In collaboration with Eurogroup for Animals we are calling for stronger legislation for farmed fish following new significant UK survey results released today (15th October). The survey shows that 85% of people polled in the UK believe the welfare of fish should be protected to the same or greater extent as other farmed animals. Additionally, an overwhelming 91% of people polled across nine other European countries also agreed with this.

The survey, carried out by Sapience, polled more than 1,000 people in the UK and 9,000 people across nine EU countries to gauge public attitudes to aquatic animals, awareness of fish farming practices, and their consumption of fish products.

Little legal protection

It is estimated that up to 77 million fish are farmed and slaughtered in the UK annually – primarily salmon and trout. Yet, despite the large numbers, there is very little legal protection for the welfare of these sentient animals. Although covered by laws such as the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act, the lack of detailed requirements for fish makes the legislation ineffective and unenforceable.

The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) has given strong guidance to UK Governments on the legal protection needed for farmed fish at the time of killing in Opinion reports from 1996, 2014 and 2023, but there has been little progress made.

Today in partnership with Eurogroup for Animals we have sent a letter to Defra, calling on Daniel Zeichner, Minister of State, to act on the AWC’s expert advice as a matter of urgency, and introduce legislation to ensure farmed fish are protected at slaughter.

This progress would be backed by 84% of people polled across the UK who are supportive of legislation that promotes best practices and the latest science to meet the unique welfare needs of farmed aquatic animals.

Time to act without delay

Dr Natasha Boyland, our Senior Research and Policy Advisor (Aquatic Animals), said: “Our new survey shows that the overwhelming majority of UK citizens care about the welfare of farmed fish. However, many are unaware of the cruelty that can be inflicted during rearing and slaughter. Fish, like animals farmed on land, are sentient beings, who need laws to minimise their suffering. We urge the UK Government to respond to the publics’ concerns and introduce species-specific laws for fish and a timeline of delivery. It’s time to act, without delay.”

Charlotte Epinay, Aquatic Animals Programme Leader, at Eurogroup for Animals said: “For too long, the unique needs of fish have been overlooked, with millions left unprotected, while cruel practices remain commonplace in the aquaculture industry. Yet it is abundantly clear that both in the UK and in the EU, citizens care about their welfare. As a key fish supplier to the EU, the UK is uniquely placed to partner with the EU to set high welfare standards for the production and imports of aquaculture products, starting with the introduction of species-specific regulation for these sentient beings.”

Additional findings

The poll also revealed that:

• 74% of people in the UK agree that fish feel pain
• 90% would like to buy higher welfare products
• 87% of those surveyed think public funds for aquaculture should only be used to support farms that ensure high animal welfare
• 90% of citizens think there should be public records explaining how funds for aquaculture are used
• 81% of people think public funds should only support farms that are sustainable
• 70% of people believe legislation should require farmers to stun aquatic animals before slaughter
• 59% would like information about the way the fish was farmed and killed on the label

Find out more about our Rethink Fish Campaign.