ACE AQUATEC

Solution: Ace Aquatec has developed a complete automated solution for the humane slaughter of wild fish and farmed fish. Currently wild fish are dropped into the holds of fishing vessels where they asphyxiate or are crushed over many hours. Ace Aquatec's technology utilises an innovative pump design fed by water jets to transport the fish. In the pipework a series of embedded electrodes electrify the water column to render the fish unconscious, regardless of size or species. Fish are then transported to a bleeding system, which uses the power of A.I to track fish and locate the aorta. Robotic arms are guided by structured light cameras, and a high power waterjet delivers a cut across the aorta. This humane slaughter solution provides the first responsible method for harvesting fish at sea and on fish farms, avoiding stress, downgraded quality, and guaranteeing a humane death to the thousands of fish slaughtered in our oceans.

Why is innovation to transform ocean health important to you: “The ocean is the world's beating heart, and its health affects all walks of our lives, from the air we breathe to the wildlife we see and enjoy around us. Too frequently what goes on at sea is unregulated or ignored because it is out of sight. The EU directives currently say no technology exists to achieve humane slaughter. But it does exist. We must push regulators and innovators to push through with their innovations to enact change and insist the inhumane practices are stopped. Greater attention must be paid to what occurs at sea, and this award offers great exposure for the issue to be highlighted, and for regulators to drive forward the changes that are desperately needed.” - Nathan Pyne-Carter, CEO