Channel catfish is one of the most important farmed fish in North America. Their welfare in pond and recirculating systems depends on water quality, stocking density, and handling practices.
Catfish welfare has received less research attention than salmon or trout, but evidence of their sentience and stress responses justifies welfare consideration in commercial production. Pond-based catfish farming presents challenges including temperature extremes, summer hypoxia events, and disease outbreaks that can cause mass mortality and suffering. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) allow better water quality control but introduce mechanical and handling stressors. Slaughter of catfish is often performed without prior stunning; CO2 narcosis or electrical stunning before slaughter would represent significant welfare improvements. Consumer interest in catfish welfare can drive industry engagement with certification schemes that include catfish-specific welfare requirements.