Carp are the most farmed fish species globally, yet their welfare receives far less attention than salmon or trout despite significant welfare challenges.
The welfare of farmed carp is a largely neglected issue despite the enormous scale of production. Carp farming in many Asian countries occurs in extensive pond systems with minimal regulation or welfare oversight. High stocking densities, poor water quality management, and absence of humane slaughter standards mean that hundreds of millions of carp may experience significant suffering annually. Evidence for fish sentience and pain perception is now robust enough to warrant treating carp welfare as a serious concern. The challenge is scaling welfare improvements across a highly fragmented industry distributed across small-scale producers in multiple countries. International FAO guidelines on fish welfare and consumer pressure from importers of carp products could drive change.