THE WELFARE OF FISH

Welfare legislation applies to fish just as they do to other species. Compared to other pets and domestic animals, fish present a number of differences that present a problem in determining whether the regulations are being observed. These problems are compounded by the diverse uses and management, e.g breeding, storage and transportation, commercial uses, scientific study and game fishing, to which they are subjected. There is general agreement that fish are capable of suffering and it is therefore immaterial that it has never been established that fish sense pain. In commercial enterprises, causes of suffering can be found as a result of feeding, breeding, over fishing, sorting, mixing of species, transportation and slaughter. Water quality is another source of suffering due to contamination. The major causes for aquarium fish are related to capture, breeding and trade, as well as from errors in the management and care by aquarists. Game fishing has gained considerable attention with respect to welfare. Examples are presented for all of these diverse activities.