Carp are among the most widely farmed fish globally, primarily in Asia, with welfare considerations including stocking density, harvest methods, and live transportation practices.
Carp welfare receives relatively little research attention despite being produced in larger quantities than any other farmed fish species. Live transport to market - a common practice in Asian markets - exposes carp to extended crowding and handling stress that causes measurable welfare harm. Harvest and holding practices that minimize crowding duration and provide adequate oxygenation reduce welfare harms within current market systems. Consumer awareness of carp welfare has potential to create market incentives for welfare improvement in the world's largest fish aquaculture sector.