© Ace Aquatec
This advanced technology will support Africa’s largest trout producer in setting a new benchmark for fish welfare, while enhancing operational efficiency across its production processes.
The installation of the in-water Humane Stunner Universal (A-HSU) will render fish unconscious within one second and allow Sanlei to humanely process 10–15 tonnes of fish per hour. This provides precise stunning, improved welfare compliance, reduced labour demands and more consistent product quality. In a region where brailing remains common practice, these benefits mark a transformative advancement for both the company and the broader aquaculture sector.
“Working with Ace Aquatec has been an overwhelmingly positive experience,” said Dewald Fourie, CEO of Sanlei Premium Trout, in a press release. “Their flexibility and attention to detail with regards to our specific operating conditions and need to accommodate hand netting has meant the design of this game changing technology has been as smooth as possible. The system being installed by Ace Aquatec will support our growth and strengthen our ambitions to further enhance our welfare and certification standards. We are already considering the system for a second site.”
Ace Aquatec has worked closely with Sanlei to ensure their award-winning system complemented this way of working, rather than replacing it. By working alongside more traditional methods the A-HSU system will help the producer increase welfare and improve operations by reducing fish handling by the company’s 110 employees. The introduction of Ace Aquatec’s A-HSU will also reduce the onset of rigour in the fish, increasing the quality of the product and reducing stress.
“Southern Africa’s aquaculture industry is undergoing rapid growth, and Ace Aquatec is uniquely equipped to support producers with the high-welfare technologies global markets now expect. Our collaboration with Sanlei, developing a tailored solution that boosts both welfare standards and processing performance, showcases innovation at its best,” said Nathan Pyne-Carter, CEO of Ace Aquatec.
This comes at a time when greater demand for fish from certified farms in the region is anticipated, driven in part by the imminent arrival of retail giants like Walmart in neighbouring South Africa. Currently the only BAP certified producer in the region, this system will position Sanlei alongside leading producers globally in meeting rising consumer demands..
