The method of slaughter used for farmed turbot has significant welfare implications, as turbot are fish with nervous systems capable of experiencing pain and distress.
Turbot slaughter without prior effective stunning causes prolonged conscious suffering. Ice slurry chilling, while widely used for ease of handling, does not stun turbot before they lose consciousness from cold and hypoxia — a process that can take many minutes. During this time, fish display stress responses including thrashing and opercular movements. Percussion stunning renders fish immediately insensible when correctly applied, representing a major welfare improvement. Advocating for mandatory stunning requirements for farmed fish is a high-impact welfare priority.