Fish
How can farmed fish be slaughtered humanely?
Just as with other farmed vertebrates such as cattle, sheep and poultry, the humane slaughter of fish requires that fish are handled carefully and effectively stunned (causing immediate insensibility) prior to being bled out. Unfortunately, traditional methods of killing fish do not meet these requirements.
Does the RSPCA have animal welfare standards for salmon?
The RSPCA Standard for farmed Atlantic salmon focusses on ensuring good farming practices, fish handling, husbandry and management. For good fish welfare, fish have space to swim normally in oxygen-rich water and can school with other fish, they are handled in a low stress manner and are slaughtered humanely.
How are farmed Atlantic salmon killed?
There are two main methods of catching Atlantic salmon for slaughter. Fish can be removed from their marine pens through large pipes and transferred to specialised slaughter boats that sit alongside the pen.
Is intensive aquaculture similar to intensive land-based livestock production?
In 2022, global production of aquatic animals through aquaculture (51%) exceeded capture fisheries production (49% of total production) for the first time. With reduced abundance of wild caught fish stocks and increasing demand for seafood, this percentage is likely to increase in the future.
What are farmed Atlantic salmon fed?
Salmon are carnivorous and their formulated feed contains fish meal as a source of protein and fish oil as a main source of lipids and essential fatty acids. Fish meal and fish oil is obtained from wild-caught species of small ocean fish (e. g.
How are salmon farmed in Australia?
Current scientific evidence demonstrates that fish are sentient animals, capable of experiencing pain and suffering. Salmon have a natural lifespan of between 3 to 8 years. Born in freshwater and living their adult lives at sea, but then returning to their freshwater birthplace to spawn.