Perspectives on Humane Slaughter of Farmed Fish in the USA and in Europe

Fish farmers throughout the world desire to produce high-quality aquaculture products for human consumption via optimal fish-culture environments at every life stage.  Animal welfare organisations provide guidance on aquaculture practices for various species of freshwater and marine fish.  In many cases this guidance stops at the time of harvest.  In the European Union, a new Directive is being implemented to comply with and meet the needs of retailers, NGOs concerned with welfare of farmed animals at time of slaughter, and fish farmers who want humane and cost-effective slaughter methodologies.  We review farmed fish slaughter methods currently in use in the USA and in Europe in the context of this new EU Directive as it relates to animal welfare issues at time of slaughter.  The need for humane harvest technologies will continue to be a priority focus area of aquaculture regulations in Europe that will likely migrate to North America and beyond.