Scottish Sea Farms pilots welfare-driven fish return system in Shetland.
Scottish Sea Farms is rolling out a new system across its Shetland sites designed to reduce fish handling during routine health checks, according to the company’s latest newsletter, The Source.
The innovation involves the use of specially designed return pipes that allow fish to be channelled back into pens through water, rather than being manually lifted from sampling bins on deck. The method aims to reduce fish stress and lower the risk of escape.
The return pipe system was developed by local engineering firm Ocean Kinetics, working from a design by Scottish Sea Farms Engineering Manager Keith Fraser. The concept was based on a system previously installed on a Thermolicer vessel and adapted after a request from Area Manager John Blance.
“The prototype worked well and we are making some small adjustments to the final design before rolling it out across all sites in Shetland,” Fraser said.
Gabriel Cocuti, Farm Manager at East of Papa Little, where one of the systems has already been installed, said it is proving effective. “They are much safer for the stocks and make life easier for the team,” he said. “It is already making a difference in terms of fish health and welfare.”
The company said the system forms part of wider fish welfare improvements being implemented across its operations.