Aquaculture

Farmed Fish Pain Assessment

Scientific understanding of fish pain has advanced significantly, and the case for treating fish as sentient beings capable of suffering is now supported by substantial evidence across multiple research groups.

Key Facts

Fish have nociceptors and produce opioid compounds in response to tissue damage
Zebrafish avoid areas where they have received noxious stimuli even without the stimulus present
Trout given acetic acid injection show abnormal behaviour reversed by morphine administration
EFSA concluded in 2009 that fish are likely to be conscious and capable of experiencing pain

Welfare Considerations

The traditional dismissal of fish pain as a reflex without conscious experience is no longer scientifically supportable. Fish show behavioural flexibility in pain responses, seek out analgesics and show cognitive changes after noxious stimulation that are inconsistent with pure reflex action. The welfare implications are enormous given the billions of fish slaughtered annually, mostly without any consideration of pain experience.

What You Can Do

Support organisations advocating for fish welfare standards in aquaculture and fishing
Choose fish from producers that use humane slaughter methods
Advocate for inclusion of fish welfare in all aquaculture certification schemes
Engage with the Fish Welfare Initiative and Aquatic Life Institute on policy development