Mechanized collector of juvenile lobsters

A mechanized collector for collecting juvenile lobsters to be raised in a growout system is disclosed. The mechanized collector may be formed from a vessel, a longline support system capable of supporting and suspending a longline having a plurality of juvenile lobster collectors above a deck of the vessel, and a shaker assembly positioned to engage at least one of the plurality of juvenile lobster collectors suspended above the deck of the vessel and attached to the longline. The shaker assembly may be configured to shake the plurality of juvenile lobster collectors individually or collectively together, thereby causing the juvenile lobsters to fall into a collection trough positioned under the collector. The plurality of juvenile lobster collectors may be attached to the longline and formed from at least one generally flat panel that is suspended generally vertically in water above the longline with at least one float.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed generally to aquaculture systems, and more particularly to mechanized collection systems useful in lobster aquaculture systems.

BACKGROUND

Conventional lobster harvesting has consisted of divers harvesting lobsters and the use of traps placed on the sea floor and whose location has been marked with floats. These methods of harvesting lobsters has been useful to date, however, the ever increasing population is placing increased demands on our natural resources that are nearing or have already outpaced the available, sustainable lobster supply. One solution has been to look to new locations for harvesting lobsters. Another solution has been to raise lobsters in captivity. Raising lobsters in captivity is in its infancy.

Typically, juvenile lobsters, also referred to as seed lobsters, are captured from near shore reefs and ocean accessible shallows, such as in the channels proximate to the shallows. These seed lobsters are then contained in cages in a naturally occurring water body or on land in tanks. The seed lobsters are typically captured via a collector suspended in the water. Each collector is deployed individually and is checked individually. The collector is hauled from the water and manually shaken by hand over the deck of a boat. All lobsters that fall to the deck of the boat are collected. Wind and seas often make this a very time consuming process because the boat must maneuvered to catch the float for each collector. Currently, the process is very time consuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a mechanized collector for collecting juvenile lobsters to be raised in a growout system. The mechanized collector may be formed from a vessel, a longline support system capable of supporting and suspending a longline having a plurality of juvenile lobster collectors above a deck of the vessel, and a shaker assembly positioned to engage at least one of the plurality of juvenile lobster collectors suspended above the deck of the vessel, which may include one or more marine propulsion systems, such as, but not limited to, outboard, marine engines for propelling the vessel, and attached to the longline. The mechanized collector may be configured to engage the juvenile lobster collectors one at a time and shake each collector individually above a collection trough. The shaker assembly may be configured to shake the plurality of juvenile lobster collectors, thereby causing the juvenile lobsters hiding in the juvenile lobster collectors to fall out for collection. The plurality of juvenile lobster collectors may be attached to the longline at spaced intervals and formed from at least one generally flat panel that is suspended generally vertically in water above the longline with at least one float. The juvenile lobster collectors are not limited to this configuration, but may have other appropriate configurations. The components of the mechanized collector may be formed from materials, such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum and other noncorrosive materials.

The mechanized collector may include a drive system having a plurality of drive sheaves for moving the vessel relative to the longline. The drive system may include a hydraulic power unit for driving the drive sheave and other components. The mechanized collector may also include a hydraulic control console that includes a shake control for controlling reciprocating shaking by the shaker assembly, a clamp control for controlling clamping of a juvenile lobster collector, and a longline haul control for controlling a motor coupled to a drive sheave. The longline support system may include a bow longline guide for redirecting the longline from a position at a water surface to a first front sheave positioned above the deck of the vessel. The first front sheave may be positioned on a frame proximate to a bow recess or in another appropriate location. The longline support system may also include a rear longline guide positioned below the drive sheave and may be positioned proximate to a transom recess for directing the longline back into the water.

The juvenile lobster collector may be formed from at least one panel attached to the longline. The at least one panel may be formed from a generally flat panel suspended generally vertically in water above the longline with at least one float. The juvenile lobster collector may have any appropriate configuration.

The longline support system may be formed from a front sheave assembly positioned forward on the vessel relative to the shaker assembly, an adjustable sheave tree assembly positioned above the shaker assembly, and a hauler assembly positioned aft of the shaker assembly. The front sheave assembly may be formed from a sheave supported above the deck of the vessel by a frame, a bridle guide rail attached to the frame and extending laterally from the frame past a longitudinal axis of the longline support system to deflect the juvenile lobster collectors out of the longitudinal axis of the longline support system so as to prevent fouling of juvenile lobster collectors bridles with the sheave, and a sheave keeper positioned proximate to the sheave to prevent the longline from being displaced from the sheave. The adjustable sheave tree assembly may be formed from a support frame having a forward sheave and an aft sheave that are generally aligned, and a sheave tree bridle guide rail attached to the support frame and extending laterally from the support frame past a longitudinal axis of the longline support system to deflect the juvenile lobster collectors out of the longitudinal axis of the longline support system so as to prevent fouling of juvenile lobster collector bridles with the forward and aft sheaves. The support frame may be adjustably coupled to the shaker assembly such that the distance of the forward and aft shaves from the deck of the vessel may be varied. The hauler assembly may include a drive sheave supported above the deck of the vessel by a hauler frame, a motor with a brake coupled to the sheave, a hauler bridle guard rail attached to the hauler frame and extending laterally from the support frame past a longitudinal axis of the longline support system to deflect the juvenile lobster collectors out of the longitudinal axis of the longline support system so as to prevent fouling of juvenile lobster collector bridles with the drive sheave, and a rear longline guide extending from proximate the drive sheave to a location proximate to the deck of the vessel.

A bow guide rail may extend from the front sheave assembly to the shaker assembly to guide the juvenile lobster collectors. The bow guide rail may be generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the longline support system. A bow longline guide may be positioned at the bow of the vessel and configured to guide the longline onto the front sheave. The bow longline guide may be formed from a rotatable boom that rotates open to provide an opening to the juvenile lobster collector basin at the bow of the vessel, wherein the rotatable boom is positioned forward of the front sheave and includes a chute forming a longline containment channel extending from proximate a water surface and curving upwardly toward the shaker assembly. The chute may be formed from at least one deflection panel forming transition sides that are positioned at oblique angles relative to each other. The mechanized collector may include a guide system configured to guide the bridles attaching the juvenile lobster collectors onto the longline laterally away from the longline positioned in the longline support system such that the bridles are not pulled through sheaves of the longline support system.

The shaker assembly may be formed from at least one clamp bar slideably coupled to a clamp frame such that a least one stud protruding from a side of the clamp bar is positioned within a slot in the clamp frame, wherein the slot is formed from a first engaging section that is positioned generally oblique to the deck of the vessel and a second engaged section that is positioned generally vertically such that when the clamp bar engages one of the juvenile lobster collectors. The stud slides from an first end of the first engaging section to an intersection of the first engaging section and the second engaging section, thereby engaging the juvenile lobster collector, and moving from the intersection to a second end of the second engaging section thereby moving the juvenile lobster collector vertically and alleviating weight from a bridle securing the juvenile lobster collector to the longline. The shaker assembly may include two opposing clamp frames slideably attached to generally vertically positioned shafts and at least one clamp bar attached to each of the clamp frames such that stud protruding from a side of the at least one clamp bar is positioned within a slot in the clamp frame enabling the clamp bar to move relative to the clamp frame.

Each of the clamp frames may be coupled to a drive shaft through a yoke positioned beneath a collection trough and a cam to create a generally vertical reciprocating motion. A collection trough may be positioned under at least a portion of the shaker assembly to collect lobsters falling from the juvenile lobster collectors, and a collection screen may be positioned over a drainage pan positioned at a downstream end of the collection trough. The trough may include a center recess housing drive shaft components, wherein the center recess is covered with a recess cover that is coupled to a yoke to prevent water and particles from falling out of the trough.

The mechanized collector may be used within a method of raising lobsters for human consumption. In particular, the method may include collecting juvenile lobsters using a mechanized collector as previously described. The mechanized collector may be operated to collect juvenile lobsters by first attaching the longline to the longline support system. The longline may be fed through the first lower pulley, the first idler sheave, the drive sheave, and the second lower pulley. The hydraulic power unit may be activated to rotate the drive sheave to pull a juvenile lobster collector from the water. When in the water, the longline rests below the juvenile lobster collector. The juvenile lobster collector rises above the longline and is suspended beneath the float. As the juvenile lobster collector is raised from the water, the juvenile lobster collector is suspended below the longline. Once the juvenile lobster collector is moved into the shaker assembly, the drive sheave is stopped.

The shaker assembly operates by first and second clamp frames moving toward each other and contacting the juvenile lobster collector therebetween. The first and second clamp frames may move along the first and second slots to engage the juvenile lobster collector. The first and second clamp frames may then move upward along the slides a distance, such as about two to five inches, sufficient to relieve tension from the rope attaching the juvenile lobster collector to the longline. The crankshaft may then be rotated to create a reciprocating motion of the juvenile lobster collector at a rate sufficient to shake the juvenile lobsters from the juvenile lobster collectors. The first and second clamp frames may then be retracted and the longline may be advanced until the next juvenile lobster collector is positioned within the shaker assembly. The juvenile lobsters may be collected from a collection trough positioned below the collector and deposited in a holding tank or other such device on the vessel. This method may be repeated for each of the juvenile lobster collectors that are attached to the longline. The hydraulic power unit and the drive sheave may pull the vessel along the longline while the longline remains attached to the bottom. The system may be controlled manually by actuating each component or, in other embodiments, by automation of portions or all of the system.

The lobsters that are collected from the juvenile lobster collectors may be placed into a growout system. The growout system may be any appropriate device, such as, but not limited to, a growout system in a naturally occurring water body, such as sea cages, or in a tank on land, such as inland growout systems. The lobsters may be retained in the growout system until the lobsters reach a harvestable size. The lobsters may be grown using any appropriate method. The lobsters may then be harvested and shipped to their final destination to be prepared for consumption.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown inFIGS. 1-23, this invention is directed to a mechanized collector10for collecting juvenile lobsters to be raised in a growout system12. The mechanized collector10may be formed from a floating vessel14, a longline support system16capable of supporting and suspending a longline18having a plurality of juvenile lobster collectors20above a deck22of the vessel14, and a shaker assembly24positioned to engage at least one of the plurality of juvenile lobster collectors20suspended above the deck22of the vessel14and attached to the longline18. The mechanized collector10may be configured to engage the juvenile lobster collectors20one at a time and shake each collector individually above a collection trough25. The shaker assembly24, as shown inFIGS. 2-5, may be configured to shake the plurality of juvenile lobster collectors20, thereby causing the juvenile lobsters hiding in the juvenile lobster collectors20to fall out for collection. The plurality of juvenile lobster collectors20may be attached to the longline18at spaced intervals and formed from at least one generally flat panel26that is suspended generally vertically in water above the longline18with at least one float28. The juvenile lobster collectors20are not limited to this configuration, but may have other appropriate configurations. The components of the mechanized collector10may be formed from materials, such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum and other noncorrosive materials.

The mechanized collector10may be configured to cooperate with the longline18, such as shown inFIGS. 17-19, such that when the vessel14is collecting juvenile lobsters from the juvenile lobster collectors20, a drive system30on the vessel14may be used to pull the vessel14along the longline18. The longline18may be a line with a long length that is attached at each end to the seabed with dead weights, permanent anchors, removable anchors, or another appropriate method. The longline18may be any appropriate length, such as, but not limited to, between about 400 feet and 3,000 feet and may be about 500 feet in one embodiment. In other embodiments, the longline18may be shorter or longer than the lengths in this range. The longline18may be formed from cable, such as metal strand cable, rope, or any other appropriate material.

The juvenile lobster collectors20, as shown inFIGS. 3,18and20, may be attached to the longline18such that the juvenile lobster collectors20may be suspended above the longline18with any appropriate number of floats28. The floats28may be attached to one side of the juvenile lobster collectors20, and bridles29may be attached to an opposite side of the juvenile lobster collectors20. The bridles29may be attached to the longlines18and to the juvenile lobster collectors20. The juvenile lobster collectors20may be spaced from each other a distance, such as, but not limited to, between one foot and 30 feet. In at least one embodiment, the juvenile lobster collectors20may be spaced from each other between about one foot and three feet. As an example, a longline18having a length of 500 feet may have between 90 and 140 juvenile lobster collectors20attached thereto.

The juvenile lobster collectors20may be any appropriate configuration. In at least one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3, the juvenile lobster collectors20may be formed from a panel26, such as, but not limited to, a generally flat panel26. The panel26may include habitat forming structures32extending from the panel26. The habitat forming structures32may be, but are not limited to being, pieces of rope34extending from the panel26about four to eight inches. The rope34may be formed from materials, such as, but not limited to, polypropylene, manila, and other appropriate materials. The rope34may be attached to a flat piece of mesh36having sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape. The rope34may be unraveled to increase the surface area to which marine fouling may attach. In one embodiment, the juvenile lobster collectors20may be about 31 inches by 31 inches and weigh approximately 100 pounds when wet and loaded with marine fouling. The juvenile lobster collectors20may have other sizes and shapes as well. The juvenile lobster collectors20are shown in use inFIGS. 17 and 18.

As shown inFIG. 1, the vessel14may be any vessel14capable of supporting the components of the mechanized collector10and provide sufficient room for personnel to work on the deck22of the vessel14. The vessel14may provide a stable structure upon which the components of the mechanized collector10may be attached. In at least one embodiment, the vessel14may be a catamaran hull for stability having a length between about 20 feet and about 40 feet and may be powered by mechanical propulsion, such as, but not limited to, one or more outboard marine engines76. As shown inFIG. 1, the vessel14may be powered by twin outboard marine engines76.

The mechanized collector10may also include a longline support system16capable of supporting and suspending the longline18having a plurality of juvenile lobster collectors20above the deck22of the vessel14. The longline support system16may include a drive system30for moving the vessel14along the longline18. The drive system30may include a front sheave assembly78, an adjustable sheave tree80and a hauler assembly82. The front sheave assembly78may be configured to support and guide the longline18from the water to a position above the deck22of the vessel14. The adjustable sheave tree80may be positioned directly above the shaker assembly24and aft of the front sheave assembly78. The adjustability of the sheave tree80enables the mechanized collector10to account for different lengths in the bridle29so that each juvenile lobster collector20may be properly positioned in the shaker assembly24. The hauler assembly82may be positioned aft of the adjustable sheave tree80and may include one or more drive sheaves38.

The front sheave assembly78, as shown inFIG. 23, may be formed from a first, front sheave44supported above the deck22of the vessel14by a frame84, a bridle guide rail86attached to the frame84and extending laterally from the frame84past a longitudinal axis88of the longline support system16to deflect the juvenile lobster collectors out of the longitudinal axis88of the longline support system16so as to prevent fouling of juvenile lobster collectors bridles29with the first, front sheave44, and a sheave keeper90positioned proximate to the first, front sheave44to prevent the longline18from being displaced from the first, front sheave44. The sheave keeper90may be formed from an elongated member pivotably or slideably attached and capable of being locked into an open or closed position such as via a pin. The first front sheave44may have any appropriate size.

A bow longline guide50may be positioned at the bow of the vessel14and may be configured to guide the longline18onto the first, front sheave44. The bow longline guide50may be formed from a rotatable boom96that rotates open to provide an opening52to the juvenile lobster collector basin94at the bow of the vessel14, as shown inFIG. 7. The rotatable boom96may be positioned forward of the first, front sheave44and may include a chute98forming a longline containment channel100extending from proximate a water surface and curving upwardly toward the shaker assembly24. The chute98may be formed from one or more deflection panels102forming transition sides that are positioned at oblique angles relative to each other. The bow longline guide50may be rotated between open and closed positions using a handle bar104.

The adjustable sheave tree80, as shown inFIGS. 8-11, may be formed from a support frame106having a forward sheave108and a aft sheave110that are generally aligned to support the longline18. The sheaves108,110rotate when the longline move along its length relative to the vessel14. The adjustable sheave tree80may include a sheave tree bridle guide rail112attached to the support frame106and extending laterally from the support frame106past the longitudinal axis88of the longline support system16to deflect the juvenile lobster collectors20out of the longitudinal axis88of the longline support system16so as to prevent fouling of juvenile lobster collector bridles29with the forward and aft sheaves108,110. The support frame106may be adjustably coupled to the shaker assembly24such that the distance of the forward and aft sheaves108,110from the deck22of the vessel14may be varied. Varying the distance enables the shaker assembly24to accommodate different bridle lengths used to attached the collectors20to the longline18. The adjustable sheave tree80may be releasably attached to the shaker assembly24with a plurality of bolts positioned in holes in support arms. The bolts may be removed and the adjustable sheave tree80may be moved up or down to change the distance between the forward and aft sheaves108,110and the shaker assembly24. In another embodiment, the adjustable sheave tree80may be movable with a hydraulic system. The distance between the adjustable sheave tree80and the shaker assembly24may be adjusted using a hydraulic system that enables the system to be controlled and easily changed during use of the mechanized system10with a single control.

The hauler assembly82, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 14, may include a drive sheave38formed, in part, from a pulley sized to match the longline18. The drive sheave38may be driven by any appropriate power source. For example, the drive sheave38may be powered by a hydraulic power unit40attached to a hydraulic motor that rotates the drive sheave38. The drive sheave38may be supported above the deck22of the vessel14with any appropriately configured support frame42. The longline support system16may also include a hauler bridle guard rail48positioned below the drive sheave38. The first front sheave44may be positioned on a bow longline guide50proximate to a bow recess52, and the hauler bridle guard rail48may be positioned proximate to a transom recess54. In this arrangement, a juvenile lobster collector20attached to the longline18first passes the first front sheave44, then passes the adjustable sheave tree80, passes the drive sheave38, and then passes the hauler bridle guard rail48. The bow and transom recesses52,54may have any appropriate configuration.

In at least one embodiment, the hauler assembly82, as shown inFIG. 14, may include a drive sheave38supported above the deck22of the vessel14by a hauler frame42, a motor with a brake coupled to the sheave38, a hauler bridle guard rail48attached to the hauler frame42and extending laterally from the hauler frame42past the longitudinal axis88of the longline support system16to deflect the juvenile lobster collectors20out of alignment with the longitudinal axis88of the longline support system16so as to prevent fouling of juvenile lobster collector bridles29with the drive sheave38, and a rear longline guide114extending from proximate the drive sheave38toward the deck22of the vessel14. The rear longline guide114may have any appropriate shape and configuration, and in at least one embodiment, may be formed from a U-shaped rail extending from a position proximate to the drive sheave38toward the water with the opening facing the water. The rear longline guide114may guide the longline18back into the water.

The mechanized collector10may include a shaker assembly24, as shown inFIGS. 2-5,8,10and20, positioned to engage one or more of the plurality of juvenile lobster collectors20suspended above the deck22of the vessel14and attached to the longline18. The shaker assembly24may rapidly move a juvenile lobster collector20back and forth to shake the juvenile lobsters from the marine fouling on the juvenile lobster collectors20. In at least one embodiment, the shaker assembly24may be configured to shake the juvenile lobster collectors20one at a time to prevent lobsters from being shaken from other collectors20that are not positioned over the collection trough25. The juvenile lobster collectors20are not cages or traps; rather, the juvenile lobster collectors20are devices that provide areas for marine fouling to occur, which in turn attracts the juvenile lobsters as a food source and as shelter. The shaker assembly24may easily and quickly shake the juvenile lobsters from the juvenile lobster collectors20to fall into the collection trough25that is positioned near the deck22by simply grasping and shaking the juvenile lobsters collectors20. The shaker assembly24may be configured to apply acceleration and jerk loads to the juvenile lobster collector20to dislodge the juvenile lobsters without harming the juvenile lobsters.

The shaker assembly24may be formed from a frame56having first and second clamp frames58,60. The shaker assembly24may be configured to tightly secure the juvenile lobster collectors20so that the collectors do not slip, to lift the juvenile collectors20a distance to relieve tension from the line attaching the juvenile collectors20to the longline18and to shake the juvenile lobster collectors20to remove the juvenile lobsters. The clamp frames58,60may include clamp bars116,118, which may be made of a flexible material, such as rubber or other appropriate material, to contact the juvenile lobster collectors20. The clamp frames58,60may be constructed such that one or both of the clamp frames58,60may move towards each other to reduce the distance between the clamp frames58,60to grasp the juvenile lobster collector20, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. A hydraulic cylinder62may be used to push the clamp bars116,118along slots64,66to engage the juvenile lobster collector20.

The shaker assembly24may include a crankshaft68and crankshaft arm70, as shown inFIG. 3, for moving the clamp frames58,60vertically in a reciprocating motion. The crankshaft68and crankshaft arm70may be configured to move the juvenile lobster collector20a distance of between about five inches and about fourteen inches, and in one embodiment, about twelve inches in a generally vertical direction along the vertically positioned shafts74. The shafts74may be positioned generally vertically on the frame56of the shaker assembly24and formed from any appropriate material. The crankshaft68may be rotated at any appropriate rate sufficient to shake the juvenile lobsters from the juvenile lobster collector20. In one embodiment, the crankshaft68may be rotated at a rate of about two cycles per second. In other embodiments, the crankshaft68may be rotated at other rates of rotation. The rate of rotation and the corresponding rate of shaking may be varied with a controller on the control panel.

The clamp bars116,118, as shown inFIG. 10, may be slideably coupled to the clamp frames58,60such that one or more studs120protruding from sides122of the clamp bars116,118is positioned within slots64,66in the clamp frame58,60. A slot64,66may be formed from a first engaging section124that is positioned generally oblique to the deck22of the vessel14and a second engaged section126that is positioned generally vertically such that when the clamp bar116,118engages one of the juvenile lobster collectors20, the stud120slides from a first end128of the first engaging section124to an intersection of the first engaging section124and the second engaging section126, thereby engaging the juvenile lobster collector20and moving from the intersection to a second end130of the second engaging section126thereby moving the juvenile lobster collector20vertically and alleviating weight from the bridle29securing the juvenile lobster collector20to the longline18.

The two opposing clamp frames58,60may be slideably attached to generally vertically positioned shafts74. The clamp bars116,118may be attached to each of the clamp frames58,60such that the one or more studs120protruding from sides of the clamp bars58,60is positioned within the slot64,66in the clamp frame58,60enabling the clamp bar116,118to move relative to the clamp frame58,60. Each of the clamp frames58,60may be coupled to a drive shaft68through a yoke150positioned beneath a collection trough25with arms extending above the collection trough25and a cam132to create a generally vertical reciprocating motion.

The mechanized collector10may include a guide system152, as shown inFIG. 10, configured to guide the bridles29attaching the juvenile lobster collectors20onto the longline18laterally away from the longline18positioned in the longline support system16such that the bridles29are not pulled through sheaves38,44,108,110of the longline support system16. The guide system152may include the bridle guide rail86attached to the frame84supporting the front sheave assembly78, the bow longline guide50positioned at the bow of the vessel14, a sheave tree bridle guide rail112attached to the support frame106supporting the adjustable sheave tree80, a hauler bridle guard rail48positioned below the drive sheave38, and a rear longline guide114extending from proximate the drive sheave38to a location proximate to the deck22of the vessel14. In addition, a bow guide rail154, as shown at least inFIGS. 8 and 10, may extend from the frame84supporting the front sheave assembly78to the shaker assembly24to guide the collectors20to the shaker assembly78. The bow guide rail154may have any appropriate configuration and, in at least one embodiment, may be formed from an elongated member having sufficient strength to extend unsupported between the frames. As collectors20contact components of the guide system152moves, the collectors20are typically moved laterally relative to the longline18to prevent the bridles29from catching in the sheaves38,44,108,110. As such, the longline18is able to pass though the length of the vessel14without the bridles29catching in the sheaves38,44,108,110.

The mechanized collector10may include a collection trough25, as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, positioned under at least a portion of the shaker assembly24to collect lobsters falling from the juvenile lobster collectors20. A collection screen134may be positioned over a drainage pan136positioned at a downstream end138of the collection trough25. The screen134may be sized to capture lobster, aquatic growth and the like while allowing water to pass through the screen134. The trough25may include a center recess140housing drive shaft components. The center recess140may be covered with a recess cover142that is coupled to a yoke150to prevent water and particles from falling out of the trough25. The collection trough25may include a washdown system166for spraying down the equipment and removing the collected debris from the collection trough25. The washdown system166may include a pump attached to an overboard water pickup. The washdown system166may also be used to spray the curtains168that extend generally vertically on the sides of the collection trough25upwardly toward the adjustable sheave tree80on either side of the shaker assembly24. The curtains168deflect collected debris that may be scattered during the shaking process.

The mechanized collector10may include a helm156with controls for operating the outboard engines76, with a communications device, such as a VHF marine radio, navigation lights, batteries, battery switches, fire extinguishers and other such equipment. A control station156may include controls, such as, but not limited to, a haul control158, a clamp control160, and a shake control162. The controls158,160,162control various components driven by the HPU40. The haul control158controls the drive sheave38with forward and reverse. The clamp control160controls the clamping of the collectors20. The shake control162is configured such that after the control is released, the clamp frames58,60are returned to a bottom, starting position. A valve handle164may be positioned on the control station156to control the speed of the shaker assembly24.

The mechanized collector10may be a component of a method of raising lobsters for human consumption. In particular, the method may include collecting juvenile lobsters using a mechanized collector10as previously described. The mechanized collector10may include the vessel14, the longline support system16, and the shaker assembly24positioned to engage at least one of the plurality of juvenile lobster collectors20suspended above the deck22of the vessel14. The juvenile lobster collectors20are moved into the mechanized collector10by first opening the bow recess52. A metal plate170may be removed to open the bow recess52. The metal plate170may be moved to another are of the bow to form a processing table170, as shown inFIG. 16. The bow longline guide50may be moved into an open position, and the longline18may be moved into the bow recess52.

The mechanized collector10may be operated to collect juvenile lobsters by first attaching the longline18to the longline support system16, as shown inFIG. 23. The longline18may be attached by first releasing some tension on the longline18. The longline18may be feed through the first front sheave44, the forward sheave108and aft sheave110of the adjustable sheave tree80over the shaker assembly24, the drive sheave38, and the rear longline guide114. The sheave keepers90, as shown inFIG. 11, may be opened to enable the longline18to be placed into the sheaves38,44,108,110. The longline18may be placed into the sheaves38,44,108,110and secured therein. The bow longline guide50, as shown inFIG. 19, and the rear longline guide114increase the contact area of the longline18on the first front sheave44and the drive sheave38, respectively. The hydraulic power unit40(HPU), as shown inFIGS. 1 and 14, may be activated to rotate the drive sheave38to pull a juvenile lobster collector20from the water. The haul control158may then be activated to pull the vessel14relative to the longline18. The haul control158is activated until a juvenile lobster collector20is positioned between the clamp bars116,118.

When in the water, the longline18rests below the juvenile lobster collector20such that the juvenile lobster collector20rises above the longline18and is suspended beneath the float28. As the juvenile lobster collector20hangs from the float28, the juvenile lobster collector20is suspended below the longline18, as shown inFIG. 1. Once positioned between the clamp bars116,118, the drive sheave38is stopped with the haul control158and the clamp bars116,118are activated to clamp onto the juvenile lobster collector20.

The shaker assembly24, as shown inFIGS. 2-5,8and10, operates by first and second clamp bars116,118moving toward each other and contacting the juvenile lobster collector20therebetween. The first and second clamp bars116,118may move along the first and second slots64,66to engage the juvenile lobster collector20. The first and second clamp bars116,118may then move upward along the shafts74a distance, such as about two to five inches, sufficient to relieve tension from the rope attaching the juvenile lobster collector20to the longline18. Movement of the clamp bars116,118may be activated with the clamp control160, shown inFIG. 15. The collector20may be shaken by activating the shaker assembly24using the shake control160, as shown inFIG. 20. The collector20is shaken by rotating the crankshaft68to create a reciprocating motion of the juvenile lobster collector20at a rate sufficient to shake the juvenile lobsters from the juvenile lobster collectors20. The juvenile lobster collector20may be shaken at a rate of more than two cycles per second for five to six seconds. The first and second clamp frames58,60may then be retracted and the longline18may be advanced until the next juvenile lobster collector20is positioned within the shaker assembly24.

The juvenile lobsters are shaken from the collector20and collect in the collection trough25, as shown inFIG. 21. The collection screen134at the downstream end138of the collection trough25may be placed onto a sorting table and the contents sorted out. The juvenile lobsters may be separated from other debris and stored in a cooler under the table. This method may be repeated for each of the juvenile lobster collectors20that are attached to the longline18. Once a collector20has been shaken, the clamp control160may be moved to a resting position to release the collector20. The hydraulic power unit40and the drive sheave38may be activated using the haul control158to pull the vessel14along the longline18while the longline18remains attached to the bottom. The system may be controlled manually by actuating each component or, in other embodiments, by automation of portions or all of the system.

The lobsters that are collected from the juvenile lobster collectors20may be placed into a growout system12, as shown inFIG. 6. The growout system12may be any appropriate device, such as, but not limited to, a growout system in a naturally occurring water body, such as sea cages, or in a tank on land, such as inland growout systems. The lobsters may be retained in the growout system12until the lobster reach a harvestable size. The harvestable size may vary depending on the desired end use of the lobster tail and controlling regulations. The lobsters may be grown using any appropriate method. The lobsters may then be harvested and shipped to their final destination to be prepared for consumption.