September 18, 2024

 

Study shows support for humane slaughter methods in Greece's aquaculture industry

A recent study by the non-profit Centre for Aquaculture Progress has revealed that European consumers largely support humane slaughter methods and are willing to pay more for fish processed through these practices, SeafoodSource reported.

 

The study, titled "Consumer Attitudes on Electrical Stunning of Sea Bream and Sea Bass in Greece's Largest Markets," specifically examined consumer support for the pre-slaughter electrical stunning of sea bream and sea bass, which are raised in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Greece.

 

Traditionally, these fish are slaughtered via live chilling, a method criticised by conservation groups. These groups argue that live chilling often leaves fish conscious and suffering during the harvesting process.

 

"The adoption of electrical stunning, a humane slaughter method that significantly improves fish welfare, has only been adopted to a very limited extent for [sea bass and sea bream]," the report stated. "This is despite scientific evidence demonstrating that stunning before slaughter reduces stress and suffering in fish during the harvest process."

 

Fish are protected under European Union Slaughter Regulations, and several organisations, including Frontiers in Aquaculture and Compassion in Food Business, have advocated for the wider adoption of electrical stunning to ensure compliance with EU regulations.

 

The study, conducted by the research firm Satvana, showed that 83% of consumers support humane slaughter practices for sea bream and sea bass, while 80% are willing to pay slightly more for fish slaughtered using these methods. According to the Centre for Aquaculture Progress, humanely slaughtered fish would cost consumers around EUR 0.05 (US$0.06) more for 7 ounces of fish, or about EUR 0.02 (US$0.02) more per serving.

 

The findings also reflect a broader consumer concern for animal welfare and sustainability. The Centre for Aquaculture Progress believes that humane practices can become both viable and profitable for fish producers in the long term.

 

"These findings highlight an opportunity for the Greek fish industry to align its practices with consumer expectations while simultaneously modernising its harvest process," the report noted.

 

Greece's aquaculture industry has expanded over the past decade, achieving record production and profits in both 2021 and 2023, according to data from the Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organisation (HAPO). Sea bream and sea bass make up the bulk of Greece's fish production, accounting for 95% of sales in 2021 and 92% of sales in 2022.

 

- SeafoodSource