Assessment of welfare aspects of stunning and killing of farmed fish in Norway
Publication details
Journal : VKM Report , vol. 2025 , p. 1–85 , Thursday 19. June 2025
International Standard Numbers
:
Electronic
:
2535-4019
Publication type : Academic article
Issue : 05
Links
:
DOI
:
doi.org/vkm.no/english/riskass...
NVA
:
nva.sikt.no/registration/019b1...
If you have questions about the publication, you may contact Nofima’s Chief Librarian.
Kjetil Aune
Chief Librarian
kjetil.aune@nofima.no
Summary
VKM has assessed animal welfare during stunning and killing of farmed fish in Norway. This report gives an overview of species differences which have significance for the slaughter procedures. The general conclusion is that there is a general lack of scientific documentation to meet the legislation stating that fish must remain unconscious after stunning until death by exsanguination. VKM also finds a risk of reduced animal welfare due to lack of documentation of the time from gill or cardiac cutting to cessation of brain activity. Further research and documentation are needed to understand how different behavioural and physical measurements conducted at the slaughter facility, correspond with the electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements of unconsciousness.
