The scientific evidence that farmed fish experience pain has strengthened substantially over the past two decades, with important implications for the welfare of the billions of fish in aquaculture systems globally.
The scientific case for fish pain has moved beyond hypothesis to well-supported scientific consensus among welfare scientists. This consensus creates clear ethical obligations for aquaculture operators and regulators. The standard of care that would be routine for a mammal of equivalent economic value — including anaesthesia for procedures and humane slaughter — should be applied to farmed fish.