The global leader in humane fish harvesting technology, Ace Aquatec, is set to launch its innovative A-HSU skid-mounted in-water electric trout stunner to the North American market. The official debut just took place at the 2025 Ontario Aquaculture conference at Fleming College in Lindsay, Canada. Suitable for a wide range of freshwater production species, this first of its kind stunner has the capability to be skid-mounted, meaning its portability and usability across a range of terrain, lake or pond side, is greatly improved.
The Director of Operations at Cedar Crest, Arlen Taylor, is one of the first trout farmers in Canada to adopt a humane stunning system from Ace Aquatec: “We were looking for an option for our farm that would get everyone on board in our industry, not only because of the strict welfare requirements but because it’s the right thing to do. Ace Aquatec’s in-water electric stunning system provided us with a reliable, efficient and welfare friendly solution that ensures fish are stunned instantly and humanely, reducing stress and improving overall product quality.”
“Adapting the system to be mounted on a skid base is a perfect solution to meeting the needs of farmers across Canada and elsewhere. As the industry moves toward higher welfare standards, having a proven technology that can be adapted to the needs of Canadian producers gives them confidence that they’re meeting best practices,” he finished.
The A-HSU skid-mounted stunner can process up to 15 tons of trout per hour and is highly adaptable and designed for use in various harvesting environments, including Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), while adhering to strict biosecurity protocols.
Complies with stringent regulations
Offering a tried and tested solution to Canadian farmers and producers who are looking to improve welfare standards across their harvesting processes, the system complies with stringent regulations set by The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) under the “Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farmed Salmonids” and approved by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (OMAFA).
According to Ace Aquatec, the A-HSU system is the most effective and humane system available for stunning fish prior to slaughter and operates by pumping and recirculating water through a stun tube, where fish are introduced and exposed to a precisely controlled electric field, rendering them insensible almost immediately. This results in a humane slaughter process that reduces stress and crowding.
North American market, a significant milestone for the company
Ben Perry, Head of Sales at Ace Aquatec, said: “Bringing the A-HSU skid-mounted trout stunner to Canada is a significant milestone for Ace Aquatec and a major step forward for humane aquaculture practices in the region.”
“The industry is increasingly prioritizing fish welfare, and our technology provides a solution that meets these high standards while enhancing operational efficiency and employee safety for farmers. Showcasing this system at the Ontario Aquaculture conference is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate how we can help producers achieve high-quality fish while adhering to strict welfare requirements,” he added
After successfully implementing both land based and vessel based in-water electric stunners across multiple regions, Ace Aquatec is now focusing on the North American market, driven by the recent best management practices document published by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (OMAFA).
Strategic partnership with JBT Marel
Some days before the arrival of Ace Aquatec to Ontario, the company and the global leader in food processing solutions JBT Marel announced a strategic partnership. JBT Marel named Ace Aquatec as preferred supplier of fish stunning solutions. Together, JBT Marel and Ace Aquatec will be able to offer customers a seamless product line for the entire seafood value chain covering harvesting and processing solutions with data insights software.
The partnership highlights a shared commitment to driving positive change in fish slaughter, handling, and processing globally through innovation, efficiency, sustainability, and welfare.
The multi-award-winning system A-HSU will complement JBT Marel’s comprehensive fish processing portfolio, underlining the commitment of both companies to creating a sustainable fish industry. Fish processors will benefit from the integration of solutions of both portfolios with improved processing results, lowered production costs, higher profits, and full traceability of the production process.
The Vice President of Fish at JBT Marel, Skuli Sigurdsson, said: “Our strategic partnership with Ace Aquatec strengthens our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and improving fish welfare. By combining our expertise in food processing with Ace Aquatec’s stunning technology, we can deliver a comprehensive, humane, and efficient solution that enhances seafood processing and meets the demands of clients and consumers alike.
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