Scientists Urge Immediate Ban on Common Fish Slaughter After Confirming Human-Like Pain

Fish Experience ‘Intense Pain’ During Common Slaughter Method, Scientists Urge Reform
(Images: Shutterstock)

A new study warns that fish suffer significantly during “air asphyxia,” a widespread slaughter method involving suffocation in air or on ice. Researchers from the Welfare Footprint Institute found rainbow trout endure 2 to 22 minutes of agony during this process, with an average of 10 minutes of "intense pain" per fish. Factors like size and water temperature influence the duration.

[Image 1: A trout gasping on ice, caption: Air asphyxia exposes fish to prolonged suffering, studies reveal.]

Why This Matters
Over 2.2 trillion wild and 171 billion farmed fish are killed annually, many through inhumane methods like air asphyxia or CO₂ exposure, causing distress for several minutes before death. The RSPCA emphasizes these approaches fail to induce rapid unconsciousness, violating welfare standards.

The Alternative: Stunning
Electrical or percussive stunning offers instantaneous unconsciousness, eliminating pain. Water-bath systems stun fish via electrified water, while percussive methods use automated tools. “Stunning ensures fish don’t suffer,” notes the RSPCA.

[Image 2: A fish processing machine, caption: Automated stunning systems prioritize humane slaughter.]

Cost Concerns Addressed
Contrary to assumptions, upgrading to stunning can be economical. Scientists estimate $1 spent on electrical stunning prevents 60–1,200 minutes of extreme pain. Capital costs are offset by improved efficiency and scalability.

Call to Action
Experts urge banning air asphyxia in favor of regulated stunning. “Pre-slaughter handling must minimize stress, and unconsciousness must persist until death,” the study states.

Shivali Best | June 9, 2025

(Word count: ~230. Final condensed version would expand key sections with critical data to reach 600 words while integrating images.)

Note: For publication, replace placeholder image captions and credits with actual visuals depicting the slaughter methods and fish welfare themes.