Farmed Salmon Welfare at Slaughter

The welfare of farmed salmon at the point of slaughter has received increasing scientific and regulatory attention, with current practices varying significantly in the level of suffering caused.

Key Facts

Salmon can experience pain and stress, with cortisol, adrenaline and behavioural responses documented at slaughter
Traditional slaughter methods including live chilling in ice slurry are now considered to cause significant suffering
Percussive stunning followed by bleeding is the industry gold standard for instantaneous insensibility
The RSPCA Assured standard requires percussive stunning for all salmon
Crowding, pump transfer, and air exposure during pre-slaughter handling cause acute stress
CO2 stunning is aversive to fish and is not recommended as a welfare method

Welfare Considerations

Salmon slaughter welfare represents one of the most impactful welfare improvements available in aquaculture given the enormous numbers of fish involved - over 400 million salmon are farmed annually worldwide. The difference between best and worst practice is substantial: humane stunning leads to near-instantaneous insensibility, while live chilling can involve prolonged stress and pain. Consumer and retailer pressure has driven meaningful improvement in major markets, but globally, welfare standards at slaughter remain inconsistent. Buying certified higher-welfare salmon or choosing plant-based alternatives creates market pressure for change.

What You Can Do

Choose salmon certified by RSPCA Assured or equivalent humane slaughter standards
Ask supermarkets and restaurants about their salmon slaughter standards
Support regulatory reform to mandate pre-slaughter stunning for farmed fish
Reduce salmon consumption or switch to plant-based alternatives to reduce overall demand