The C disc
The C Disc™ is a mobile and highly efficient diver-operated tool for harvesting various species from the seabed.
Due to the topology of the seabed near shore with its rocky and rough formations, we believe there will always be a need for divers to operate efficiently in these areas. The experience and knowledge of divers are not easily replaced.
Advantages for The C Disc™
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Developed for optimizing the dive-time.
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Designed to increase the catch rate, compared to traditional handpicking by divers.
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Highly efficient both for selective harvesting, as well as addressing invasive species where high volumes need to be removed.
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Easily deployed and powered from a small boat and configured several ways (see below) for the highest possible dive-time efficiency.
Catch to net.
In areas that are difficult to access and, as an example, very shallow water, the C Disc™ can be configured to give an extended outreach from a boat. While the diver is operating a suction nozzle that is suitable for the seabed conditions, and the targeted species, the catch is collected in nets on the tool.
Catch to boat.
The C Disc™ can also be configured to bring the catch directly up to the boat. The diver will be operating a suction nozzle that is suitable for the seabed conditions, and the targeted species. In this configuration, the diver can fully utilize the dive-time by focusing on the harvesting.
Catch to shore.
The C Disc™ can also be deployed from land/shore without the need for a boat for near-shore work, for easy and efficient harvesting process. The diver will be operating a suction nozzle that is suitable for the seabed conditions, and the targeted species. In this configuration, the diver can fully utilize the dive-time by focusing on the harvesting.
The C Disc is tested by Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)
Highlights from the rapport.
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“The results from this trial showed that the C Disc is an efficient tool for vacuuming sea urchins. In a commercial setting the CPUE (catch rate) is higher than other methods used for collecting sea urchins, such as trapping and drag dredging.”
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“Average catch rate 1,9 sea urchins per second.”
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“As a tool for promoting kelp recovery by removing sea urchins, it was able to remove sea urchins to a low number, depending on substrate type.”
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“There did not appear to much damage on bycatch or the urchins.”
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“Encrusting and fastening organisms appeared to be less affected by the C Disc and despite being the dominant bycatch, there appeared to be only a slight removal of the dominant snails/hermit crabs.”
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“The advantage of the C Disc is that the diver is able to see, and to some degree, avoid catching large organisms such as sea cucumbers.”
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“The suction handle made it easier to manoeuvre in between rocks and avoid unwanted bycatch.”
The C Disc is patented by C Robotics AS, Norway