Acuinuga has recently formalized an agreement with the company Calitri Technology for the distribution and commercialization of its fish counters within the Iberian Peninsula. Located in the town of Yves-Gomezée (Belgium), Calitri has provided counting and detection equipment for over 30 years now. Starting with its C16 Counter in 1988 the company has advanced into newer models such as the FC2, FC4, FC8 and FC12 released in 2013. Currently they are working on new products aimed at counting increasingly smaller elements.
Calitri´s fish counters can be installed at the outlet of a fish grader, at the outlet of a fish pump or with accessories for manual use (i.e. loading tank, fish are provided with a landing net). Fish are then pumped through the fish counter, separated between different channels and detected by infrared technology. The corresponding number is sent to the LCD screen, which also shows the status of each channel and the level of sensitivity selected.
Counting systems are used in aquaculture to manage population density. This allows for an accurate calculation of feeding levels required, a better distribution of food among fish, planning farm operations more effectively and knowing the precise number of fish ready to harvest. Wrong estimates of population densities (e. g. overcrowding) may lead to the spreading of diseases which in turn increase the rate of mortality and reduce productive performance. On the other hand, underpopulated situations will most probably increase food waste therefore causing higher costs and a greater environmental impact. Because of all this counting devices provide the means for a more efficient and sustainable production.
There are four different models of fish counters in the Calitri scope (FC2, FC4, FC8 and FC12) all of which count with a particular number of channels (2, 4, 8 and 12 respectively) of different sizes (210 mm, 100 mm, 50 mm and 30 mm respectively) so that each one is adapted to the specific needs and uses depending on the type of fish, their size (ranging from 0,5 g to 4,5 kg) and total biomass to be counted.
Equipped with the latest programmed intelligence that make their use efficient and intuitive, they also count with a 97% of accuracy, mounting replaceable electronic parts, waterproofing, light weight (25kg), working capacities of up to 125000 fry per hour with FC12 and suitability to species like trout, salmon, bass or bream making them the first choice for many aquaculture operations.
Calitri´s fish counter design has proven to be accurate, resistant and easy to mantain. With respect to other counting systems that use similar technology, Calitri offers the same results at lower prices making it an excellent “value for money” option.
The purpose of a collaboration as such is to benefit from the synergy between two well established technical companies within the European aquaculture industry. As in the case of Aquamec or Evans Vanodine, working with reference companies in this sector ensures that high standards of professionalism, experience and knowledge are followed. We look forward to working with Calitri Technology!