Wild-caught fish experience welfare harm from capture, handling, and killing in commercial fisheries, warranting greater attention.
Wild fish welfare in commercial fisheries is a largely neglected issue despite the immense scale of fish capture and the growing scientific consensus on fish sentience. Fish caught in nets experience crush injury, barotrauma from rapid pressure change, and prolonged suffering through asphyxiation. Welfare-conscious commercial fishing would seek to minimise capture stress and implement rapid and humane killing methods.