Towards better practice: advancing humane slaughter in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors
According to Agriculture Market Research | Fortune Business Insights, the global seafood industry is projected to reach a value of $838 billion by 2032. With Faunalytics estimating that 78 to 171 billion farmed fishes are slaughtered every year, the sheer number of lives involved underscores the urgent need for closer attention and collaborative action towards humane slaughter. While considerable progress has been made in responsible sourcing and reducing environmental impact, we at Ethical Seafood Research believe that exploring and implementing more humane slaughter methods is not only ethically sound but can also contribute to a more profitable and consumer-confident industry.
Current approaches to the slaughter of aquatic animals are diverse, and while often driven by practical considerations, they can involve methods that may compromise animal welfare. As our understanding of the sentience and nociception in fish and other aquatic species evolves through ongoing research, it becomes increasingly important for the industry to critically evaluate and refine existing techniques.
Several key areas present opportunities for positive development and industry-wide improvement:
- Exploring effective stunning technologies: Investing in research and the practical application of effective stunning technologies for a wider range of commercially important aquatic species is crucial. Methods like electrical stunning have demonstrated potential for rapidly rendering fish unconscious prior to slaughter. Collaborative research, tailored to specific species and production systems, can identify and optimise parameters for precise and humane outcomes. We’re working with Nautilus Collaboration on a pilot project to investigate how to improve the harvest process in Egyptian aquaculture.
- Developing practical guidelines and best practices: Clear, practical, and species-specific guidelines and best practices for humane slaughter are essential for industry adoption. These should be informed by scientific research and developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, considering the diverse operational contexts within the sector. Sharing knowledge and successful implementation strategies can facilitate wider uptake; for example, FAI’s free online course on Tilapia Environment and Welfare is available in several languages.
- Integrating welfare considerations into quality and efficiency metrics: Demonstrating the potential for integrating improved welfare practices with product quality and operational efficiency can be a powerful motivator for change. Research exploring the link between reduced stress during slaughter and improved flesh quality, as well as the potential for streamlined humane processes, can build a compelling business case. Egyptian farmers who had undergone training in welfare, such as those offered by FAI, reported improved product quality.
- Fostering transparency and consumer confidence: Openness about slaughter practices and a commitment to continuous improvement can enhance consumer trust in the seafood industry. Exploring certification schemes that incorporate verifiable welfare standards for slaughter can provide a market advantage for producers who prioritise humane methods and cater to an increasingly ethically aware consumer base.
- Collaborative research and innovation: Addressing the diverse needs of the seafood industry requires collaborative research efforts focused on developing species-specific humane slaughter solutions. Industry partners, academic institutions, and research organisations can work together to identify challenges, test innovative approaches and disseminate practical findings. Our work has made good progress thanks to our partnerships with organisations such as FAI, AQUAVET EGYPT, Kafrelsheikh University, Seafood Factory, The Animal Law Center, LLC, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, Spring Severin from SUSTAIN Aquaculture , Tanganyika Blue, TAFIRI TAFIRI, the Central Laboratory for Aquaculture Research (CLAR), fair-fish (english), Nautilus Collaboration, Abou Ghaly Group, Koudijs and Kapo Feed Egypt, Lawyers for Animal Protection in Africa (LAPA), WorldFish, Bouyage Seafood, KMFRI ., MoBEF (Zanzibar), De Heus, Royal Dutch Embassy in Cairo/Egypt, U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Landing Aquaculture BV, Joanna Toole Foundation, The European Institute for Animal Law & Policy, Welttierschutzstiftung (WTS), Craigslist Charitable Fund, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Global Seafood Alliance, World Federation for Animals and many others!
Advancing humane slaughter practices in the seafood industry is a shared responsibility and a significant opportunity. By focusing on evidence-based solutions, developing practical guidelines, exploring the synergies between welfare and industry goals, fostering transparency, and supporting collaborative research, we can collectively work towards a more ethical, profitable and sustainable future for the sector. We’re committed to partnering with the industry to explore and implement these positive changes – will you join us?
