Redfish are long-lived, slow-growing deepwater fish targeted in North Atlantic fisheries with welfare considerations during capture and handling.
Redfish welfare during capture is dominated by barotrauma effects. As fish are rapidly hauled from depths of 200-600 metres, the dramatic pressure reduction causes swim bladder expansion with potential rupture, exophthalmia (pop-eye), and compression of internal organs as gas expands. Fish experiencing severe barotrauma cannot survive return to depth. Venting devices that pierce the swim bladder can theoretically allow release, but the welfare benefit versus additional injury is uncertain. The long lifespan of redfish — some individuals may be captured at extreme ages — adds a conservation dimension to individual welfare. Trawl fishing of long-lived, slow-reproducing species raises both sustainability and welfare concerns.