Compassion welcomes any improvements to the welfare standards being proposed in the aquaculture industry and we encourage ASC to uphold their humane slaughter requirements which will no longer permit the use of ice slurry.

Fish deserve a life worth living

Fish are sentient creatures and scientific research has discovered that they not only feel pain and experience fear but – like many other animals – they explore, travel, socialise, hunt and play. All farmed fish would benefit from better conditions and environments that meet their physical, mental, and behavioural needs.

Many certification schemes have traditionally focussed on the environmental impact and sustainability of farmed fish. In recent years, however, their standards have been improved to include certain welfare protections for fish, although they are often vague or inadequate. This means that fish are often killed inhumanely and endure slow, painful deaths by asphyxiation, crushing or even being gutted alive.

In 2020, Compassion and YouGov carried out a poll which showed that nearly two thirds (63%) of UK consumers were unclear about whether certification schemes protect fish welfare, but 77% think humane slaughter methods should be introduced or strengthened by fish producers.

Take action

We encourage all companies that use ASC certification to support the proposed new standards as part of the consultation process, and in particular the transition to more humane slaughter methods such as the use of percussion or electrical methods.

The closing date for the consultation is 31^st October.

New ASC Fish Welfare Standards Welcomed