably made of a substantially flexible material. For example, the conduit may be made from materials including canvas, rope-like or any appropriate thermoplastics materials.

Again, it is preferable that the material from which the conduit is made is of a kind which is less likely to inflict damage or injury to the animals being transported through it.

For example, the conduit (and funnel) to the retrieving vessel will be constructed or may be coated with a protective coating, such as or including Teflon or similar, to minimise or prevent damage to the animals.

As the trawl/dredge is pulled forward, the fish entering into the catching means are directed through the funnel and into the conduit. The fish then travel along and up the conduit to the trawling vessel or, to a second vessel following the first trawling vessel.

The second vessel is preferably towed by the first or primary vessel, or may be powered independently provided there is no strain on the conduit system that could negatively impact on the functioning of the conduit and the ability for the fish to be channeled through the conduit safely.

Various calculations may be undertaken relevant to funnel apertures and boat speeds required to flush water through the fishing system to a pre-determined height, and/or flow speed thereby carrying fish caught in the catching system through the conduit and to the vessel collecting the catch.

For example, a vessel tows the trawl/dredge net. The trawl or dredge net is modified at the cod end of the net so that the fish captured by the trawl are forced by water flow up the conduit which is operating as a connecting pipe between the net and the receiving/collecting vessel. The collecting vessel may be the original trawling vessel or a second vessel distance behind the trawling vessel. A single vessel system may be used particularly in shallow water.

The collecting or receiving vessel preferably includes a reservoir means configured to be large enough to receive both water and fish transported thereto via the conduit. The reservoir means may be a separate reservoir container, or may be simply a portion of the existing vessel structure.

Preferably, the fish and water will be discharged into reservoir means located below sea level within the collecting vessel. Unwanted, non-target species are able to be returned to the water via pump means or via a conveyor or elevator to above the sea level the returned gently to the water.

Alternatively, the fish and water will be directed into the reservoir means of the collecting vessel above the sea water level and the unwanted non-target species and water will return to the sea by means of gravity The excess water is preferably pumped directly back into the sea (or relevant freshwater body being fished).

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described wherein the sorting means includes one or more of: a static screen a moving screen a perforated conveyor belt an alternative sorting means.

The sorting means is preferably located relative to the reservoir means location in the vessel.

In some instances, the sorting means may be supported over or stand within the reservoir means, or in embodiments where the reservoir means is simply part of a deck of the vessel, the sorting means may be a free-standing structure over which the conduit discharges the water and fish transported to the vessel.

In order to separate the desired species (for the pre-determined catch) from the unwanted species, the animals need to be screened and sorted. The fish and water are therefore preferably separated over a static or moving screen, perforated conveyor belt or by other available methods in the prior art or methods adapted for use with the present invention.

Water and fish are swept into the reservoir means of the receiving vessel, the water screened off, fish are sorted and desired species and sizes are retained. Undersized fish and non- target species are immediately returned to the water unharmed.

This process is designed to take a minimal amount of time, particularly if the animals are separated from the water. It is preferable the untargeted animals are not handled or marginally so, and are returned to the water without injury and with minimal stress.

In sorting the catch fish/animals of the correct size and type are either: a) Taken off the sorting means by hand. The undersized and non-target fish are left on the conveyor which feeds off the vessel into the water in a manner that does not damage the various non-target species; or, the catch is b) Sorted by an appropriate automatic sorting method that will efficiently and effectively separate target fish of correct size and return undersized and non-target animals back into the water unharmed.

A range of sorting systems are available in the prior art. These include systems which enable individual objects to pass under a detector which determines shape and size and can be calibrated to detect those target animals having the pre-determined shape and size and separate them from the catch. The sorting system may operate on a system akin to drafting animals (such as sheep) directing target fish to a separate reservoir and the unharmed, non- target species to an exit means positioned below or just above the surface of the water body being fished. Other parameters for selecting chosen target animals from non-target animals may also include colour, markings, weight. Given a range of animal species may be caught, including mammals, sharks and so forth, the sorting system would be designed to immediately return these to the water, with the more refined parameters of the sorting means directed to be used in relation to identifying differences in fish species only.

Only live, unharmed target fish of the required size (as per fisheries requirements) will be retained for subsequent sorting as per the catch. The fish will be ikied (humanely killed by piercing the brain) and placed in slurry bins.

Since existing trawling systems harm or often kill the animals that are caught, it is a requirement of fishing quota systems that dead, non-target animals caught, will not be dumped. The present system acknowledges that some damage or death of individual animals may occur and they will be similarly retained in accordance with such existing fishing requirements.

The preferred aims of the various aspects of the present invention are therefore: 1. All fish and sea life captured is immediately sorted whilst alive and preferably undamaged; and 2. unharmed non-target species are immediately (within seconds) returned to the water. 3. Only target fish of the required sizes are retained.

It is a potentially realisable advantage of the present invention that the number of non-target animals retained due to injury or death, is significantly reduced or minimised to a marginal quantity.

It is relevant to note here that many complaints regarding trawling relate to the catch of undersized animals. The fact that many of the animals caught are killed as a result of the fishing system employed means that the animal stocks are depleted. However, in many instances, animals reach breeding maturity after a number of years and after reaching a size associated with that maturity. Some of the larger animals are crucial for maintaining a mature breeding stock. Therefore, the sorting system employed with the present invention may be set to even return larger mature individual animals, so that the breeding stock is preserved.

There are a number of potentially realisable economic benefits available from implementation of the present invention. These include: 1. The animals caught by this method are more valuable than those caught by existing trawl methods, because: a. They are not squashed by the weight of other fish caught and compacted as in existing trawl catches. b. They are stressed to a lesser extent than existing trawling methods where they are scooped up and confined in a net. They are alive as they reach the collection reservoir and target species are immediately killed, while non- target species are released. 2. Non-targeted species are protected - maintaining the biodiversity of the aquatic system; and 3. Those animals of the target species that are undersized or clearly mature breeding stock, are able to be protected and thereby contribute to the future fisheries stocks.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the fishing system includes a hydrofoil means associated with the catching means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the hydrofoil means is adjustable.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, which are adapted to include hydrofoil means, the angle of the hydrofoil and the speed of the trawling can be adjusted to give different downwards pressure on the sea floor. Minimum pressure means minimum damage.

This is particular advantageous when used on a fixed beam bottom dredge.

This method has potentially realisable advantages as it is more fuel efficient and allows control of ground pressure - such that minimum speed is needed to attain the ground pressure required.

As the speed of the trawl is increased it also makes it more difficult for fish to swim out and escape the net. The increased speed of the dredge also reduces fish exposure to electro-shock which may be used as part of the dredge/trawling process.

The trawls may utilise existing dredge designs. Alternatively, any novel design may be used which incorporates an adjustable hydrofoil.

The speed of the towing vessel and the angle of the hydrofoil will influence the depth the trawl works at or, the pressure the trawl places on the ocean floor. Therefore, depth will be controlled with vessel speed and by adjusting the angle and shape of the hydrofoil.

To achieve hydrofoil adjustability, the hydrofoil may included adjustment means requiring manual adjustment before use, or may be remotely adjusted using electronic, programmable means.

There are again, a number of potentially realisable advantages from such aspects of the present invention. These include: 1. The dredge design, hydrofoils and adjusted angle may enable faster trawling on sandy/mud bottoms for flatfish. 2. One of the problems of bottom trawling is that they need to weigh down the bottom of the trawl net and all the fish can escape under the net. The speed of the dredge due to the current design and preferred method minimises the fish escaping, as the trawl will be pulled at higher speeds.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the fishing system includes an arrangement of elongate tickling means associated with the catching means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the tickling means transmit pulses into the water.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the pulses of the tickling means are generated by pulse generating means to create pulses into the water, including electric, sonic, vibration pulses.

Normal dredges use one or normally several chains dragging over the bottom to disturb fish.

The dredge and trawling system of the present invention is adapted to use pulsed ticklers which will potentially cause much less damage than any known dredge or other methods of disturbing fish.

The use of electric ticklers or sound or vibration ticklers is relevant also to the catch of shellfish. The swimming shell fish leave the bottom and are captured in the trawl net Flatfish species are also better able to be caught this way. Such flatfish species are often halfway buried in the sea bottom. That means that fishermen need to scare the flatfish in order to get it into the net. The normal way is to use chains or mats with chain-work which are pulled through the sea floor in front of the net. This process uses a great deal of energy and damages benthic life. With pulse trawling, the chains are replaced by drag wires through which electric, sound or vibrational impulses are sent. The fish caught are not killed or paralysed by the electricity, but are only shaken up. The potentially realisable advantages of such a system are: 1. Fuel consumption is 20 to 40% lower than with tickler systems; and 2. The bottom of the water system (sea, lake, river) is less disturbed; 3. There is less by-catch; and 4. There is often a greater target species yield.

Ticklers that may be used with this invention include: Electric Ticklers – a known method used for fishing of bottom inhabiting species. The method employs pulsed electric shock or repulsion currents to scare fish off the bottom so that they may be captured by the net. Broadly speaking there are two types of electric fishing - attraction and repulsion. The difference between them is the strength of the electric current.

The advantage of this design is that it removes the need for heavy chains that cause extensive damage to the ocean floor. These ticklers are dragged along at the front of the trawl and stretch across the entire width of the trawl A major concern of electric fishing is that the fish are harmed. This appears to be more of a factor with attraction methods as a stronger current is used causing damage to the fish.

Therefore, the preferred type of electric ticklers intended for use with this invention is preferably based on the repulsion method of fishing. The electric current is specific for the target species and of a strength which repels or scares the fish into the net without harming them. Repulsion works at much lower electric currents and produces a smaller electric field so that fish are unlikely to be damaged in the way they are with attraction electric ticklers.

Chain Ticklers – a second option would be to have a series of tickler chains at intervals across the width of the trawl which would result in less of a dug up, groomed effect on the ocean floor. This would be less damaging.

Spring Tensioned Wire Ticklers – are an alternative method. A series of spring tensioned, plastic-coated wires in a similar arrangement to the tickler chain arrangement may be used.

The tickler would gently touch the sea bed and flatfish, such as flounder, hiding thereon giving them a small fright to move them off the bottom.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the fishing system includes lighting means associated with the catching means.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention night-time lights may be included at the front and sides of the trawl net. When fish are lit up (particularly on the ocean/lake floor) they freeze. When the light is removed they tend to immediately swim to the dark area. In operation, the flatfish (flounder, etc) will freeze in the lights, then when disturbed will seek the darkness of the net.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will include a lighting system intended to light across the front of the trawl and up the sides to the point where the net is adjacent the ocean/fresh water bottom. Once the lights have gone past the fish will seek darkness and swim away from the light into the net.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing system substantially as described above wherein the catching means is configured to connect to frame means.

The frame means is formed to effect a sled system and is preferably in the form of a dredge.

Preferably, the dredge is designed so that the ocean, river or lake bed is only minimally harmed or not harmed at all. For example, some of the features of an improved dredge design are: 1. The use of hinged knives to carry power causes less damage than long chain dragging; in addition, 2. The sled shoes of the beam trawl may be designed with a hydrofoil flying in ground effect to keep the sled from actually touching the sea floor. The density of water increases the efficiency of the foil; and 3. The sled may be designed using a hovercraft principle to reduce sea floor damage.

Some potentially realisable economic advantages of this aspect of the present invention are that: 1. Damage to the seafloor is minimised thereby maintaining the niche structure; and 2. Less debris from the ocean floor is caught in the dredge and so less sorting is required, thereby minimising the destruction of coral and sponge beds, or raising sediments; and 3. The quantity of non-target bottom dwelling sea life caught in dredges is minimised, thereby maintaining the biodiversity of the sea, lake or river bed.

By using pulses from electric, sound, or vibration ticklers, bottom dwelling flatfish (such as flounder, sole, plaice), swimming shell fish (such as scallops) and crustaceans, leave the bottom and are captured in the trawl net from where they are piped onto the collecting vessel and sorted.

This method of trawling with chains and ticklers in combination with the system of water and animals being piped onto a screen may also be adapted and the same principle used for catching crabs. Paddle crab fishing is common in New Zealand. The crabs are directed by means of a funnel up a pipe, over a screen, selected for size and those that are undersized are returned gently to water.

The preferred aims of these aspects of the present invention are therefore: 1. Improvements to the beam trawl method; in conjunction with 2. The sorting of the fish in an undamaged state, taking only target species (of required size) and returning non-target or undersized target species as live animals immediately back into the water; and 3. The advantages of pulse ticklers to minimise damage to sea, lake, river bed; and 4. The advantage of the hydrofoil means which maintains stability of the fishing system above the sea, lake, river bed at a pre-determined height; and . The efficiency of a fishing system whereby the catch is a continuous process, without the need to raise, empty and lower traditional nets.

For the purpose of the present invention, it is to be appreciated that examples and descriptions of the present invention that refer to the sea, or ocean environments may also by extension be applied to other bodies of water used for fishing activities, including rivers and lakes.

Further, it is to be appreciated that the term “net” as used to example the collecting means of the present invention, typically includes an open-meshed fabric, twisted, knotted, or woven together at regular intervals and used for catching fish/aquatic animals. However, it should be appreciated that the use of this term does not limit the scope of the present invention to the above description. The collecting means therefore includes any means capable of catching fish within it, of whatever material and structural design, as may be used or adapted for use with the present invention.

In addition, the term conduit as further exampled by the terms “pipe” or “tube”, is similarly not limited only to physical embodiments traditional of such. The conduit may be made from varying materials and be of varying dimensions and shapes as required for the operation of the present invention.

The term “hydrofoil” as used in the present invention refers to a body similar to an airfoil but designed for action in or on water and is a structure that offers balance, directional, height and speed control of the fishing system in the water and above the sea/river/lake bed.

Also, the terms dredge or sled refer to any structure used to troll the water and capable of being adapted for use with the present invention. The sled/dredge is adapted to accommodate one or more of the collecting means, hydrofoil, tickling means and their operational apparatus, lights, and towing chains or ropes, and so forth. The dimensions, shape and structural material of the dredge/sled may be adapted according to the requirements of the present invention for different fisheries.

The basic structure of the dredge or sled is a frame. The frame may be configured as a sled, and then the combination of net and sled operates in a manner similar to a dredge. The overall structure acts to channel fish into the trailing catching means/net.

Similarly, the term “funnel” as used in the present description shall include any structure conforming to a substantially hollow cone designed to catch and direct a flow through a tube- like extension from the smaller end of the cone. However, as may be appreciated, the funnel of the current invention may vary in shape and size from the traditional definition of a funnel.

It will therefore be appreciated that the invention broadly consists in the parts, elements and features described in this specification, and is deemed to include any equivalents known in the art which, if substituted for the prescribed integers, would not materially alter the substance of the invention.

Variations to the invention may be desirable depending on the applications with which it is to be used – such as with fish, shellfish, crustacean fisheries. Regard would of course be had to effecting an efficient means of desired target species identification and the sorting of non- target animals from the catch which may require modification dependent of the species targeted; effecting operation of the dredge system so as to ensure capture of target bottom- dwelling species without accompanying damage to the bottom ecosystem; and so forth as required to effect the desired outcome.

Whilst some varying embodiments of the present invention have been described above and are to be yet exampled, it should further be appreciated different embodiments, uses, and applications of the present invention also exist. Further embodiments of the present invention will now be given by way of example only, to help better describe and define the present invention. However, describing the specified embodiments should not be seen as limiting the scope of this invention.

Brief Description of Drawings Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates an example of the dredge portion of the fishing system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 illustrates another example of the dredge portion of the fishing system where the hydrofoil is adjusted to an alternate position, in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1 of the present invention; and Figure 3 illustrates an example of the fishing system involving a two vessel system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 illustrates an example of the delivery and sorting operation of the fishing system in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 3 of the present invention; and Figure 5 illustrates another example of the delivery and sorting operation of the fishing system in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 3 of the present invention; and Figures 6 illustrates a top plan view of the fishing system of Figure 4, in accordance with that embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7 illustrates another example of the delivery and sorting operation of the fishing system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 8 illustrates an example of the dredge portion of the fishing system using a single vessel option as shown in Figure 5 in accordance with that embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 illustrates another example of the dredge portion of the fishing system using a single vessel option in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 10 illustrates a top plan view of the fishing system of Figures 9, in accordance with that embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 11 is a table showing calculations relating to funnel apertures and boat speeds to flush trawled fish and accompanying water to 1 meter high, as relevant to exampled embodiments of the present invention.

Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention With reference to the present invention there is provided an improved fishing system, generally illustrated at 1.

The fishing system is designed for use in freshwater and marine systems and for use with various freshwater and marine fisheries. Relevant marine fisheries include a range of commercial fish species from bottom dwellers and mid-water column species, to shell fish, crustaceans and so forth.

The improved fishing system is an improved trawling technique using trawling apparatus to achieve a desired outcome. The depth at which this trawling technique is likely to be used is to a preferred maximum depth of around 200 meters. While this is a preferred depth, different variations in the overall design, structural components, materials from which the structural components are manufactured and the arrangement of the components, may enable the invention to be used and designed for lesser or greater depths.

It should be appreciated that the fishing system components may be varyingly shaped and sized, and so forth as desired to be used with any specific fishery, or for general fishing.

One embodiment of the fishing system is illustrated in Figure 1 and includes at least one catching means 2. The catching means is suspended in an aquatic system 3 (as illustrated in Figures 3 and 8) and the catching means is dragged by at least one towing vessel 4. The catching means is a net adapted to prevent injury to individual animals touching the net.

The catching means 2 has at least one first aperture 5 enabling fished species to enter the catching means and at least one second aperture 6 enabling the caught species to exit the catching means. The catching means is tapered from the first aperture located at a forward distal end 5a of the catching means, to an opposite distal end 6a of the catching means in the vicinity of the second aperture. The tapering is to direct species caught within the catching means to the opposite distal end associated with said second aperture.

The second aperture is adapted to effect communication with a substantially elongate conduit 7. The conduit is dimensioned to enable species caught in the catching means to be transported along the length of the conduit and discharged into at least one reservoir means accessed in the direction designated at 8. The internal surface of the substantially elongate conduit is adapted to minimise injury to individual animals touching the net. The conduit is substantially flexible. The conduit may be made from canvas, thermoplastic materials or any other suitable material.

A funnel means 11 is adapted to engage with the catching means in the vicinity of the second aperture. The funnel means is also adapted to engage with the first distal end of the conduit.

The funnel is preferably of substantially solid construction to maintain the opening of the catching means and conduit free from collapse and allow the fish to be directed from the catching means into the conduit.

The funnel is located at the trailing end of the net and connects to the conduit/pipe that delivers the collected water and fish to the vessel and sorting means located in the vessel, similar to that exampled in Figures 4 and 9.

Where the catching means is known as the net, then the end associated with the funnel means (in the vicinity of the second aperture of the catching means/net) may be regarded as the cod end of the net. The cod end of the net is adapted to provide continuous connection from the ocean up into a receiving/collecting vessel 4a. The fish travel up to the collecting vessel from the cod end, due to the forward movement of the net.

The caught animals/fish may be removed at the fish receiving vessel 4a, either by a funnel system (similar to that as previously described in relation to the net-funnel–conduit arrangement) or, by a conveyor bucket elevator or, by other means.

A series of stainless steel rings, or any similar systems adapted for use with the invention, may be used to keep the extended cod-end open – whether at the entry or discharge end of the conduit.

This aspect (extended cod-end/funnel) is an alternative to the described embodiment where the components of the invention are in series arrangement from cod-end/funnel / conduit.

Accordingly, as to the placement of the funnel for any range of alternative versions, the arrangements include at least “net – funnel – cod end – pipe”; and, “net - cod end- pipe – funnel”.

The funnel may be tied, clamped, or by other means attached to the net and/ or conduit (including techniques such as thermoplastic welding as a possible attachment means of the net and/or conduit pipe to the funnel).

The reservoir means is associated with either or both the said at least one towing vessel 4 and with at least one other vessel 4a. In one possible example, where two vessels are involved, as the net is dragged forward by the first vessel, the fish entering into the catching means are directed through the funnel and into the conduit. The fish then travel along and up the conduit to either the towing vessel 4 or, to a second vessel 4a, following the first trawling vessel.

When the capacity of one vessel is filled, the reservoir on the other vessel may be used.

The reservoir means includes sorting means 9 enabling target species to be selected and separated from the catch and transferred to at least one storage means 10. The sorting means also is adapted to direct non-target species from the reservoir/sorting means back into the aquatic system at 23 without handling or effecting damage to said non-target species.

The reservoir means is configured to be large enough to receive both water and fish transported thereto via the conduit.

The reservoir means may be located below sea level within the collecting vessel. Unwanted, non-target species are returned to the water via pump means or via a conveyor or elevator to above the sea level the returned gently to the water.

Alternatively, the reservoir means is above the sea water level and the unwanted non-target species and water is returned to the sea by means of gravity.

The fishing system also includes sorting means 9. The sorting means may include one or more of: a static screen, a moving screen, a perforated conveyor belt, an alternative sorting means – including detecting means capable of being programmed to identify size, shape, markings, colour, weight or other identifiers to enable target species to be separated from non-target species and also so only target species of the required size are be retained. Non- target species and non-conforming sized target species are returned unharmed to the water.

Appropriate programmable systems (hardware and software as diagrammatically represented at 12a and 12b in the Figures) may be employed.

The sorting means may require manual separation of appropriately sized target from non- target species. The undersized and non-target fish may remain on the sorting means which feeds off the vessel into the water in a manner that does not damage the various unwanted species; or the catch is sorted by an appropriate automatic sorting method that will efficiently and effectively separate target fish of correct size and return undersized and non-target animals back into the water unharmed.

Unharmed target fish are retained as per the catch. The fish will be ikied (humanely killed by piercing the brain) and placed in slurry bins 10 within the vessel.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the present invention as designed for use with mid-water and bottom trawling options. In this embodiment, the fishing system includes a hydrofoil means 13, associated with the catching means. The hydrofoil means is curved. The hydrofoil means is also preferably adjustable, via a means of hydrofoil angle adjustment 13a, which allows for vertical position adjustment at 13b and horizontal vertical adjustment at 13c, such that the angle of the hydrofoil in conjunction with the speed of trawling can be adjusted to give different downwards pressure on the sea floor.

Adjustment may be undertaken manually or remotely via electronically operated systems.

Minimum pressure means minimum damage. This is particular advantageous when used on a fixed beam bottom dredge. The hydrofoil is designed so that it will keep stable at a certain height above the seabed. The hydrofoil means may also be varyingly shaped to achieve the desired operational outcome. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hydrofoil means are curved and extend across the width of the catching means.

Unlike existing trawling systems, the fact that the fish and water are directed out of the net, along the conduit and to the relevant vessel for sorting, means the net does not get weighed down by the weight of caught fish. As such the potential to cause damage by the net dragging on the floor/bed of the sea, lake or river, means that the present invention avoids an area of operation of existing trawling systems which causes significant damage to the floor/bed of the sea, lake or river.

In conjunction with the bottom trawling option, there is included an arrangement of elongate tickling means 14, associated with the catching means.

The tickling means are adapted to transmit pulses (including electric, electromagnetic, sonic, vibration pulses) into the water, generated by pulse generating means 15. The tickling means include electric, chain and spring-tensioned wire (which may be plastic coated) ticklers.

However, other suitable materials may be used or adapted for use with the invention.

The bottom trawling option also includes lighting means (not shown) associated with the catching means. The lighting system is intended for use at night to light across the front of the trawl and up the sides to the point where the net meets the ocean/fresh water bottom. The lights cause the fish to remain stationary. Then, once the lights have gone past, the fish will seek darkness and swim away from the light into the net.

The catching means of the bottom trawling option is also configured to connect to a frame 17.

The frame operates as a sled means. The sled means is preferably in the form of a dredge and may include runners, as well as anchoring the tickling means, any variation of the hydrofoil means, the net and lighting means; along with control systems for some of the aforementioned apparata.

Adjustable hydrofoils are preferably used. Adjustment may be achieved via adjusting systems 13a, which may allow for vertical adjustment at 13b and/or horizontal adjustment, at 13c. However any suitable arrangement may be used with the invention. The sled design may also incorporate hovercraft principles to reduce sea floor damage.

One end of the tickling means is attached to the sled body, forward of the net. The opposite distal end of the tickler means is floating free, but the length is determined relative to the distance the sled will travel above the sea/river/lake bed, so that the tickler mean are adapted to function effectively without them touching or scraping along the bottom of the sea, lake or river – thereby again minimizing the potential for damaging the niches and communities on the sea/lake/river bed. This decrease in contact with the sea bed is a potentially realisable advantage of the present invention as regards minimizing environmental damage.

The sled may be made of thermoplastic, aluminium or other suitable materials.

In some embodiments of the dredge covered by the present invention, the front of dredge 19 is at the leading edge as the dredge is towed through the water. In some embodiments, the dredge may be wider than the vessel and may be positioned relative to the vessel in the same manner as the vessel with dredge underneath as depicted in Figures 8 and 9.

The dredge will similarly include ticklers suspended from the dredge, with the net portion displaced to the rear of the tickler locations such that fish/shellfish/crabs activated by the action of the ticklers are collected by the net.

The following examples are now included to illustrate various arrangements in which the present invention may operate.

It should be appreciated the invention and its operation are not restricted only to these examples, but that variations and alternative arrangements are possible within the scope of the present invention.

Example 1- Twin Vessel System for Receiving Fish and Sorting the Catch Having regard to Figures 1 through 10, vessel 4 tows the trawl/dredge. The dredge is configured substantially as is illustrated in Figure 1 in one embodiment of the invention. The depth at which the trawl/dredge is towed is determined by the desired catch and is set. In the embodiments illustrated, the depth is indicated at 20 meters above sea bed level.

The trawl or dredge net is modified at the trailing distal end or cod end of the net so that the fish captured by the trawl are forced by water flow up a pipe/conduit to a second vessel 4a, as illustrated in Figure 3. The fish and water leave the conduit at the discharge end onto the vessel and the conduit at that point may involve a variety of configurations.

A rotating bucket delivery system may be employed, such as is illustrated in diagrammatic form, in Figure 5. A funnel may be included to assist the discharge, as illustrated in Figure 7.

This receiving vessel receives water and fish. The fish and water are then separated over a static or moving screen, perforated conveyor belt or by other sorting methods designed to minimise time out of the water, damage to the animals and handling of the animals.

Undersized and non-target fish species are immediately returned to the water unharmed.

The dredge design is such that the ocean, river or lake bed is preferably minimally harmed or not harmed at all.

A single vessel system may simply be used, particularly in shallow water. Figures 8-10 illustrate examples of such a system.

Where a twin vessel system may also be employed, the second vessel is towed by a boat towline 18, as illustrated in Figure 3, linking the towing vessel 4 to the second/receiving vessel 4a.

Variations may exist in the overall operation and configuration of the single vessel and twin vessel systems. It should be appreciated any number of variations may exist, yet fall within the ambit of the present invention. For example, two towing vessels may be employed; or one towing vessel and two receiving vessels; and so forth.

Example 2 In Figure 3, the towing vessel 4 tows at least one dredge; although, multiple dredges may be towed. Two dredges may be used to cover more area. Alternatively, one larger dredge may be used.

The receiving vessel 4a collects and sorts the fish catch.

Example 3 In Figures 3 to 6 the various delivery and sorting options are illustrated. In Figure 3 the conduit discharges into the reservoir means/sorting area of the vessel.

The conduits/pipes are directed to the receiving vessel from the dredge.

Buoyancy means may be attached to the pipes and are configured so that the conduits/pipes do not weigh the boat down.

The screen separates the fish from the water. The screen may be static or moving.

Fish are sorted either by hand or by means of an automatic device. Automatic systems may employ electronic sensors and programmable systems as diagrammatically represented at 12a and 12b.

Undersized fish and non-target species are left to return to the water within 5 – 20 seconds.

Target species which are a legal size are collected on the vessel.

Example 4 - Single Vessel System for Receiving Fish and Sorting the Catch Referring to Figures 8 to 10, there is provided a cross-sectional view of the single vessel trawl system employed. A towing chain or trawl towline 19 connects the vessel to the dredge.

The towing chain tows the dredge. This chain line is pulling the front of the dredge forward, with the net being dragged behind.

The chain may be self –adjusting, such that the length self-adjusts depending on depth the dredge operates at in the water, in order to maintain the dredge at a preferred position in the water and above the floor/bed of the water system.

For the purposes of the current example only and to illustrate the fishing system in one possible embodiment, the dredge is the same design as in Figure 1. The dredge includes ticklers. There is a conduit/pipe from the dredge to the vessel As the operation is a single vessel system, the rear of the vessel is adapted to receive the fish delivered into the reservoir area and the fish are sorted as in Figure 9 and Figure 10.

Example 5 – Calculations for Fish Pipe Flows Figure 11 is a table that provides initial calculations regarding funnel apertures and boat speeds to flush trawled fish and accompanying water to 1 meter high.

The desired calculations may be determined by using systems which enable a preferred parameter to be inserted into the calculation and the formula calculates the other parameters required.

As will be appreciated, a range of calculations would be appropriate to trawls at different depths, funnel apertures, boat speeds and so forth.

When referring to the description of the present invention, it should also be understood that the term “comprise” where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense.

Accordingly, ‘comprise’ does not represent nor define an exclusive set of items, but includes the possibility of other components and items being added to the list.

This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor regarding the prior art.

The prior art description should not be regarded as being an authoritative disclosure of the true state of the prior art but rather as referring to considerations in and brought to the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof, as defined in the appended claims.

THE

Claims (32)

CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE:

1. A fishing system, said fishing system adapted to be operated by at least one vessel or the said at least one vessel in conjunction with at least one other vessel, said fishing system including at least one catching means, said catching means being suspended in the water of an aquatic system and moved through the water of the aquatic system by the at least one vessel, said catching means having at least one first aperture enabling aquatic species to enter the catching means and at least one second aperture enabling the caught species to exit the catching means, the at least one second aperture adapted to effect communication between the catching means and substantially elongate conduit means, said conduit means directing the caught species along the length of the conduit means for discharge into at least one reservoir means, and wherein said caught species are carried to the reservoir means at a calculated predetermined flow speed dependent on the speed of the at least one vessel in conjunction with calculated dimensions of the at least one second aperture adapted to effect communication between the catching means and substantially elongate conduit means, said calculated predetermined flow speed being required to carry the caught species and accompanying water to a height above the surface of the aquatic system by at least 1 meter while the water and aquatic species are being directed through the catching means and along the conduit means towards the reservoir for discharge therein, said reservoir means being associated with either or both the said at least one vessel and the at least one other vessel.

2. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the catching means is a net connected to the sled means.

3. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the catching means operates relative to hydrofoil means connected to the sled means.

4. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the hydrofoil means is adjustable.

5. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the hydrofoil means is adapted to be adjusted via either or both manual adjustment means and remote electronic programmable adjustment means.

6. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the hydrofoil means is adjustably angled relative to the floor of the aquatic system.

7. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the angle and configuration of the hydrofoil means is adjusted in conjunction with the speed of the at least one vessel to effect at least one of the predetermined operational depth of the catching means, predetermined speed of movement of the catching means through the body of water, predetermined downward pressure of the catching means on the floor of the aquatic system as calculated to minimise damage thereto, predetermined optimum catch efficiency of target species.

8. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the catching means is adapted to travel at higher speeds to improve the catch of a range of aquatic species, including at least one or more of fish species, shell fish (molluscs), cephalopods and crustaceans.

9. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the catching means includes lighting means associated therewith.

10. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the catching means includes multiple elongate tickling means.

11. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the tickling means either or both generates and transmits at least one of electric, sonic, vibrational pulses into the water.

12. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the tickling means are configured in front of the catching means.

13. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the catching means is adapted to remain in open communication with the conduit means to allow unimpeded transfer of the caught aquatic species from the catching means into the conduit.

14. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the internal surface of either or both the catching means and the elongate conduit means is adapted to protect caught species from injury from touching the internal surfaces thereof during transfer therethrough.

15. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the conduit means is substantially flexible.

16. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the conduit means is adapted to remain in open communication with the reservoir means to allow unimpeded transfer of the aquatic species from the conduit means into the reservoir means.

17. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the reservoir means includes or is located relative to sorting means.

18. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 17 wherein the sorting means is adapted to concurrently facilitate identification and retention of target species based on predetermined characteristics and separation and return of non-target species to the water.

19. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 18 wherein the sorting means includes at least one from a list of: a static screen, a moving screen, a conveyor belt, calibrated detector systems, drafting systems.

20. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 19 wherein the sorting means includes either or both automated means and manually operated means.

21. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 20 wherein automated means of the sorting means includes at least one of detector means calibrated to detect predetermined features of the target species animals, drafting means.

22. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 21 wherein identified predetermined target aquatic species animals having predetermined characteristics are drafted via the sorting means to at least one storage means.

23. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 22 wherein all other animals are drafted via the sorting means to exit means for return to the aquatic system.

24. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 23 wherein the caught aquatic species caught are carried at a calculated predetermined flow speed from the reservoir means to the sorting means.

25. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 24 wherein the aquatic species are introduced to the sorting means at a calculated predetermined flow speed dependent on the speed of the at least one vessel(s) required to flush water through the fishing system to either or both a pre-determined height and speed required to transfer caught aquatic species from the catching means and the conduit means to the reservoir means for sorting.

26. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 25 wherein the reservoir means located on either or both the said at least one vessel and at least one other vessel distanced from the at least one vessel is supplied with target species from either a single catching means including more than one conduit supply, or from multiple separate catching means.

27. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 26 wherein the at least one other vessel is adapted to be either or both towed by the said at least one vessel and powered independently.

28. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 27 wherein the at least one vessel and the at least one other vessel are adapted to co-operate relative to each other to effect substantially no strain on the conduit means.

29. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 28 wherein the fishing system includes frame means.

30. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 29 wherein the frame means effects a sled system substantially in the form of a dredge to which at least one of the catching means, hydrofoil means, tickling means and lighting means is attached thereto.

31. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 30 wherein the sled system operates via adjustment of the angle of the hydrofoil, the speed of travel of the at least one vessel and the attachment of the catching means thereto to reduce downwards pressure on and damage to the floor of the aquatic system.

32. A fishing system as claimed in Claim 1 to Claim 31 with reference to the included examples and attached figures. ROBERT HAMILTON HALL By his attorneys IPSPEC (NZ) LIMITED