The menu does not show how it is killed. And not containers. Fish trays do not include images of mixing or mortality indicators. In kitchens, in restaurants and supermarkets, Animal pain This is a problem that is not mentioned. The general perception of what reaches the dish excludes the process that did it possible, especially when it does not imply visible blood or sounds that bother. In this indifferent hole has most of the current food systemThis allows the question about The animal suffers to an unusual plane, especially in relation to fish reproduction.
This separation is reflected in Sacrifice methods Used in fish farms. According to a study published in Scientific reportWith Team led by Cynthia Shuk-Pim belonging Welfare InstituteThe fish dies in the procedures that generate Extreme and prolonged painField
The most common methods imply prolonged and to avoid agony
The most common form of the victim is still – Pull the animal out of the water and let it die from the absence of oxygenA practice that does not require additional technologies or investments. In the case of rainbow trout, one of the most exploited species in aquaculture, periods between 1.9 and 21.7 minutes of intensive suffering Before losing consciousness, if they suffocate in the air. The average time registered in this process was 10 minutes, the duration in which the animal is still aware of in painful conditions that are unable to escape.
The study divided this process into four stages: Exposure to air, suffocation, metabolic exhaustion and a decrease in brain activityThe field in each of them has physiological reactions that show Physical and emotional discomfort, As an increase in cortisol, muscle cramps or an imbalance of pH in the blood. Only five seconds after leaving the water, the fish activates a neurochemical answer, which in people is associated with negative emotions, such as anxiety or panic.
The results show that the influence is not only widely in duration, but also in intensity. As the authors explain in the original article: “When it is standardized by the weight of the fish, this corresponds to an average of 24 minutes of pain for each kilogram of production.” In some cases, this value doubled, exceeding one hour of severe discomfort. In some cases, this value exceeded 60 minutes of serious discomfort per kilogram.
This assessment based on Welfare environmentEnter a new methodology for calculating animal suffering. The tool allows you to associate negative states – as suffering, panic or physical pain – with the duration of concrete, which allows them to be compared more clearly. Its use to fish agriculture Concrete figures To the fact that so far was only intuitive.
Industry prioritizes in profit from reducing animal suffering
The choice of the victim method does not depend exclusively on scientific knowledge. Most of the industry continues to use Rudimentary methods Because they are cheaper. According to data included in the study, Electric stunned could avoid up to 20 hours of pain For each dollar invested in technology. Despite this, many manufacturers refuse For the initial cost or lack of regulation that force them to accept it. This method, if used correctly, can leave unconscious fish in less than a secondField
The problem is aggravated by Lack of legal supervisionA field in several European countries, as well as in the United States, animal protection rules during the victim do not include fish or do it on the surface. This allows methods such as strangulation or ice cooling continues to be considered acceptableDespite the consequences, they mean.
In this line, the text warns that “the influence of the well and the effectiveness of any amazing method also critically depends on the capture process, exposing the effects of the accumulated stress factors before the victim.” A The sum of manipulations, overflow and time without water directly affects In the experience of suffering.
The consequences of the study are not limited to the scientific field. Having made visible how millions of growing fish die every day, An ethical problem that affects both manufacturers and those who buy and consume These products. Unlike what is happening with mammals and birds, in the case of fish, the debate about the well -being of animals barely believed that the accumulated impact is giant: it is believed that every year would be victim from 1 to 2 billion fish All over the world.
Put on the table required Admit that the fish also feels pain and that this pain can be reduced If an acting player. The article emphasizes this idea with the help of a clear phrase: “Our results offer the first quantitative assessments of pain during the victim of the fish, showing coverage well, which can be improved by effective methods of amazing.”
