Aquatic Animals

Fish Welfare at Slaughter

Fish are typically the least protected of all farmed animals at slaughter, with few regulations and widespread inhumane practices.

Key Facts

Farmed salmon are often slaughtered by asphyxiation — a slow, distressing death
Percussive stunning provides rapid unconsciousness and is available for most species
EFSA concluded in 2009 that fish likely experience pain in ways relevant to welfare
Norway has the world's most comprehensive fish welfare-at-slaughter regulations

Welfare Considerations

Fish welfare at slaughter remains in a regulatory wilderness in most countries. Common methods — asphyxiation, CO2 stunning, ice slurry — cause prolonged distress in fish that can process pain signals. Percussive stunning, electrical stunning, and spiking provide rapid unconsciousness. The gap between available humane methods and industry practice reflects regulatory failure.

What You Can Do

Support organizations advocating for fish welfare at slaughter standards
Choose fish from suppliers with documented welfare-at-slaughter practices
Advocate for national regulations requiring effective fish stunning
Support Norwegian and Scottish higher-welfare salmon farming standards