Lauren Wills
We explain the next big opportunity in our advocacy for fishes. Why this is important and how can you help.
In November 2021 we launched our Forgotten Fish campaign with the goal of getting fishes the same protection at slaughter as other farmed animals. Now, we have a unique opportunity to make this goal a reality.
Our work for farmed fishes relies on Government action. That’s why - with your incredible support - we’ve been lobbying them for months, to bring the plight of farmed fishes well and truly onto their radar.
The problem is, Governments are busy. And none of us can deny that there’s a lot going on in the world right now.
The question then is: how do you make Governments listen? Whose voice will the Governments listen to when it comes to fish welfare?
How about a body that the Government trusts? Even more so, a body that the Government relies on for scientific research and evidence.
The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) is a part of Defra (the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) and is made up of specialists who advise Defra and the Scottish and Welsh Governments on animal welfare. They are the experts who help inform the Governments’ policies on animal welfare. And they might just be the key to creating a kinder future for farmed fishes.
What’s the issue with stunning at slaughter?
For too long, fishes have been forgotten. 77 million of them are killed in the UK alone every single year, yet they do not have the same legal protection as land animals.
It’s a legal requirement in the UK for animals, including fishes, to “be spared any avoidable pain, distress or suffering during their killing and related operations.” And yet, while all other farmed animals are protected by detailed legislation about how exactly they should be slaughtered to spare avoidable suffering, fishes are not. Because of this, investigations at fish farms have revealed salmon having their gills cut while fully conscious, and being repeatedly clubbed to death. It’s as cruel and gory as it sounds.
Fishes feel pain, just as animals like pigs, chickens and cows do. And that’s why we so desperately need the English and Scottish Governments to protect fish from unnecessary cruelty and pain at the time of slaughter.
What does the AWC do?
In January 2021, Defra led a review on slaughter legislation for farmed animals, and they identified a gap when it comes to fishes. Noncommittally, they said they’d look into it - but not when or how. What they did do, however, was ask the AWC to formulate an opinion on the matter: the Opinion on the Welfare of Farmed Fish at the Time of Killing. And we’re expecting this to be released in late summer this year.
So how does it work? The Committee will gather evidence from scientists, industry experts, stakeholders and organisations such as ourselves; they will also visit fish farms, to see firsthand the experience of these animals. The AWC will then build this into a report, which will serve as guidance on how the Government should be treating farmed fishes at the time of killing.
Interestingly, this will not be the first time that the AWC has released an opinion on the matter; it’s done so twice before, first in 1996 and then 2014.
In both Opinions, the AWC recommended adding stunning for farmed fish into legislation - which is exactly what we want. However, on both occasions, the recommendations were not acted on. At the time, the UK was part of the EU, who, frustratingly, voted the changes down.
What will happen this time?
While the Committee may have made recommendations before and been unsuccessful in securing change for fishes, this time we’re in a unique position. For the first time, the EU will not be able to vote on proposed changes to stunning legislation, giving the English and Scottish Governments the autonomy they need to follow through on stunning at slaughter. In 2014, both countries voted in favour of the changes, which gives us hope for 2022.
Why’s this so important now?
Until this Opinion is released, the Government has an excuse for not acting - because they’re waiting on the AWC Opinion. This means that once it comes out, the Government can no longer make excuses for delaying action on fishes.
We're already planning how we can maximise pressure on the Governments when the Opinion is released, to ensure that fishes are no longer forgotten and that they receive the adequate protection they deserve.
The Governments will respond to the Opinion, and will examine it… and we're determined to ensure they act in the best interest of farmed fishes, and follow through with some important legislative changes.
How can I help fishes?
For now, you can add your name to our petition to stop these animals from being killed in painful ways. As we move closer to the AWC Opinion release date, stay tuned to hear more about the campaign and how you can create a future in which fishes are no longer forgotten.
