Slaughter methods for farmed Atlantic salmon vary significantly in their welfare implications.
Salmon welfare at slaughter has received increasing scientific attention. Ice slurry immersion, still the most common method, causes gradual loss of consciousness through hypothermia — a process that takes several minutes during which fish are likely conscious and distressed. Percussion stunning using a percussive blow to the head causes immediate unconsciousness when properly applied. Electrical stunning systems used in some Norwegian and Scottish farms represent best practice. Welfare-positive slaughter requires systemic industry adoption of humane methods.