Common carp are among the most widely distributed freshwater fish in the world. Their welfare in sport angling, aquaculture, and as invasive species management subjects deserves attention.
Competitive carp angling involves fish being caught, held in keep nets for prolonged periods alongside other fish, handled for photographs, and released — a process that causes significant acute stress and can cause fungal infections at hook and handling sites. Studies show that carp subjected to extended angling contests show lasting physiological stress responses. In Australian management, carp are subject to mass cull programmes including the planned release of carp herpesvirus, which causes painful, prolonged death. Aquaculture carp are frequently kept at very high densities with poor water quality.