East Coast Innovation Inc. (ECI), based in New Brunswick, Canada, has unveiled a groundbreaking solution to address the critical issue of fish stress during transportation. The technology, known as Voluntary Swim-In (VSI), is poised to transform the way fish are moved within both ocean-based and land-based aquaculture facilities.
Joel Halse, the CEO of ECI, explained that the inspiration for VSI stems from the necessity for farmers to move their aquatic stock safely and efficiently. Traditional methods involve high-density crowding to coerce fish into a suction funnel, leading to heightened stress levels. The VSI, however, leverages the innate behaviour of fish, creating conditions that encourage them to move willingly into the transfer system, minimizing stress and enhancing overall fish welfare.
The key advantages of VSI, as highlighted by Halse, include a faster and less crowded fish transfer process, the preservation of natural schooling behavior, and reduced stress levels for the fish. Notably, the technology allows fish to resume normal feeding behavior shortly after transfer, resulting in better survivability and overall health outcomes.
The adaptability of VSI is a significant advantage, as it can seamlessly integrate with any existing fish transfer system, minimizing the need for substantial operational changes. ECI emphasizes that installing the VSI is user-friendly, quick to connect and disconnect, and has the potential to significantly reduce the manual labor traditionally involved in preparing fish for transfers.
While current trials focus on Atlantic salmon, ECI envisions broader applications for other species in the future. Halse stressed the importance of data collection to demonstrate the efficacy of VSI, asserting that successful results could mark a paradigm shift in the aquaculture industry’s approach to fish transportation.
Despite promising outcomes in laboratory settings, the transition to field testing in commercial settings presents challenges that ECI is actively addressing. Collaborating with early adopter companies in Atlantic Canada and forging partnerships in Scotland, the company aims to optimize the performance of VSI for commercialization.
The VSI technology not only addresses the ethical concerns associated with fish stress but also holds the potential to enhance the bottom line of aquaculture businesses. ECI is optimistic that VSI could emerge as a transformative solution, offering a more humane and efficient method of fish transportation while aligning with the industry’s commitment to sustainable and ethical practices.
