Channel catfish and other catfish species are among the most commonly farmed fish in the United States, with welfare considerations in pond and intensive culture systems.
Catfish welfare in aquaculture spans their entire life in pond or tank systems. Pond culture provides more environmental complexity than intensive tank systems, but harvest practices involving seining and prolonged air exposure cause significant acute stress and suffering. The transition from live harvest to electrical stunning before slaughter represents the most impactful single welfare improvement available. Water quality management throughout the production cycle maintains baseline welfare for the millions of fish in culture.