RSPCA Assured looks to improve the welfare of farmed fish by applying scientifically based welfare standards and inspecting farms to ensure compliance. The label focuses on preventing unnecessary suffering throughout the fish’s life, including during transport and slaughter. Its standards include:
- Good water quality, with monitoring to ensure that fish have sufficient oxygen in the water, among other requirements.
- Sufficient living space, with different requirements depending on the life stage of the fish.
- No unnecessary handling of fish, with a maximum handling time of 15 seconds.
- Careful transport to minimise stress.
RSPCA Assured has more than 1,200 welfare standards for salmon and more than 800 for trout.
The organisation also works to improve animal welfare across the agricultural sector by collaborating with producers and retailers. It aims to help consumers make more informed choices and encourages them to reduce their consumption of animal products and, when purchasing them, choose products that meet higher animal welfare standards.
However, this does not mean that RSPCA Assured guarantees ideal animal welfare. For example, the label does not set a maximum mortality threshold, meaning that farms with high fish mortality rates can still receive certification. Nevertheless, although the label does not guarantee perfect animal welfare, it does impose stricter requirements on the living conditions of farmed fish than would apply without certification.
