RSPCA welfare standards for farmed Atlantic salmon 8 September 2015
* indicates an amendment
Husbandry practices
High standards of husbandry need to be maintained at all times with the welfare of stock being
considered as a priority. Animals need to be handled in a considerate and skilled manner. Caring
and responsible planning and management need to be employed to safeguard welfare during
essential procedures.
Handling
HP 1.1 Removal from water and handling must only be carried out when absolutely necessary.
HP 1.2 If fish must be handled:
a) adequate support must be given to the body
b) live fish must never be held by the tail only or thrown on solid objects.
HP 1.3 Time out of water must:
a) be kept to the minimum possible
b) never exceed 15 seconds for a live fish (unless anaesthetised).
HP 1.4
Where pumps and pipes are used these must:
a) not unnecessarily stress fish
b) be free from sharp protrusions, kinks and bends that are likely to injure fish.
HP 1.4.1 * Wherever pipes are used, there must be a humane method in place to ensure that all fish have been
removed from the pipe at the end of the operation or if equipment fails during the process.
HP 1.5 * When hand nets are used they must be:
a) of a suitable size
b) designed to avoid the occurrence of physical damage
c) kept clean, in good repair and disinfected before use with different fish populations/tanks.
HP 1.6 Fish must not be left to die in air.