Common carp is the most farmed fish species in Europe by volume. Welfare research is revealing significant challenges in pond aquaculture that need attention as the sector grows.
Carp welfare has received less attention than salmon or trout despite much larger production volumes in Europe. Traditional pond-based production involves harvest procedures that cause significant welfare compromise through crowding, air exposure, and sometimes prolonged live transport to markets. As welfare science advances and regulations tighten, the carp sector will need to invest in better harvest methods, slaughter procedures, and monitoring systems. The fish's evident capacity for learning and stress responses demands that welfare considerations be incorporated into production standards.