Common carp has been farmed in European ponds for centuries and is the most commonly farmed freshwater fish globally. Despite its long history, welfare standards in traditional pond systems vary widely.
Carp in intensively managed ponds may experience oxygen depletion, especially during hot weather, causing respiratory distress. Harvest stress is a major welfare concern, with fish crowded into catching nets before long transport periods. Starvation before transport and slaughter is standard practice but extends the period of food restriction stress. Live storage in tanks before sale in some markets causes chronic welfare deficits. Inadequate water quality management leads to disease outbreaks and chronic stress.