Document type : Notice of the RSPCA
Authors: Members of the RSPCA Salmon (Freshwater) Standards Technical Advisory Group (FW) and the RSPCA Salmon (Seawater) Standards Technical Advisory Group (SW)
Preview: The RSPCA welfare standards for farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are used to provide the only RSPCA-approved scheme for the rearing, handling, transport and slaughter/killing of farmed Atlantic salmon. The standards cover the two distinct phases of farming (freshwater and marine farming).
They take account of UK legislation, official codes of practice, scientific research, veterinary advice, recommendations of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC) and the practical experience of the aquaculture industry. However, difficulties arise in specifying details in relation to several issues (for example, acceptable maximum stocking densities) due to the lack of scientific research examining fish welfare under different commercial systems. It is important to recognise therefore that the following requirements are made pending the relevant scientific research. To this end, the farmer is expected to maintain higher welfare standards at all times and demonstrate commitment to continual improvement as advances in knowledge and technology allow.
Scientific evidence from behavioural, physiological and anatomical studies shows that it is highly likely that fish feel pain. Fish also have a similar stress response system to mammals. It is essential that staff managing farmed fish are aware of the importance of welfare as an integral part of production.
The standards are based upon the 'Five Freedoms' as defined by FAWC. Although these 'freedoms' define ideal states, they provide a comprehensive framework for the assessment of animal welfare on-farm, in transit and at the place of slaughter/killing, as well as representing an important element of farm assurance requirements. These 'Five Freedoms' are relevant to fish welfare and should be considered in relation to husbandry practice.