Catfish aquaculture, particularly in the US South and Vietnam, is among the largest freshwater aquaculture sectors globally, with welfare standards that vary widely by region.
Channel catfish in US pond systems face welfare challenges primarily related to crowding density and disease management. Catfish are relatively hardy but crowding causes chronic stress, impairs immune function, and creates conditions for rapid disease spread. Bacterial disease outbreaks cause significant mortality and morbidity — sick fish suffer behavioral changes and physiological distress. The US catfish industry has invested more in welfare-relevant practices (particularly slaughter) than many other aquaculture sectors, with electrical stunning widely used before processing. However, pre-slaughter crowding and transport practices still cause welfare concern. Depuration — holding fish in clean water before slaughter — improves flesh quality and may reduce stress in well-managed operations.