Farmed Salmon Pre-Slaughter Welfare Standards

Improving pre-slaughter conditions for farmed Atlantic salmon addresses significant welfare concerns in one of the world's most important aquaculture species.

Key Facts

Global farmed salmon production exceeds 2.7 million tonnes annually
Pre-slaughter stress from crowding, air exposure, and temperature change causes measurable suffering
Percussive stunning followed by bleeding is considered the most humane slaughter method
Carbon dioxide stunning, widely used, causes prolonged stress and pain before unconsciousness
Norway, the UK, and Australia have introduced regulations on fish slaughter welfare
Welfare at slaughter affects both animal suffering and product quality

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of farmed salmon at slaughter has received increasing scientific attention. Evidence shows that salmon experience stress and likely pain, making the method of slaughter a significant welfare concern. Pre-slaughter crowding during harvesting concentrates fish and depletes oxygen, causing acute stress. CO2 narcosis involves prolonged aversive experience before unconsciousness. Percussive stunning renders fish immediately insensible, and when properly executed, minimizes suffering. Industry leaders in welfare-conscious markets have adopted improved slaughter standards, demonstrating that high welfare and commercial viability are compatible.

What You Can Do

Choose salmon products certified under welfare standards that include slaughter method requirements
Support aquaculture certifications that specifically address slaughter practices
Advocate for regulatory requirements on humane slaughter methods in your country
Reduce farmed salmon consumption or shift to certified higher-welfare products