Development of species-specific recommendations for slaughter of fish in Swedish aquaculture

To ensure the success of sustainable aquaculture, production must occur in ways that safeguard fish welfare. However, fish welfare in aquaculture has often been reported to be inadequate and difficult to assess.

This is especially of concern during slaughter, as thousands of fish are crowded, moved, stunned, and killed in a short period of time.

Currently, a lack of movement is used as a sign of unconsciousness when personnel decides on the effectiveness of a stun.

Unfortunately, this method is unreliable and there is a high risk that fish are assessed as unconscious several minutes before they actually are.

In recent years, we have within the project group developed methods for assessing brain activity, stress, health, and suffering in fish.

Here, through a series of species-specific scientific studies, we will use these methods to develop equipment and methodology that (1) guarantees that the anesthesia leads to unconsciousness and that consciousness does not return during the killing, (2) does not require any form of handling that cause fish to suffer and (3) maintain a high meat quality.

Our project will provide species-specific recommendations from which the necessary legislation regarding the humane slaughter of fish can be developed. This will undoubtedly benefit farmed fish, as well as consumers, regulatory authorities, and producers in Sweden.