A new survey reveals that 85% of UK citizens want stronger protections for farmed fish, calling for urgent improvements in fish farming welfare standards.
The survey, conducted by Compassion in World Farming and Eurogroup for Animals, highlights growing awareness of the conditions in fish farming, where an estimated 77 million fish, including salmon and trout, are farmed and slaughtered in the UK annually.
“Our survey shows that the overwhelming majority of UK citizens care about the welfare of farmed fish,” said Dr Natasha Boyland, senior research and policy advisor at Compassion in World Farming.
“Many are unaware of the cruelty that can be inflicted during rearing and slaughter. Fish, like land animals, are sentient beings and deserve species-specific laws to minimise their suffering.”
Public support
The poll shows widespread public support for fish welfare, with 91% of respondents across nine European countries agreeing that fish should be protected as much as other farmed animals.
Despite their sentience, fish currently receive minimal legal protection under UK law. Existing regulations, such as the Animal Welfare Act 2006, are criticised for lacking detailed requirements specific to fish, making them largely ineffective.
Compassion in World Farming and Eurogroup for Animals are now urging the UK Government to implement stronger legislation that protects fish at all stages of farming, including slaughter.
With so many respondents supporting stricter welfare standards, the report underscores a pressing need for reform in fish farming practices to align with public expectations on fish welfare.
