Common carp is one of the most widely farmed fish species globally, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, with welfare challenges across pond production, transport, and live marketing.
Common carp welfare during traditional autumn pond harvesting raises significant concerns. Pond draining concentrates fish at high density in declining water quality with oxygen depletion, causing acute physiological stress. Traditional live marketing practices involving transport and holding outside water cause suffocation and severe suffering. Carp are sentient fish capable of experiencing pain and distress. Pre-slaughter stunning prior to killing and elimination of air-transport practices would substantially reduce suffering in this major aquaculture species.