News & Views Fish handling Technology
Chilean smolt producer Lago Sofía installs new humane culling system

Lago Sofia is installing a new humane culling system for its smolt and juvenile production.

The new system is manufactured by Ace Aquatec, called the A-HCS humane culling system. The equipment supplier said the installation follows a period of successful testing. This is Ace Aquatec’s first installation of the A-HCS system in Chile.

“Working with the team at Ace Aquatec has been a very positive experience for us,” said Alejandro Delgadillo, production manager at Lago Sofía. “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.”

According to Ace Aquatec’s website, A-HCS uses the company’s Humane Stunner Universal technology to stun and cull smolt and juveniles immediately without chemicals. The company claims the technology stuns fish unconscious in less than one second, then culls within 40 seconds. The in-water technology enables the ethical culling of small juvenile salmon that are deemed unlikely to thrive at sea, the company said.

Ace Aquatec said the system has already shown operational and environmental benefits, and major improvements in fish welfare, the company claimed.

“The installation of our humane culling system at Lago Sofía marks an important milestone for Chile’s salmon industry,” said Constanza Fontaine, sales and service manager at Ace Aquatec. “Combining world-class welfare standards with practical operational efficiency will help drive sustainability across the production process. This partnership demonstrates that advances in fish welfare, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence can truly go hand in hand.”