The Welfare of Farmed Fish During Slaughter in the EU

There is a growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that fish are sentient animals – capable of feeling pain, fear and psychological stress, as well as exhibiting positive emotions, social bonds and advanced intelligence. 

It is therefore important that all finfish killed for food should be slaughtered humanely. This means that they must be effectively stunned, rendered instantaneously insensible, and remain unconsciousness until death supervenes.