Carp are the most produced fish in global aquaculture, accounting for over 30 million tonnes annually, yet welfare research and standards for this species lag far behind salmon and other commercially prominent fish.
Because carp production is dominated by low-income country small-scale farmers with limited resources, welfare improvements face economic barriers that differ from Atlantic salmon aquaculture. Pond-based production often lacks monitoring systems for oxygen levels, leading to hypoxic events that cause distress. Harvest methods — draining ponds, netting, and prolonged air exposure — are highly stressful and often fatal. The tradition of live carp sales at holiday seasons involves prolonged storage in inadequate conditions. Despite these challenges, simple interventions — improved harvest procedures, stunning before slaughter, and better oxygen management — could substantially improve welfare at low cost.