Channel catfish farming in the US southern states is a major aquaculture industry with specific welfare challenges related to pond management and harvesting.
US channel catfish farming occurs largely outside the welfare regulatory frameworks that apply to terrestrial livestock. Pond management challenges including oxygen depletion and harvest stress cause significant welfare harm at scale. The harvesting process in particular concentrates fish in severely hypoxic conditions before capture, causing acute suffering. Welfare improvements including harvest management protocols and live haul practices could substantially reduce suffering in this large industry.