Rationale 4.1

Many aquatic animals, including fish, are sentient beings that can feel and experience pain, stress and anxiety. Keeping them in good health and welfare is a responsible practice that support aquatic animals to adapt to their surroundings, boosts productivity, prevents the spread of disease and reduces reliance on chemicals with potentially negative environmental effects. Handling activities and slaughter are major factors in the welfare of farmed aquatic animals. If not carried out appropriately, they can lead to stress and overall suffering.8787Ashley, P. J. (2007). Fish welfare: current issues in aquaculture. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 104(3-4), 199-235. 

Maintaining good health and welfare in aquaculture production includes consideration of a wide range of practices and conditions. Key aspects include disease detection and response, feeding practices, appropriate handling of aquatic animals and monitoring of water conditions.8787Ashley, P. J. (2007). Fish welfare: current issues in aquaculture. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 104(3-4), 199-235. Best practices in fish slaughter include the implementation of responsible stunning and killing methods to ensure that there is rapid loss of consciousness, which is not regained before killing.8888Lines, J. A., & Spence, J. (2014). Humane harvesting and slaughter of farmed fish. Revue scientifique et technique (International Office of Epizootics), 33(1), 255-264. An effective management plan and site-specific handling plans can help avoid mortality events, demonstrating commitment to responsible aquaculture practices.

This Criterion focuses on farming, handling, and slaughter practices by ASC-certified farms to support good aquatic animal health and welfare, including training, monitoring, veterinarian oversight, and development of a site-specific Health and Welfare Management Plan (HWMP).

 Intent – The aquaculture industry ensures good health and welfare, humane handling and slaughter practices of cultured fish.