Document type : news from Eurogroup for animals
Author: Eurogroup for Animals
Preview: A new investigation by the organisation Essere Animali and released in collaboration with Compassion in World Farming reveals the shortcomings of the current European Union (EU) legislation on animal welfare, which clearly fails to guarantee the protection of farmed fish. The shocking images filmed during the investigation - which was conducted at several trout farms as well as a few sea bass and sea bream farms - reveal farming, transport and slaughter practices that cause enormous suffering to the animals, as they are poorly regulated by specific EU regulations.
In Europe, fish are amongst the animals raised in the greatest number: in 2017 alone, it is estimated that 1.3 billion fish were killed for human consumption within the EU borders. However, unlike for land animals, the current EU legislation for farmed fish sets only some generic requirements, formulated in such a way as to make the few provisions on animal welfare difficult to apply in the different farming stages (Directive 98/58 /EC), during transport (Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005) and at the time of slaughter (Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009).
Essere Animali's investigation shines a spotlight on the cruel conditions of many of Europe's intensive fish farms. Crammed into concrete tanks; the high stocking density can compromise the water quality, allowing pathogens and diseases to spread quickly. The overcrowded tanks can also lead to fish becoming increasingly stressed and aggressive with each other. The images show dead fish floating on the water surface, indicative of the industry's high mortality rates. The barren and overcrowded conditions of the facilities again show the lack of stimulation farmed fish are given - unable to satisfy many of their natural, behavioral needs, they are instead forced to swim in endless circles.
Furthermore, the investigation shows how transport represents one of the most critical phases in which farmed fish welfare is seriously endangered. Before being transported, fishes commonly undergo prolonged periods of fasting that can last up to several days, causing stress to the animals. Loading and unloading operations can occur carelessly, and without the use of suitable equipment, fishes can be left out of water for several minutes. Poorly designed pumps and nets and careless handling cause physical injuries to the fishes as well as acute emotional suffering.
