Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to ectoparasite removal methodologies. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for reduced stress, in-situ mechanical treatment of fish for the in-situ removal of ectoparasites from fishes.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] The sea louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, is a parasite of cultured Atlantic salmon throughout most farmed salmon producing countries in the world. The louse feeds on the salmon, resulting in commercial losses to the salmon aquaculture industry globally to the tune of millions of dollars. Its life-cycle includes free-living life stages, and life stages attached to fish. The sea-lice life cycle is heavily affected by water temperatures, making the lice more abundant in summer and autumn months, and thus more sensitive to climate change, which may increase management challenges in the future.
[0004] Sea-lice infestation can lead to reduced salmon welfare and lower productivity at farm level through low feed efficiency or growth reduction. Furthermore, the value of salmon at harvest may be reduced, and environmental costs of salmon production may increase due to inefficient resource use, greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient pollution as a result of lower productivity. Sea lice control involves measurable economic and environmental costs as well as costs that are more difficult to monetise, such as costs related to fish welfare and public perceptions.
[0005] The sea lice control measures methods include: incidental sea lice management measures such as in-feed medication (Slice®). Bath sea lice management measures using licenced veterinary medicines (AlphaMax®, Salmosan Vet® and hydrogen peroxide), Fresh water bath sea lice management measures, physical removal (hydrolicer, thermolicer and optilicer), continuous sea lice management measures such as biological control using cleaner fish (wrasse and lump-sucker, which eat lice off fish), use of physical barriers (skirts) to keep lice at early life stages out of the pen.
[0006] One of the most important characteristics of sea lice management measure is its efficacy. Efficacy is highly variable and can be affected by a number of environmental factors, for example, water temperature, salmon weight and welfare status prior to sea lice management measures, sea lice numbers and most abundant sea lice stages, and oxygen saturation and medicine dispersion during sea lice management measures.
[0007] Variability in these factors makes it difficult to evaluate efficacy of sea lice management measures. In addition, lice count, the method used to measure efficacy, are often not comparable between sea lice management measures which can lead to inaccurate estimations. Moreover, frequently used sea lice management measures may reduce in efficacy over time as susceptibility is selectively removed from the population. Overall, efficacy of sea lice management measures is a very complex variable that is difficult to quantify precisely.
[0008] There are two methods of doing sea lice bath treatment, in-situ and ex-situ treatments. In-situ and ex-situ would mean treatments conducted above the water line.
[0009] In-situ treatments would mean treatments conducted under water such as in-situ bath treatment, medicated feed, sea lice skirts, Snorkel Cages, Lazers installed underwater to state a few. The most effective in-situ treatment for removal of attached stages of sea lice are medicated feed treatments and
[0010] Ex-situ treatments would mean treatments conducted above the water line such as Thermolicer, Hydrolicer to name a few.
[0011] However, the medicated in-situ treatments have the following limitations: Ineffective treatment as the “medicine does not uniformly reach all parts of the cage, additional medicine may be required for effective treatment due to growing resistance, cost of treatment is very high which includes divers cost, requirement of well boats etc., negative impact on the environment due to use of medications.
[0012] There is therefore a need for a novel in-situ solution, which can overcome above-mentioned and other limitations of existing approaches.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to eliminate sea lice or ectoparasites from fishes by mechanical treatment.
[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to preserve the quality of fishes by the in-situ removal of ectoparasites from the fishes.
[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to reduce the costs of effective removal of ectoparasites from fishes.
[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to boost the lifespan of fishes by eliminating ectoparasites from fishes.
[0017] Another object of the present disclosure is to boost the productivity of fishes in fishery farms by the in-situ removal of ectoparasites from the fishes.

SUMMARY
[0018] This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0019] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for in-situ removal of one or more ectoparasites from one or more fishes. The system comprises a fish collector compartment adapted to allow one or more fishes to accumulate in the fish collector compartment by reducing the effective volume of water for the one or more fishes inside the fish collector compartment.
[0020] Further, the system comprises a supported structure removably connected to a partial opening of the fish collector compartment. The support structure is adapted to allow the one or more fishes accumulated in the fish collector compartment to pass therethrough. The one or more fishes pass in a head first manner from the reduced effective volume area of the fish collector compartment to a higher volume area. The support structure is adapted to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes while the one or more fishes pass therethrough. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the support structure is a netted component made of a material selected from any of combination of a synthetic material, a natural material, a semi synthetic fibre material, a multifilament fibre material, a monofilament fibre material or a plastic sheet material, or a nonwoven sheet material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0022] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment with a system for mechanical treatment of fishes for in-situ removal of ectoparasites from the fishes, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a magnified view of an exemplary funnel structure of the system for mechanical treatment of fishes for in-situ removal of ectoparasites from the fishes in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a magnified view of an exemplary ectoparasite removal section of the funnel structure of the system for mechanical treatment of fishes for in-situ removal of ectoparasites from the fishes, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address all of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.
[0027] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth.
[0028] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
[0029] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
[0030] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive—in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word—without precluding any additional or other elements.
[0031] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an instance” or “one instance” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0033] The present disclosure provides a system for in-situ removal of one or more ectoparasites from one or more fishes. Sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis and members of the Caligus genus) or ectoparasites cause physical damage and stress in fish, adversely affecting growth and performance. The ectoparasites attach to the fish by suction and can become lethal. Feeding and attachment cause changes in the mucus consistency and damage the epithelium resulting in loss of blood and fluids, electrolyte changes, and cortisol release. Severe infestation of the fishes can lead to secondary infection and mass mortality.
[0034] Fish farms are known to experience outbreaks of ectoparasites that make the fishes unmarketable. Salmon farms across the world are suffering from infestations of Lepeophtheirus salmonis, a sea louse/ ectoparasite that targets salmonids (the family of fish that includes salmon). Ectoparasites are copepod crustaceans. They have been around for millions of years and have adapted to live on salmon, feeding on the fishes' skin and blood to survive. The ectoparasites have a short, free-swimming larval phase, when they need to find and attach to a fish host. Although they are small, the ectoparasites can cause catastrophic damage commercially. Infected fish cannot be sold due to the lesions the ectoparasites inflict on the fishes. But the health of the fish is also at risk. In extreme cases, an infestation can cause mass mortality.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system may reduce effective volume of water for the population of fishes and may bring the fishes to one area of the aquatic cage. Further, a funnel structure may allow the population of fish to go from lower water volume to higher water volume. This may result in the impurities and undesirable aquatic organisms such as ectoparasites to be mechanically end efficiently segregated from the volume of fishes, thereby improving the quality and yield of the harvested fishes. Further, the proposed system may be implemented in situ, i.e., while being submerged inside a water body for the most effective and efficient in-situ removal of ectoparasites from fishes.
[0036] The present disclosure specifically relates to a system for in-situ removal of one or more ectoparasites from one or more fishes. In an embodiment, the system comprises a fish collector compartment adapted to allow one or more fishes to accumulate in the fish collector compartment by reducing an effective volume of water for the one or more fishes inside the fish collector compartment.
[0037] Further, the system comprises a support structure removably connected to a partial opening of the fish collector compartment. The support structure is adapted to allow the one or more fishes accumulated in the fish collector compartment to pass therethrough in a head first manner from the reduced effective volume area of the fish collector compartment to a higher volume area. The support structure is adapted to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes while the one or more fishes pass therethrough. The support structure may be a netted component and may be made of a material selected from any of combination of a synthetic material, a natural material, a semi synthetic fibre material, a multifilament fibre material, a monofilament fibre material or a plastic sheet material, or a nonwoven sheet material. Further, the support structure may comprise a protective coating, wherein the protective coating includes any of combination of an antifouling material, antibacterial material, UV protection material, slippery material, or conductive material. The support structure may comprise at least one ring configured to maintain an entry point for the one or more fishes wherein the at least one ring may be made of a material selected from any of combination of a metal, a non-metal, ceramic or composites. Further, the at least one ring may be a coated or an uncoated or a partially coated ring.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the support structure may be adapted to allow entry of the one or more fishes from a first side of the support structure. The support structure may also allow exit of the one or more fishes from a second side of the support structure. The first side of the support structure has a larger diameter as compared to the second side of the support structure. Further, the support structure may be made of an elastic material such that the second side of the support structure is stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the second side of the support structure to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough. The support structure may be made of a shape changeable fabric and may have a shape selected from any or a combination of trapezoidal, circular, conical, square, or tubular.
[0039] Further, the support structure may comprise an ectoparasite removal section configured inside the support structure such that the at least one fish from one or more fishes may pass through the ectoparasite removal section for mechanical removal of the one or more ectoparasites present on the body of the one or more fishes while the one or more fishes pass therethrough.
[0040] The ectoparasite removal section may be adapted to allow entry of the one or more fishes from a first side of the ectoparasite removal section. The ectoparasite removal section may allow exit of the one or more fishes from a second side of the ectoparasite removal section. The first side of the ectoparasite removal section may have a larger diameter as compared to the second side of the ectoparasite removal section. The ectoparasite removal section may be made of an elastic material such that the second side of the ectoparasite removal section is stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the second side of the ectoparasite removal section to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough. The ectoparasite removal section (214) is made of a shape changeable fabric and has a shape selected from any or a combination of trapezoidal, circular, conical, square, or tubular.
[0041] The ectoparasite removal section may be a funnel-shaped structure. The ectoparasite removal section may allow entry of the one or more fishes from a larger diameter side of the funnel-shaped structure. Further, the ectoparasite removal section may allow exit of the one or more fishes from a smaller diameter side of the funnel-shaped structure. The funnel-shaped structure may be made of an elastic material such that the smaller diameter side of the funnel shaped structure may be stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the funnel shaped structure to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough. Further, the support structure may comprise a removable ectoparasite collection unit (106) adapted to collect the one or more removed ectoparasites therein. In an example embodiment, the ectoparasite collection unit (106) may be a bag or a netted sack designed to collect the dislodged ectoparasites.
[0042] Further, the support structure may be a funnel-shaped net that may allow entry of the one or more fishes from a larger diameter side of the funnel-shaped net. Further, the support structure may allow exit of the one or more fishes from a smaller diameter side of the funnel shaped net. The funnel-shaped net may be made of an elastic material such that the smaller diameter side of the funnel-shaped net may be stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the funnel-shaped net to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system may be an aquaculture cage.
[0044] These and other aspects are described in further details in conjunction with FIGs. 1-3. It may be noted that the FIGs. 1-3 are only illustrative, and the manner in which the proposed approach is used for mechanical treatment for removal of ectoparasites is not to be construed to limit the scope of the subject matter in any manner. Further, the FIGs. 1-3 have been explained simultaneously and same reference numerals have been used wherever necessary.
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a system 100 for mechanical treatment of fishes for in-situ removal of ectoparasites from fishes, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The system (100) depicted in fig 1 may comprise a fish collector compartment (102). The fish collector compartment (102) may be made up of mesh fabric netting. Further the fish collector compartment (102) may be of any shape, such as circular, conical, square but not limited to the any form. The fish collector compartment (102) may be adapted to allow one or more fishes to accumulate in the fish collector compartment (102) by reducing the effective volume of water for the one or more fishes inside the fish collector compartment (102). The fish may move from a lower water volume area to a higher water volume area automatically and in a head first way, thereby mechanically dislodging the ectoparasites. The ectoparasites may get collected in an ectoparasite collection unit (106). The mesh fabric netting of the fish collector compartment (102) may be composed of synthetic, natural or semi synthetic fibres, or multifilament or monofilament fibres or plastic sheet nonwoven sheet in thickness range of 0.1 to 10000 mm.
[0046] The fibres of the fish collector compartment (102) may have a flat shape, and may be twisted or braided. Further, the fibres of the fish collector compartment (102) may be knitted or woven together with different weaves or knotless warp knitted or knotted to form a mesh having sizes ranging from 0.1 mm to 10000 mm. The netting of the fish collector compartment (102) may also be with or without fillers and with or without a protective coating. The protective coating of the fish collector compartment (102) may be any such as, without limitations, antifouling, antibacterial, UV protection, slippery, conductive, and the like.
[0047] The system (100) depicted in fig 1 may comprise a support structure (104). The support structure (104) may be attached to the fish collector compartment (102). The support structure (104) may be configured to allow the fishes to pass from a lower volume area to a higher volume area. The support structure (104) may be configured to hold the fishes. The system (100) may be submerged in a water body. The system (100) may be an open sea cage. In an example embodiment, the system (100) may be a netted, a closed, or a semi-closed containment enclosure. The system (100) may be used to harvest fishes, examples of which may include, but are not limited to, smolt, salmon, sea bass, sea bream, corvine, tilapia, and any other farmed fish. It may be noted that such examples are only illustrative, any other types of aquatic creatures would also be covered within the scope of the present subject matter. The support structure (104) may further comprise the ectoparasite collection unit (106) configured to collect the eliminated ectoparasites of the fishes.
[0048] The support structure (104) may be removably connected to a partial opening of the fish collector compartment (102). The support structure (104) may be adapted to allow the one or more fishes accumulated in the fish collector compartment (102) to pass therethrough in a head first manner from the reduced effective volume area of the fish collector compartment (102) to a higher volume area. The support structure (104) may be adapted to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes while the one or more fishes pass therethrough. The support structure (104) may be made of a material selected from any of combination of a synthetic material, a natural material, a semi synthetic fibre material, a multifilament fibre material, a monofilament fibre material or a plastic sheet material, or a nonwoven sheet material. Further, the support structure (104) comprises a protective coating, wherein the protective coating includes any of combination of a antifouling material, an antibacterial material, an UV protection material, a slippery material, or a conductive material. Further, the support structure (104) may include at least one ring (204) configured to maintain an entry point for the one or more fishes. The at least one ring (204) may be made of a material selected from any of combination of a metal, a non-metal, ceramic or composites. Further, the at least one ring may be a coated or uncoated or a partially coated ring.
[0049] Further, the support structure (104) may include the ectoparasite removal section (214) configured inside the netted support structure (104) such that that at least one fish from one or more fishes may pass through the ectoparasite lice removal section for mechanical removal of the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes while the one or more fishes pass therethrough. The ectoparasite removal section may be adapted to allow entry of the one or more fishes from a first side of the ectoparasite removal section. The ectoparasite removal section may allow exit of the one or more fishes from a second side of the ectoparasite removal section. The first side of the ectoparasite removal section may have a larger diameter as compared to the second side of the ectoparasite removal section. The ectoparasite removal section may be made of an elastic material such that the second side of the ectoparasite removal section is stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the second side of the ectoparasite removal section to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough. The ectoparasite removal section (214) is made of a shape changeable fabric and has a shape selected from any or a combination of trapezoidal, circular, conical, square, or tubular. The ectoparasite removal section (214) may be a funnel-shaped structure that may allow entry of the one or more fishes from a larger diameter side of the funnel shaped netted structure. Further, the ectoparasite removal section (214) may allow exit of the one or more fishes from a smaller diameter side of the funnel shaped netted structure. Further, the funnel-shaped structure may be made of an elastic material such that the smaller diameter side of the funnel shaped netted structure is stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the funnel-shaped structure to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough.
[0050] Further, the support structure (104) may be adapted to allow entry of the one or more fishes from a first side of the support structure (104) and allows exit of the one or more fishes from a second side of the support structure (104). The first side of the support structure (104) may have a larger diameter as compared to the second side of the support structure (104). The support structure (104) may be made of an elastic material such that the second side of the support structure (104) is stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the second side of the support structure (104) to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough. The support structure (104) may be made of a shape changeable fabric and has a shape selected from any or a combination of trapezoidal, circular, conical, square, or tubular.
[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates a magnified view (200) of an exemplary support structure (104) implemented with the system 100 for mechanical treatment of fishes for in-situ removal of ectoparasites from the fishes, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As described previously, the support structure (104) may be mounted with the system 100 by applying techniques such as lacing, gluing, tying using marine zippers, or any other technique known to a person skilled in the art. Further, in one example, as depicted in FIGs. 1-2, the support structure (104) may be in a form of cylindrical enclosure. It may further be noted that such examples are only illustrative, and the support structure (104) may be of any other shape such as circular, conical, square, etc. All such examples would be covered within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0052] The support structure (104) may include an outer enclosure (202), such as mesh fabric or netting. The outer enclosure (202), in an example embodiment, may be made up of synthetic, natural or semi synthetic fibres, or multifilament or monofilament fibres or plastic sheet nonwoven sheet in thickness range of 0.1 to 100mm. The fibres may have a flat shape, and may be twisted or braided. Further, the fibres may be knitted or woven together with different weaves or knotless warp knitted or knotted to form a mesh having sizes ranging from 0.1 mm to 500 mm. The netting may also be with or without fillers and may further be with or without protective coating. The protective coatings may be any such as, without limitations, antifouling, antibacterial, UV protection, slippery, conductive, etc. It may be noted that such examples are only illustrative, and in any manner, not to be construed to limit the scope of the present subject matter. Any other examples would also be covered without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.
[0053] Continuing further, the support structure (104) may include rings (204). In an example embodiment, the rings (204) may have a diameter ranging from 1 mm to 10000 mm and thickness of 1mm to 10000 mm. The rings (204) may be made of metal, non-metal, or ceramic or composites, and may be coated or uncoated. It may be again noted that such examples are only illustrative.
[0054] In operation, a population of fishes (206) may enter the support structure (104), as depicted by an arrow in FIG. 2. Although a single fish (206) has been depicted in FIG. 2, it may be noted that the same is done for the sake of clarity only. The support structure (104) may accommodate a population of fishes (206). The support structure (104) may further be integrated with an ectoparasite collection unit (208). In an example embodiment, the ectoparasite collection unit (208) may be of any shape like trapezoidal, circular, conical or square but not limited to. Also, the ectoparasite collection unit (208) may be made up of two types of mesh fabric higher mesh size, medium mesh size and lower mesh size.
[0055] Furthermore, the ectoparasite collection unit (208) may include a trap mesh fabric (210) with higher mesh size. This trap mesh fabric (210) may be made up of synthetic, natural or semi synthetic fibres, or multifilament or monofilament fibres or plastic sheet nonwoven sheet in thickness range of 0.1 to 100mm. The fibres may have a flat shape, and may be twisted or braided. Further, the fibres may be knitted or woven together with different weaves or knotless warp knitted or knotted to form a mesh having sizes ranging from 0.1 mm to 500 mm. The netting may also be with or without fillers and may further be with or without protective coating. The protective coatings may be any such as, without limitations, antifouling, antibacterial, UV protection, slippery, conductive, etc.
[0056] In an example embodiment, a lower mesh sized trap mesh fabric (212) may be made up of synthetic, natural or semi synthetic fibres, or multifilament or monofilament fibres or plastic sheet nonwoven sheet in thickness range of 0.1 to 100mm. The fibres may have a flat shape, and may be twisted or braided. Further, the fibres may be knitted or woven together with different weaves or knotless warp knitted or knotted to form a mesh having sizes ranging from 0.1 mm to 500 mm. The netting may also be with or without fillers and may further be with or without protective coating. The protective coatings may be any such as, without limitations, antifouling, antibacterial, UV protection, slippery, conductive, etc.
[0057] The support structure (104) may further include an ectoparasite removal section 214. The ectoparasite removal section 214 may be of any shape like trapezoidal, circular, conical or square but not limited to any form. In another example, this shape can be made up of synthetic, natural or semi synthetic fibres, or multifilament or monofilament fibres or plastic sheet nonwoven sheet or elastic or rubberised yarns with fabric in thickness range of 0.1 to 100mm. The fibres may have a flat shape, and may be twisted or braided. Further, the fibres may be knitted or woven together with different weaves or knotless warp knitted or knotted to form a mesh having sizes ranging from 0.1 mm to 500 mm. The netting may also be with or without fillers and may further with or without protective coating. The protective coatings may be any such as, without limitations, antifouling, antibacterial, UV protection, slippery, conductive, etc. The ectoparasite removal section (214) may be adapted to allow entry of the one or more fishes from a first side of the ectoparasite removal section. The ectoparasite removal section may allow exit of the one or more fishes from a second side of the ectoparasite removal section. The first side of the ectoparasite removal section may have a larger diameter as compared to the second side of the ectoparasite removal section. The ectoparasite removal section may be made of an elastic material such that the second side of the ectoparasite removal section is stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the second side of the ectoparasite removal section to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough. The ectoparasite removal section (214) is made of a shape changeable fabric and has a shape selected from any or a combination of trapezoidal, circular, conical, square, or tubular.
[0058] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the support structure 104 may include the ectoparasite collection unit (106). The ectoparasite collection unit (106) may be of any shape in the form of circle, trapezoidal, square, hollow bag or long tube-like structure but not limited to any other form. The ectoparasite collection unit (106) may be made up of synthetic, natural or semi synthetic fibres, or multifilament or monofilament fibres or plastic sheet nonwoven sheet or elastic or rubberised yarns with fabric in thickness range of 0.1 to 100mm. The fibres may have a flat shape, and may be twisted or braided. Further, the fibres may be knitted or woven together with different weaves or knotless warp knitted or knotted to form a mesh having sizes ranging from 0.1 mm to 500 mm. The netting may also be with or without fillers and may further with or without protective coating. The protective coatings may be any such as, without limitations, antifouling, antibacterial, UV protection, slippery, conductive, etc.
[0059] In operation, as described previously, a population of fishes (206) may enter the support structure (104) through the system 100. The support structure (104) may be adapted to allow entry of the one or more fishes from a first side of the support structure (104). The support structure (104) may allow exit of the one or more fishes from a second side of the support structure (104). The first side of the support structure (104) has a larger diameter as compared to the second side of the support structure (104). The support structure (104) may be made of an elastic material such that the second side of the support structure (104) is stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the second side of the support structure (104) to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough. The support structure (104) is made of a shape changeable fabric such as spandex, rubber, elastin, nylon, and latex, and has a shape selected from any or a combination of trapezoidal, circular, conical, square, or tubular. The ectoparasite collection unit (106) may be designed in such a manner, that it may include the higher mesh size fabric 210 and low & medium mesh sized fabric 212. The population of fishes 206 upon passing through this arrangement, may be segregated with the ectoparasites through the ectoparasite removal section (210). The ectoparasites may be collected in the ectoparasite collection unit (106), as depicted in FIG. 2.
[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates a magnified view of an exemplary ectoparasite removal section of the funnel structure of the system for mechanical treatment of fishes for in-situ removal of ectoparasites from the fishes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, as depicted in Fig. 3, a collection of fishes (302), infested with ectoparasites, may enter the support structure (104). The support structure (104) may be supported with buoys (304) that keeps the system (100) afloat. The support structure (104) may be provided with rings for support (312) positioned in place with an archery netting (306) of 4mm in thickness. The fishes infested with ectoparasites (302) pass through the ectoparasite removal section (214) of higher mesh size netting (308). When the fishes infested with ectoparasites (302) pass through the elastic fabric (310), the ectoparasites get dislodged from the body of the fishes, as the elastic fabric (310) is at least of the same size as the size of the fishes. The dislodged ectoparasites get collected in the ectoparasite collection unit (314) attached to the support structure (104) with a lead rope (316), as shown in the figure. Further, the ectoparasite removal section may be adapted to allow entry of the one or more fishes from a first side of the ectoparasite removal section. The ectoparasite removal section may allow exit of the one or more fishes from a second side of the ectoparasite removal section. The first side of the ectoparasite removal section may have a larger diameter as compared to the second side of the ectoparasite removal section. The ectoparasite removal section may be made of an elastic material such that the second side of the ectoparasite removal section is stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the second side of the ectoparasite removal section to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough. The ectoparasite removal section (214) is made of a shape changeable fabric and has a shape selected from any or a combination of trapezoidal, circular, conical, square, or tubular.
[0061] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented merely as illustrative of the invention and not as limitation.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0062] The present disclosure provides a system and a method for eliminating sea lice or ectoparasites from fishes.
[0063] The present disclosure provides a system and a method for in-situ removal of ectoparasites from fishes to reduce the costs of effective removal of sea lice from fishes.
[0064] The present disclosure provides a system and a method for in-situ removal of ectoparasites from fishes to boost the lifespan of fishes.
[0065] The present disclosure provides a system and a method for in-situ removal of ectoparasites from fishes to boost the productivity of fishes in fishery farms by eliminating ectoparasites.
, Claims:1. A system (100) for in-situ removal of one or more ectoparasites from one or more fishes, the system comprising:
a fish collector compartment (102) adapted to allow one or more fishes to accumulate in the fish collector compartment (102) by reducing the effective volume of water for the one or more fishes inside the fish collector compartment (102); and
a support structure (104) removably connected to a partial opening of the fish collector compartment (102), the support structure (104) is adapted to allow the one or more fishes accumulated in the fish collector compartment (102) to pass therethrough,
wherein the one or more fishes pass in a head first manner from the reduced effective volume area of the fish collector compartment (102) to a higher volume area; and
wherein the support structure (104) is adapted to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes while the one or more fishes pass therethrough.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (104) is made of a material selected from any of combination of a synthetic material, a natural material, a semi synthetic fibre material, a multifilament fibre material, a monofilament fibre material or a plastic sheet material, or a nonwoven sheet material.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (104) comprises a protective coating, wherein the protective coating includes any of combination of a antifouling material, an antibacterial material, an UV protection material, a slippery material, or a conductive material.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (104) comprises at least one ring (204) configured to maintain an entry point for the one or more fishes,
wherein the at least one ring (204) is made of a material selected from any of combination of a metal, a non-metal, ceramic or composites; and
wherein the at least one ring is coated or uncoated or partially coated ring.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (104) comprises an ectoparasite removal section (106) configured inside the support structure (104) such that that at least one fish from one or more fishes passes through the ectoparasite removal section for mechanical removal of the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes while the one or more fishes pass therethrough.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ectoparasite removal section (214) is adapted to allow entry of the one or more fishes from a first side of the ectoparasite removal section (214) and allows exit of the one or more fishes from a second side of the ectoparasite removal section (214), wherein the first side of the ectoparasite removal section (214) has a larger diameter as compared to the second side of the ectoparasite removal section (214); and
wherein the ectoparasite removal section (214) is made of an elastic material such that the second side of the ectoparasite removal section (214) is stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the second side of the ectoparasite removal section (214) to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ectoparasite removal section (214) is made of a shape changeable fabric and has a shape selected from any or a combination of trapezoidal, circular, conical, square, or tubular.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ectoparasite removal section (214) is a funnel shaped structure:
that allows entry of the one or more fishes from a larger diameter side of the funnel shaped structure,
that allows exit of the one or more fishes from a smaller diameter side of the funnel shaped structure, and
wherein the funnel shaped structure is made of an elastic material such that the smaller diameter side of the funnel shaped structure is stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the funnel shaped structure to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (104) comprises a removable ectoparasite collection unit (106) adapted to collect the one or more removed ectoparasites therein.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (104) is adapted to allow entry of the one or more fishes from a first side of the support structure (104) and allows exit of the one or more fishes from a second side of the support structure (104), wherein the first side of the support structure (104) has a larger diameter as compared to the second side of the support structure (104); and
wherein the support structure (104) is made of an elastic material such that the second side of the support structure (104) is stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the second side of the support structure (104) to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough.

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (104) is made of a shape changeable fabric and has a shape selected from any or a combination of trapezoidal, circular, conical, square, or tubular.

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (104) is a funnel shaped net:
that allows entry of the one or more fishes from a larger diameter side of the funnel shaped net,
that allows exit of the one or more fishes from a smaller diameter side of the funnel shaped net, and
wherein the funnel shaped net is made of an elastic material such that the smaller diameter side of the funnel shaped net is stretchable based on a body depth of the one or more fishes passing therethrough so as to mechanically remove the one or more ectoparasites present on body of the one or more fishes by roughing at least few portions of the funnel shaped net to a body surface of at least one fish from the one or more fishes passing therethrough.

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is an aquaculture cage.