Pre-slaughter stunning technology for salmon has advanced significantly. Understanding the options helps producers, retailers, and consumers make better welfare choices.
Pre-slaughter salmon welfare is rapidly evolving from an area with minimal standards toward regulated practice in leading producing countries. Consumer retailer commitments to pre-stunning certified salmon have driven investment in commercial stunning systems. The diversity of available commercial systems means producers in most scale categories now have economically viable stunning options. Regulatory requirements in Norway and voluntary retailer commitments elsewhere are the primary drivers pushing the industry toward higher welfare slaughter.