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Ace Aquatec transforms operations for Australian Murray Cod producer 

Ace Aquatec has installed its first trailer mounted in-water stunner, overseen by Australian distributor Fresh by Design.

“Since installing the stunner in April, Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod have seen a vast improvement in the welfare of the fish during the harvesting process and have made huge strides in reducing the environmental impact of their harvesting practices.”

The in-water nature of Ace Aquatec’s humane stunner solution no longer requires Aquna to use percussion stunning techniques, which can be stressful for fish and the staff who handle them. The bespoke solution also means that live fish are no longer transported over long distances, which was stressful to fish and required the use of large vehicles. 

“Our sites are spread across 200 kilometres so the tailored solution offered by Ace Aquatec has allowed us to integrate with a mobile trailer to harvest on site at a time that works for us which has made a huge difference to us in terms of welfare and fish quality, not to mention the vast reduction in on road transport and consequent environmental impact,” said Mat Ryan, managing director of Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod.

Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod has growth ambitions of producing 10,000 tonnes by 2030 and having produced 4,500 tonnes of fish already this year, “the installation of this technology will support this growth as the popularity of the fish continues to grow.”

“Aquna came to Ace Aquatec because they wanted to be the first producer in Australia to stun their Murray Codhumanely, using our in-water electric technology,” said Tara McGregor-Woodhams, CSMO of Ace Aquatec. “By working so closely with the team at Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, we have developed a unique stunner system that not only improves the welfare of the fish, but greatly improves the efficiency of the whole process, provides safer conditions for staff, and minimises the environmental impact of the harvesting process.”