A prototype machine that could reshape working conditions and animal-welfare standards in the UK nephrops fishery has won the inaugural Catch Welfare Innovation Award, with Norway-based Optimar recognised as the key technological force behind it

The Nephrops Stunning & Tailing Machine, developed with industry partners, automates two of the most laborious tasks on board – stunning and tailing – both of which are still carried out manually on most vessels.

The new system aims to address both issues by reducing strain on workers and introducing a more consistent, humane process for processing the catch.