Automating Humane Fish Harvesting: Shinkei’s Impact on the Seafood Economy
Harvesting fish can be a messy and stressful process, often resulting in animal suffering and reduced product quality. Shinkei, a technology company, aims to revolutionize the industry with an automated system that humanely dispatches fish and enhances the quality of the resulting seafood.
Traditional fish harvesting methods, such as leaving fish to suffocate on deck, can lead to bacterial infection, shorter shelf life, and compromised taste. Ike-jime, a Japanese technique involving a swift spike through the brain, provides a more humane and efficient alternative but requires skilled operators and can only handle a limited number of fish.
Shinkei’s automated system addresses these challenges by precisely identifying and spiking the brain of each fish, resulting in a humane and consistent kill. The system can be modularly configured to increase processing speed, and its computer vision capabilities are continuously improved to accommodate various fish species.
This innovative approach has significant implications for the seafood economy. Humane harvesting not only reduces animal suffering but also enhances product quality. Fish harvested using Shinkei’s system retain their premium taste and texture for an extended period, potentially transforming the relationship between restaurants and suppliers.
Longer-lasting fish reduce waste, eliminate the need for rapid turnover, and make local processing more economically viable. This shift could potentially bring jobs associated with the industry back to local communities and reduce the negative environmental impact of overfishing.
Shinkei’s mission is to create a more sustainable and humane seafood economy. By automating the ike-jime technique, the company aims to reduce waste, improve quality, and foster a more responsible approach to fish harvesting. With recent funding of $6 million, Shinkei is poised to expand its operations and continue refining its technology, potentially revolutionizing the seafood industry.
