The transport of live fish for aquaculture, the ornamental trade, and restocking involves significant welfare risks that are frequently underestimated and poorly regulated.
Fish welfare during transport is a significant but frequently neglected area of welfare concern. The physiological stress response in fish to transport conditions — including handling, crowding, water quality changes, vibration, and temperature fluctuations — can cause measurable harm, suppress immune function, and in extreme cases lead to mortality. The ornamental fish trade in particular has notoriously poor welfare standards during collection and transport. Improving fish transport welfare requires better water quality management, appropriate stocking densities, minimal handling, transport duration limits, and welfare monitoring at key stages of the supply chain.