Traditional carp polyculture in Central European pond systems supports large populations with complex welfare dynamics around crowding, winter oxygen depletion, and harvest practices.
Carp polyculture systems can support relatively good welfare during the growing season in well-managed extensive ponds, but harvest operations cause severe welfare compromise. Traditional autumn harvest involves extreme crowding, netting stress, and often live transport in inadequate water conditions. Christmas market practices in Central Europe, where live carp are kept in buckets or bathtubs before slaughter at home, represent some of the worst aquaculture welfare practices in Europe.