Mobile harvesting system transforms operations for Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod
03 April 2024
With the growing popularity of Murray cod among the high-end restaurant market, along with interest from domestic and international markets including the USA, Japan, and Spain, Aquna had set their growth ambitions to producing 10,000 tonnes by 2030.
Challenge
Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod’s goal was to lead the way in sustainable Murray cod farming. The producer was looking for a solution that enabled them to harvest in a more efficient and ethical way, prioritising the welfare of their unique fish. Aquna also required a system that would help mobilise their harvesting station. With ponds, hatcheries and processing plants spanning more than a 100km radius around Griffith, Aquna needed a system that would allow them to stun and bleed their fish on site before transporting the Murray cod to the processing plant.
Solution
Ace Aquatec proposed a bespoke, trailer-mounted A-HSU® system to meet Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod’s requirements. The A-HSU® is an in-water electric stunning system which stuns fish wholly unconscious in less than one second while still in water. The A-HSU® is universally recognised as the best welfare solution on the market, meeting the high welfare standards expected by consumers, retailers, and regulators without compromising quality.
Results and benefits
Since installing the stunner in 2023, Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod have seen a vast improvement in the welfare of their fish during the harvesting process and have made huge strides in reducing the environmental impact of their harvesting practices. By installing the A-HSU® on a mobile trailer, Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod could move the stunning system from one site to another easily. Integrated to the producer’s pumping system, the A-HSU® created a seamless harvesting process on site, from water to ice. This removed the need for live fish to be transported over long distances, which was stressful for the fish and required large vehicles in the past. Another benefit that was noted by the producer was that the in-water electric stunner removed the need for percussive stunning techniques, which could be stressful for both the fish and the staff who handled them.
