By Dr Natasha Boyland, Senior Research & Policy Advisor (Aquatic Animals)  

For most people, the term ‘factory farming’ will bring to mind images of confined dairy calves and caged hens. In reality, the animals suffering in the highest numbers in our food system actually dwell in the water. Up to one billion fishes are farmed in the European Union (EU) each year, mostly in intensive farming systems with no specific legislation in place to protect their welfare.

Whilst they may not be as obviously cute and cuddly as their land-dwelling cousins, the science is clear that fishes are sentient - they can feel pain and experience emotions. A major survey published today indicates that this is a significant concern for the European public - and our legislation must catch up.

Fishing practices can lead to extreme suffering 

Fishes farmed in the EU are often killed inhumanely. Many endure slow, painful deaths by suffocation, or are even gutted alive. In the overcrowded conditions of underwater factory farms, they’re also susceptible to disease, stress, physical injuries and aggression. It’s astonishing that this all occurs within the law.

It’s now time for change – and European citizens are overwhelmingly in favour of it.

New poll reveals people's attitudes to fish

We partnered with Eurogroup for Animals to undertake a survey – carried out by Sapience – which polled over 9,000 people across Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden and The Netherlands. They were asked about their attitudes to fishes, awareness of fish farming practices, and their consumption of fish products.

The response was strong: over 90% believe the welfare of fishes should be protected to the same or greater extent as other farmed animals. 9 out of 10 would like to buy higher welfare fish and over two-thirds would like fish products to include clear welfare labelling that reflect how the fish were reared and killed.

When it comes to many of the practices involved in fish farming, there was low awareness. Startlingly few people were aware of the inhumane practices that help stock our supermarkets. Only 39% knew that most farmed fishes are not stunned before slaughter, but a substantial 70% support legislation making stunning a legal requirement.

People support greater welfare protections

While fishes are legally recognised as sentient animals in EU, they have very little protection under EU legislation on the rearing, transport and slaughter of farmed animals, due to a lack of detailed and enforceable requirements. In simple terms, the public demand for higher fish welfare just isn’t being met.

The European Commission promised a comprehensive revision of animal welfare laws by the end of 2023. Almost a year later, we’re still waiting.

That’s why today, with Eurogroup for Animals, we’ve written to the Commissioner-designates for Health and Animal Welfare and for Fisheries and Oceans, asking them to prioritise the publication of the remaining animal welfare proposals, and to ensure high level protections for farmed fishes and other aquatic animals.

This move is backed by four out of five people polled across all nine EU countries, who support legislation that requires the use of best practices and the latest science to meet the welfare needs of farmed aquatic animals.

We urgently need legislation which protects the unique needs of the billions of fishes currently suffering in our food system - and delivers what EU citizens clearly want.