Common carp and related species account for the largest volume of farmed fish globally. Their welfare in pond and intensive systems raises important and underexplored questions.
Carp welfare receives relatively little attention despite carp being the world's most farmed fish by volume. Their hardiness can obscure welfare problems - carp surviving poor water quality conditions may nonetheless experience chronic stress. Harvesting involves intensive crowding, air exposure, and handling stress. Traditional live Christmas carp sales involve prolonged holding in inadequate conditions that cause significant welfare compromise. Consumer awareness of carp welfare is very low. As welfare concern extends to fish farming generally, carp welfare deserves increased research attention and regulatory consideration in both production and traditional cultural contexts.