Top trout firm to trial new transport system

Under the terms of the agreement, Whooshh will deliver two 22-metre systems for the transport of live 3-6lb rainbow trout broodstock during 2016.

Troutlodge, a privately held partner of Hendrix Genetics, is the world’s leader in the production of live trout eggs and in trout genetics. Founded in the Pacific Northwest in 1945, it currently operates freshwater hatchery facilities in Washington and Idaho, as well as in Chile and on the Isle of Man.

Whooshh Innovations, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, has developed a patented water-sparing system that moves fish gently, efficiently, and cost-effectively using pressure differentials. The company has spent the past four years testing the system on live fish, working with government agencies, First Nations, NGOs and the private sector, and claim to have repeatedly demonstrated that its system produces less stress and injury to live fish than traditional methods of transport. It has also shown egg survival rates that are comparable to or better than traditional fish transport methods.

Troutlodge CEO, Steve Brown, said: “We’re an early adopter,” he said. “We’ve been carefully watching the progress that Whooshh has made in terms of fish health and welfare. Because of this, we at Troutlodge are very committed to using this technology. We believe it will not only be better for the fish but also safer for our workers.”

Whooshh Innovations CEO, Vince Bryan III, said: “We’re very pleased that Troutlodge has taken the time to understand the value of using the Whooshh system to further modernize their operations.”