Atlantic salmon slaughter welfare has advanced significantly with percussive stunning and electrical stunning technologies, but implementation varies widely across the industry.
Salmon slaughter welfare has moved from near-complete neglect to active regulation and innovation over the past decade, driven by the strengthening evidence for fish sentience and consumer pressure. Carbon dioxide pre-slaughter immersion - still used in some operations - causes documented distress in salmon that can be observed for several minutes before loss of consciousness. Percussive and electrical stunning provide welfare-superior alternatives that render fish immediately unconscious when correctly applied. The challenge is consistent application at commercial scale and regular calibration to ensure effectiveness. The welfare progress in salmon slaughter is real and meaningful but not yet universal - supporting certification schemes and welfare-progressive retailers accelerates the transition.