GENCIS is the only technology capable of automatically classify finfish in real time accurately and at a high output rate (1 fish per 8 seconds). The system is based on using an ultrasonic device that is capable of detecting the fish’s gonadal organs automatically (data acquisition). These ultrasonic images are then automatically processed in real time through image recognition software and a Neural Network (image processing) trained to ascertain its gender. The system will then activate a piston that will divert the fish to different tanks according to its gender

The system is capable of identifying the fish’s gender at around a weight of 50-80g (nowadays it is done at 150g) for salmon and trout (salmonids’ family); and at 120g for seabass (nowadays not classified), which corresponds to approximately 11 months post fertilisation.

Being able to classify salmon at such low weight makes it perfect to use the system as fish are changed from fingerlings fish farms to grow-out locations (at around 10 months post fertilisation). As a result, GENCIS will be installed as an independent machine at the coast facility near the marine site, since fingerlings are transported by road to the coast facility and subsequently transported by wellboats. As for trout, given the nature of the water type, the system will be installed at freshwater rearing facilities connected to existing distribution installations. With regard to seabass, as gonad development takes nearly a year, GENCIS will be installed near marine sites and the fish will be classified while changing tanks.