Carp are among the most widely farmed fish globally and in Europe, with welfare challenges including poor water quality management, handling stress, and suboptimal slaughter methods.
Carp welfare has historically received less attention than salmon or trout welfare because carp are perceived as tough and stress-tolerant. However, hardiness does not mean insensibility, and carp show clear nociceptive responses, learned avoidance, and physiological stress markers. The traditional Central European Christmas carp trade, which involves transporting live fish in tanks and keeping them in home baths for several days, is a particular welfare concern. Best practice carp production uses stable water quality, careful harvesting methods, and pre-slaughter stunning. Consumer and regulatory pressure is beginning to raise carp welfare standards but progress is slow compared to salmon.