Common carp are frequently transported live to markets in some cultures, causing significant welfare problems through hypoxia, crowding, and prolonged out-of-water exposure. Improving handling and slaughter practices is a welfare priority.
Carp kept alive in crowded transport or household baths experience hypoxic stress, crowding-related physiological deterioration, and prolonged environmental challenge. While carp are physiologically more tolerant than salmonids, prolonged stress causes genuine welfare suffering. Improving transport conditions and transitioning to effective pre-slaughter stunning would significantly reduce welfare impacts.