Channel catfish are among the most farmed fish in North America. Their capacity for pain and stress raises welfare questions around stocking density, handling, and slaughter practices.
Channel catfish welfare has received less scientific and public attention than salmon or trout, partly because of the rural, domestic nature of catfish farming and the lower-income demographic of primary consumers. However, catfish experience stress and likely pain just as real as any other farmed fish. The welfare challenges specific to catfish include their susceptibility to bacterial disease when stressed, the use of chemical euthanasia methods that may be slower than electrical stunning, and the lack of mandatory welfare standards for catfish specifically. The good news is that catfish are hardy and welfare-compatible with good management, particularly regarding water quality and stocking density.