Carp is the most farmed fish globally — welfare considerations are only beginning to receive attention.
Carp welfare is almost entirely neglected in both research and regulation, despite carp being the most farmed fish species in the world. Carp show social behaviors, distress responses, and learning capabilities consistent with sentience. Most are farmed in earthen pond systems with variable water quality and minimal welfare consideration. Slaughter methods — including live chilling in ice water — cause prolonged dying processes. The scale of carp farming makes welfare improvements in this sector potentially impactful for an enormous number of fish.