Ace Aquatec and established seafood processor Aquascot have announced a new strategic collaboration to validate the collection of real-time morphometric fish data and integrate it into processing 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 cameras delivering accurate, non-intrusive monitoring. Aquascot, spanning both farming and processing, brings decades of expertise in delivering high-quality seafood from the Scottish Highlands and will incorporate this data into its modern processing line. The system will be validated for its ability to measure individual fish weights, condition factor, head proportion and other key quality metrics.
Collected during routine production, this data will boost efficiency by automating quality checks, reducing manual handling and improving yield forecasts. Traceability is then enhanced by linking biometric data to individual fish at harvest. Ace Aquatec’s A-FISHIQ® portal will also generate real-time alerts supporting transparency, auditability and continuous improvement across the supply chain.
The project will also benefit one of Aquascot’s primary retail partners, Waitrose and Partners, who seek suppliers leading the way in adopting advanced technologies. By improving data accuracy and traceability from farm to shelf, the initiative ensures greater transparency and consistent quality, helping consumers make informed choices with confidence in responsibly sourced seafood.
Ben Perry, head of Sales at Ace Aquatec said that “this collaboration with Aquascot is an exciting step towards unlocking the full potential of data in aquaculture. By validating and integrating real-time AI insights into processing operations, we’re not only improving traceability and efficiency, but we’re also building a smarter, more connected supply chain. Support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise Innovation team has been key in helping us turn innovation into impact for the sector.”
David Chapman, manufacturing director at Aquascot, said, “We are hugely excited about embarking on this project with Ace Aquatec. This will be a ground-breaking development in our sector and we are delighted to be leading the way in our industry. As well as operational benefits for Aquascot, this will help drive continuous improvement and efficiency both upstream and downstream in our supply chain too.”
