Atlantic salmon are among the most intensively farmed fish globally, and their slaughter welfare has received growing attention as evidence supports their capacity to experience pain and distress.
Salmon slaughter welfare has improved in some markets but remains inadequate globally. Live chilling is widely used because it slows bleeding and improves fillet quality - an economic rationale that prioritizes product appearance over animal welfare. Fish stunned with CO2 may show aversion responses before losing consciousness. Electrical or percussion stunning followed by immediate spiking (pithing) achieves rapid insensibility and is technically feasible at commercial scale. Consumer pressure and regulatory requirements are the primary drivers of adoption.