Ace Aquatec has signed a collaboration agreement with Lago Sofía, dedicated to smolt production through individual recirculation systems, to install its A-HCS® humane culling system for smolts and juvenile fish, following a successful testing period.

Lago Sofía, located in Puerto Montt, Chile, is the first smolt producer to be certified under strict animal welfare standards. The in-water technology enables the ethical culling of small juvenile salmon that would otherwise be euthanized using chemicals, as they are deemed unlikely to thrive at sea. By replacing anesthetics with this chemical-free solution, these fish can be redirected for human consumption and other byproducts, thereby opening access to new markets. This innovation also supports producers’ goals of reducing chemical use in the culling process and moving toward a zero-waste supply chain.

This is Ace Aquatec’s first installation of the A-HCS® system in Chile, and it has already demonstrated significant operational and environmental benefits, along with major improvements in fish welfare.

For Lago Sofía, the system is essential during two critical stages: fish grading (from 30 grams and up) and the vaccination process (from 50 grams onward). At these stages, along with the ethical culling process, Lago Sofía has achieved significant savings in logistics, labor, chemicals, and materials used in operations. They have reported efficiency improvements of up to 75% in labor savings, freeing staff to focus on other tasks within the company. Similarly, environmental benefits have been recorded, including a significant reduction in water consumption during trials.

Lago Sofía, which produces smolts for some of the region’s aquaculture companies, also highlighted that the portability and ease of cleaning of the A-HCS® system allow them to operate in different areas without compromising biosecurity measures.

Alejandro Delgadillo, Production Manager at Lago Sofía, said: “Working with the team at Ace Aquatec has been a very positive experience for us. The A-HCS® system has delivered results beyond our expectations, making the culling process safer, simpler, and highly efficient. This technology has reinforced our commitment to animal welfare, while reducing costs and supporting our long-term sustainability goals.”

In addition, Constanza Fontaine, Sales and Service Manager at Ace Aquatec, stated: “The installation of our humane culling system at Lago Sofía marks an important milestone for Chile’s salmon industry. Combining world-class welfare standards with practical operational efficiency will help drive sustainability across the production process. Lago Sofía’s commitment to reducing chemical use and advancing toward a zero-waste supply chain sets an inspiring precedent. This partnership demonstrates that advances in fish welfare, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence can truly go hand in hand.”