Page 27 - AWA Vol.41-No.6 2025

FISHERIES AND FISH FARMING

Ace Aquatec and Aquascot collaborate to embed artificial

intelligence using specialist cameras into fish processing

Ace Aquatec, a leader in aquaculture technology, and es‑
tablished seafood processor Aquascot have announced a
new strategic collaboration to validate the collection of re‑
al-time morphometric fish data and integrate it into process‑
ing operations.
Supported by grant funding from Highlands and Islands
Enterprise, the 12‑month project aims to bridge a critical
gap in the aquaculture supply chain for Atlantic salmon and
rainbow trout.
Central to the initiative is Ace Aquatec’s cutting-edge AI Ben Perry, Head of Sales at Ace Aquatec said; “This collab‑
cameras delivering accurate, non‑intrusive monitoring. oration with Aquascot is an exciting step towards unlocking
Aquascot, spanning both farming and processing, brings the full potential of data in aquaculture. By validating and
decades of expertise in delivering high-quality seafood integrating real‑time AI insights into processing opera‑
from the Scottish Highlands and will incorporate this data tions, we’re not only improving traceability and efficiency,
into its modern processing line. The system will be validated but we’re also building a smarter, more connected supply
for its ability to measure individual fish weights, condition chain. Support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise Inno‑
factor, head proportion and other key quality metrics. vation team has been key in helping us turn innovation into
impact for the sector.”
Collected during routine production, this data will boost David Chapman, Manufacturing Director at Aquascot
efficiency by automating quality checks, reducing manual said: “We are hugely excited about embarking on this proj‑
handling and improving yield forecasts. Traceability is then ect with Ace Aquatec. This will be a ground-breaking de‑
enhanced by linking biometric data to individual fish at har‑ velopment in our sector and we are delighted to be leading
vest. Ace Aquatec’s A‑FISHIQ® portal will also generate the way in our industry. As well as operational benefits for
real‑time alerts supporting transparency, auditability and Aquascot, this will help drive continuous improvement and
continuous improvement across the supply chain. efficiency both upstream and downstream in our supply
The project will also benefit one of Aquascot’s primary chain too. We are grateful to HIE for their support in helping
retail partners, Waitrose and Partners, who seek suppliers to make this collaboration a reality.”
leading the way in adopting advanced technologies. By im‑ John Mackenzie, Senior Development Manager Innovation
proving data accuracy and traceability from farm to shelf, and Highlands & Islands Enterprise said:“HIE is delighted to
the initiative ensures greater transparency and consistent support this exciting collaborative innovation project using
quality, helping consumers make informed choices with data to drive increased productivity and efficiency and look
confidence in responsibly sourced seafood. forward to seeing the outputs and benefits.” Circle 36 on enquiry card

BioMar doubles vitamin D levels in all Salmon diets

BioMar has significantly increased market differentiation and consumer
the levels of vitamin D3 across all preferences for nutrient‑rich foods.
salmon diets. Research findings “Consumers are becoming more
point to enhanced fish health bene‑ aware of the importance of vitamin
fits while increasing the nutritional D for their health,” said Simon Wad‑
value of farmed salmon for consum‑ sworth, R&D Director at BioMar. “By
ers. formulating feeds that naturally en‑
In 2019, the EU raised the maxi‑ rich fish fillets, we are helping farm‑
mum permitted vitamin D3 levels in ers offer products with added value
aquafeed for salmonids from 2,500 to and supporting public health goals.”
60,000 IU/kg. BioMar undertook re‑ tion,” Pedro Gómez Requeni, Senior The enhanced vitamin D3 content
search to explore how enhanced vi‑ R&D Scientist at BioMar “Our re‑ in salmon fillets will contribute to
tamin D3 supplementation would im‑ search confirms that feeds with op‑ increased consumer dietary intake,
pact salmonoid diets. The research timised vitamin D3 levels enriched helping to support widespread vita‑
confirmed that higher dietary vita‑ fillet vitamin D content while main‑ min D insufficiency in many popula‑
min D3 levels led to a proportional taining an optimal fish performance.” tions.
increase in fillet vitamin D3 content BioMar has taken advantage of “This is a practical formulation im‑
without negatively affecting fish per‑ the increased maximum permitted provement with wide‑reaching im‑
formance, feed intake, or feed con‑ levels of vitamin D3. Farmers will pact,” concluded Simon. “It supports
version. automatically get salmon diets that healthier fish, helps farmers differ‑
“Vitamin D is crucial for fish health, promote optimal fish performance, entiate their products, and offers
supporting bone development, cal‑ while producing fillets with en‑ consumers an improved nutritional
cium regulation, and immune func‑ hanced nutritional value, supporting profile.” Circle 37 on enquiry card

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