Channel catfish are the dominant farmed fish in the United States, accounting for over 60% of US aquaculture production. Welfare standards have historically lagged behind those applied to salmon.
Channel catfish welfare in intensive pond systems is affected by high stocking densities, limited environmental complexity and poor water quality during algal blooms. Handling and processing without adequate stunning causes significant suffering. The US catfish industry has been slow to adopt welfare standards comparable to salmon certification in the Atlantic sector, but consumer pressure and retailer standards are beginning to drive change.