Common carp and related species represent nearly half of global freshwater aquaculture production. Their welfare deserves attention commensurate with their enormous numbers.
Carp welfare concerns span the entire production cycle. During growing, high stocking densities cause chronic stress, hypoxia, and elevated disease risk. Water quality management in traditional pond systems varies enormously — well-managed ponds with polyculture species achieve reasonable environmental quality, but intensified monoculture systems frequently compromise water quality. At slaughter, carp are often subjected to prolonged air exposure, live chilling without prior stunning, or rough handling — methods that cause significant suffering in a species with demonstrated pain sensitivity. The live trade, which accounts for a significant proportion of carp sales in Asia and Eastern Europe, subjects fish to transport stress, crowding, and air exposure. Improved water quality management, lower stocking densities, and pre-slaughter stunning represent achievable welfare improvements.