Ace Aquatec clinches first Chilean order for in-water smolt culler
Machine has surpassed expectations, says Lago Sofía production manager
Dundee-based aquaculture technology innovator Ace Aquatec has signed an agreement with Chilean smolt producer Lago Sofía for installation of its A-HCS humane culling system for smolts and juvenile fish. The contract follows a successful testing period.
Located at Chinquihue, near Puerto Montt, Lago Sofía is the first smolt producer to be certified under strict WELF CERT animal welfare standards.
Ace Aquatec’s technology enables the in-water, ethical culling of weaker smolts that would otherwise be euthanised using anaesthetic overdose, as they are deemed unlikely to thrive at sea. By replacing anaesthetics with a chemical-free solution, these fish can be redirected for human consumption and other by-products, thereby opening access to new markets.
The culling technology also supports the producer’s goals of reducing chemical use in the culling process and moving toward a zero-waste supply chain.
First in Chile
The A-HCS system in use at Chinquihue is Ace Aquatec’s first installation in Chile, and the technology is said to have already demonstrated significant operational and environmental benefits, along with major improvements in fish welfare.
For Lago Sofía, the system is essential during two critical stages: fish grading (from 30 grams and up) and the vaccination process (from 50 grams onward).
At these stages, along with the ethical culling process, Lago Sofía has achieved significant savings in logistics, labour, chemicals, and materials used in operations.
It has reported efficiency improvements of up to 75% in labour savings, freeing staff to focus on other tasks within the company. Environmental benefits have also been recorded, including a significant reduction in water consumption during trials.
Lago Sofía, which produces smolts for some of the region’s leading aquaculture companies, also highlighted that the portability and ease of cleaning of the A-HCS system, enabling the company to operate it in different areas without compromising biosecurity measures.
Beyond expectations
Production manager Alejandro Delgadillo said: “Working with the team at Ace Aquatec has been a very positive experience for us. The A-HCS system has delivered results beyond our expectations, making the culling process safer, simpler, and highly efficient. This technology has reinforced our commitment to animal welfare, while reducing costs and supporting our long-term sustainability goals.”
Constanza Fontaine, sales and service manager for Ace Aquatec in Chile, said the installation of the humane culling system at Lago Sofía marked an important milestone for Chile’s salmon industry.
“Combining world-class welfare standards with practical operational efficiency will help drive sustainability across the production process,” said Fontaine.
“Lago Sofía’s commitment to reducing chemical use and advancing toward a zero-waste supply chain sets an inspiring precedent. This partnership demonstrates that advances in fish welfare, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence can truly go hand in hand.”
In 2023, Lago Sofía, which produces 15 million smolts annually in a size range of 130-250 grams, completed a six-year process to become the first fish farmer in Chile to earn WELF CERT approval, which is supported by the Chilean Animal Welfare Association.
Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, whose portfolio includes aquaculture, visited the Chinquihue smolt facility last year during a trip to the Aqua Sur trade show, and described Lago Sofía as an example of what the Scottish Government expects from its own fish farming sector.
“We know that aquaculture is very important for our economy in Scotland. It provides well-paid jobs in some of the most remote areas of our country and also in our island communities,” Gougeon said at the time.
“But we know that industry growth needs to be sustainable. That means reducing environmental impact, investing in animal health and welfare, as well as working with communities, and that is exactly what we saw today at Lago Sofia.”