The method by which farmed salmon are killed has profound welfare implications - improving slaughter methods is one of the most impactful interventions available in the aquaculture sector.
Salmon pre-slaughter welfare represents one of the most tractable welfare improvements available in the aquaculture sector. The fish in question are unequivocally sentient - capable of nociception, stress, and learning. Current conventional methods involving ice slurry exposure maintain consciousness during a stressful dying process that may last minutes. Percussive stunning - a precise blow to the head causing immediate unconsciousness - followed by immediate gill cutting provides near-instantaneous death and can be implemented at scale. The welfare improvement per individual is substantial and the technology exists. Retailer purchasing power - demanding certified high-welfare slaughter - is a key lever for change.