What it is and how it works
A-HCS® is an innovative system that uses our award-winning Humane Stunner Universal (A-HSU®) technology to stun and cull smolt and juveniles immediately without chemicals.
Juvenile fish are pumped or brailed into the entrance chute, where they flow directly into the water of the stun tube. The electric field in the stun tube ensures that the fish lose consciousness immediately.
The water is pumped at a rate to transport the fish to the final dewatering grid, which takes about 40 seconds. The fish then fall into a harvest tub while an integrated water pump recirculates the water. Ice can be used in the harvest tub to preserve the fish.
Key features
The A-HCS® is a self-contained, easily transportable unit. It’s designed to withstand robust biosecurity measures and protocols, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
Portable —suitable for indoor and outdoor use
1 ton per hour capacity
Reduced handling and low stress
Automated system with touch screen controls
Welfare benefits
- Effective and humane, without pre-stun shocks
- Stuns fish fully unconscious in less than one second, then culls within 40 seconds
- Reduced handling and low stress
- Improved supply chain efficacy
Sustainability factors
- Low environmental footprint and reduced wastage
- No chemicals or incineration
- Simple cleaning and disinfection protocol
- Minimal maintenance
“This is the best solution in the market in terms of animal welfare standards and environmental impact. Their chemical free, in-water electric stunner has transformed our processing, reduced wastage, and improved our environmental footprint by stopping our fish going to landfill.”
Jarl Van Den Berg M.Sc, General manager HG Salmon UK, Hendrix Genetics
Get more information
Read our case study to learn how in-water electric culling can help convert a waste by-product into a valuable new food source. The A-HCS® fact sheet provides additional details about the system.
Let’s talk
Get in touch to discuss how the A-HCS® can benefit your hatcheries or juvenile production facility.
Other products
By-Catch A-HCS®
A-HCS® is a humane fish culling solution based on our award-winning A-HSU® technology. Fish that would otherwise be discarded can be humanely stunned and killed without chemicals. The A-HCS® meets the specific needs of processors on vessels or in production facilities.
Learn more
Trout A-HSU®
The A-HSU® is an award-winning in-water system for stunning freshwater trout before harvest. It’s designed to stun freshwater trout effectively and humanely, helping to ensure that the quality of the fish is not compromised.
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