System for Harvesting Marine Species Members Including Those that Present a Danger to a Harvester

Abstract

Devices, methods, and systems are disclosed for harvesting a member of a marine species while minimizing or preventing contact between the harvester and the marine species. Certain embodiments reduce the opportunity for contact between the harvester and the harvested member by providing mechanical means for removing the harvested member from a spear. The invention method includes, in one case, the steps of impaling the marine species member, removing the member from the impaling device, and securing the removed member in a manner to prevent contact with the harvester during each step of the method.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A container constructed of materials suitable for exposure to salt water comprising:
 (a) a first opening to the container comprising a retaining means that permits entry of a marine species member into the container by said first opening but not exiting by said first opening;   (b) a second opening for discharging the contained marine species member comprising a means for repeated selective opening of the second opening; and   (c) a material suitable to prevent penetration of venomous spines, adapted to reduce or eliminate contact between a harvester and the contained marine species member.   
     
     
         22 . The container of  claim 21  wherein the first opening is of a shape and size to permit passage of a harvested marine species member and has a shape chosen from a ring, a square, a polygon, an oval and an undefined shape, and the means for repeated selective opening of the second opening is chosen from a hook-and-loop closure material, a zipper, and a cord. 
     
     
         23 . The container of  claim 22  wherein the retaining means comprises multiple rigid partitions flexibly attached proximal to the opening wherein the multiple rigid partitions are adapted to flex toward the interior of the container but block the escape of a harvested marine species from the interior via the first opening. 
     
     
         24 . The container of  claim 23  wherein the multiple rigid partitions are adapted to remove the marine species member from a spear. 
     
     
         25 . A container for harvesting a member of a marine species comprising:
 a first closure mechanism adapted to minimize the flow of blood from inside the container,   a second closure mechanism adapted to minimize escape of a harvested member of a marine species, and   a third closure mechanism adapted to minimize the flow of blood from the container through the second closure mechanism;   
       wherein the container is adapted to reduce or eliminate the flow of blood from inside the container to outside the container. 
     
     
         26 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the container comprises a material suitable to prevent penetration of venomous spines, adapted to reduce or eliminate contact between a harvester and the contained marine species member. 
     
     
         29 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the first closure mechanism comprises a water resistant zipper at or near a first end of the container. 
     
     
         30 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the second closure mechanism comprises a tongue trap. 
     
     
         31 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the third closure mechanism comprises a clip band at or near a second end of the container. 
     
     
         32 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the first closure mechanism is chosen from zippers, clip bands, hook-and-loop closures, buttons, snaps, drawstrings, ribbon ties, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         33 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the third closure mechanism is chosen from zippers, clip bands, hook-and-loop closures, buttons, snaps, drawstrings, ribbon ties, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         34 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the first closure mechanism is adapted to allow some of the material of the container to roll or fold to minimize the flow of blood from the container. 
     
     
         35 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the third closure mechanism is adapted to allow some of the material of the container to roll or fold to minimize the flow of blood from the container. 
     
     
         36 . The container of  claim 25 , further comprising one or more handles, tow lines, clips, or a combination of two or more thereof. 
     
     
         37 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the container comprises a bag. 
     
     
         38 . The container of  claim 25 , comprising canvas, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         39 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the container comprises at least one clear plastic. 
     
     
         40 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the container comprises at least one woven material. 
     
     
         41 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the container comprises at least one non-woven material. 
     
     
         42 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the container has a thickness of at least about 100 microns. 
     
     
         43 . The container of  claim 25 , wherein the member of a marine species is chosen from a crown-of-thorns starfish and a lionfish.