Ace Aquatec wins innovation award for AI-powered fish monitoring technology

SCOTLAND – Aquaculture technology company Ace Aquatec has won the Innovation Award at the Scotland Business of the Year Awards, recognising its artificial intelligence-powered fish-monitoring technology that helps producers improve fish welfare, optimise production, and reduce operational costs.

The Dundee-based company was honoured for its A-BIOMASS® system, an advanced underwater camera technology that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to measure fish size and weight in real time, even in low-light farming environments.

The award highlights growing industry adoption of digital technologies designed to improve efficiency and sustainability in aquaculture as producers face increasing pressure to enhance fish welfare while maintaining profitability.

Ace Aquatec develops a range of hardware and software solutions that integrate AI throughout the production cycle, enabling fish farmers to make more informed management decisions.

Its flagship A-BIOMASS® camera continuously captures and analyses underwater data, providing accurate measurements of individual fish. 

The information helps producers optimise feeding strategies, monitor stock growth and improve harvest planning.

According to the company, the technology supports more efficient farm operations, reduces waste, and contributes to better welfare outcomes.

The recognition also reflects wider industry efforts to accelerate the use of precision aquaculture technologies as global demand for seafood continues to rise.

Beyond fish monitoring, Ace Aquatec has developed several welfare-focused technologies for the aquaculture and marine sectors.

Among them is the Humane Stunner Universal (A-HSU®), a fish-stunning system designed to improve harvesting practices while maintaining high animal-welfare standards. 

The technology is already being used by seafood producers in multiple markets.

Tara McGregor-Woodhams, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Ace Aquatec, said the award reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and practical solutions for the aquaculture industry.

“This award is recognition of the innovation, expertise and ambition that drives everything we do at Ace Aquatec,” she said.

“A-BIOMASS® demonstrates how cutting-edge AI and imaging technology can help producers make better decisions, improve fish welfare and operate more sustainably.”

She added that increasing global demand for responsibly produced seafood is driving the need for smarter farming technologies that deliver both economic and environmental benefits.

“As global demand for responsibly produced seafood continues to grow, farmers need smarter tools that deliver both economic and environmental benefits,” McGregor-Woodhams said.

“We are proud to be developing world-leading technology in Scotland that is solving real challenges for producers around the world, while strengthening the future of sustainable aquaculture.”

The award comes as artificial intelligence continues to gain momentum across the aquaculture industry, with producers increasingly adopting digital monitoring systems, automated feeding technologies and data-driven management tools to improve productivity, sustainability and animal welfare.

Industry analysts expect investment in precision aquaculture technologies to continue growing as seafood producers seek to meet rising demand while improving resource efficiency and environmental performance.

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