Common carp is the most widely farmed freshwater fish in the world, particularly across Central and Eastern Europe, yet species-specific welfare research remains limited.
Carp welfare is understudied relative to salmonid species, partly because carp tolerate conditions that would be fatal to salmon. However, tolerance does not equal welfare: carp in high-density winter storage show chronic stress hormone elevation, fin damage, and lethargy. The traditional practice of selling live carp at markets, particularly around Christmas in Central European countries, involves prolonged transport in minimal water volumes with no stunning before sale. Carp killed at home without prior stunning may experience prolonged suffering. Growing consumer awareness has driven interest in welfare standards, but regulation remains far behind that for salmon.