Development of Welfare Protocols at Slaughter in Farmed Fish.

Simple Summary: Slaughter and pre-slaughter practices can impact the flesh quality of farmed fish in a significant manner. Fish are sentient animals, able to experience emotions and psychological stress. They can perceive pain when killing methods are applied. European legislation does not adequately protect the welfare of farmed fish, unlike other animals. This study discussed how the implementation of slaughter and killing protocols, which include welfare indicators, can effectively enhance the well-being of fish and the quality of fish meat. The study investigated fish welfare at slaughter. Killing animals may induce suffering to the animals even under the best available technical conditions. Moreover, fish have different physiological characteristics and are slaughtered differently from terrestrial animals. The use of commercially available methods exposes farmed fish to pain and suffering during slaughter, which could lead to acute stress and post mortem changes in fish quality. The study aimed to discuss (i) the current knowledge and knowledge gaps on fish welfare related to stunning and killing methods; (ii) the variables that affect the post mortem changes in fish meat, and (iii) the indicators of welfare during slaughter. Application of welfare protocols at slaughter improves fish welfare. Specific protocols for fish are not provided in EC Regulation 1099/2009 on animal protection at killing. Detailed guidelines in the fish welfare assessment may allow the development of specific fish legislation. Developing humane technologies might have important effects on fish quality, consumer perception and aquaculture economics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]