Pre-slaughter handling and stunning methods in salmon processing have major welfare implications. Industry and regulatory evolution continues to drive improvements.
Salmon approaching slaughter experience the cumulative stress of crowding, pump handling, air exposure, and in some systems CO2 narcosis before death. The welfare impact is substantial given the scale of salmon farming. Percussion and electrical stunning systems that render fish insensible before killing represent meaningful improvements. Consumer demand for higher welfare-certified salmon and regulatory minimum standards are driving adoption of better slaughter practices across the industry.