The final stage of farmed salmon production — crowding, transport, and slaughter — carries major welfare implications that have driven significant industry and regulatory reform.
Pre-slaughter welfare for salmon encompasses crowding at harvest, transport in well-boats, and slaughter method. Each step carries significant welfare risk. High-density crowding causes fin damage, hemorrhage, and physiological stress measurable through cortisol and blood lactate. Well-boat transport exposes fish to water quality changes and temperature stress. Slaughter itself is the critical final welfare moment — percussive stunning (a blow to the skull) renders fish immediately insensible before bleeding. The welfare case for universal percussive stunning is overwhelming, and Norway has led in mandating it. Consumer pressure on farmed salmon brands has accelerated commitment to better pre-slaughter practices internationally.