The final stages of Atlantic salmon production — crowding for harvest, transport to processing, and slaughter — represent critical welfare points that are receiving increased scientific and regulatory attention.
Pre-slaughter welfare in salmon farming has been largely neglected compared to growing-phase welfare, yet the final hours of life may involve the most intense welfare harm of the production cycle. Crowding concentrates fish density dramatically, causing social stress, oxygen depletion, and physical injury. Transport to processing facilities adds further stress. Slaughter without prior stunning may cause prolonged suffering in conscious fish. The welfare science is clear on the capacity of salmon to suffer these stressors. Improved pre-slaughter handling and universal stunning before killing are the primary welfare improvements needed.