Ace Aquatec has unveiled an innovative electric trout stunner, designed to safeguard fish welfare during harvesting.
Debuting at the 2025 Ontario Aquaculture Conference on 27 February, the A-HSU skid-mounted, in-water stunner is portable and easy to use across a variety of terrains including lakes and ponds.
“Bringing the A-HSU skid-mounted trout stunner to Canada is a significant milestone for Ace Aquatec and a major step forward for humane aquaculture practices in the region,” said head of sales at Ace Aquatec, Ben Perry.
“The industry is increasingly prioritising fish welfare and our technology provides a solution that meets these high standards while enhancing operational efficiency and employee safety for farmers.”
The A-HSU stunner, capable of processing up to 15 tonnes of trout per hour, is ideal for a wide range of freshwater production species and is especially suited for recirculating aquaculture systems.
The system operates by pumping water through a stun tube where fish are exposed to a controlled electric field, rendering them insensible almost instantly.
The stunner complies with the National Farm Animal Care Council regulations under the ‘Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farmed Salmonids’ and is approved by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
The launch marks a significant expansion into the North American market. It has recently been adopted by Canadian trout farmer, Cedar Crest.
“Ace Aquatec’s in-water electric stunning system provided us with a reliable, efficient and welfare friendly solution that ensures fish are stunned instantly and humanely, reducing stress and improving overall product quality,” said Arlen Taylor, director of operations at Cedar Crest.
“Adapting the system to be mounted on a skid base is a perfect solution to meeting the needs of farmers across Canada and elsewhere.”
