Stop Agonizing Asphyxiation and Evisceration of Fish

Target: Rupert Howes, CEO of Marine Stewardship Council

Goal: Cease inhumane methods used to end lives of fish.

A leading organization is finally acknowledging what animal welfare advocates have known for years: marine life like fish can feel and are sentient. This conclusion has led the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) to at last revise its standards for farmed seafood to reflect a more humane approach. Now, one of the world’s biggest fishery operations needs to get on board.

The ASC sets guidelines for supermarket fish sold in the United Kingdom (UK). Under new guidelines, in order to carry the ASC label, fish cannot be killed without first being stunned so that they do not feel pain. With current standards, captured fish often die by asphyxiation because they cannot breathe once they are removed from the water. Many times, they are even eviscerated while still alive, which exponentially increases their levels of pain and torture.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which certifies wild fisheries, is now being called upon to revise its own standards to eliminate inhumane fish deaths. Sign the petition below to echo these calls for needed reform.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Howes,

“Fish are sentient beings, able to feel and experience pain, stress and anxiety. Handling operations have the potential to inflict suffering.” This very clear guidance came from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and echoes statements made by the European Commission over a decade ago. Despite the evidence, the Marine Stewardship Council continues to abide by outdated standards and practices that dismiss the torture inflicted on these living beings.

Asphyxiation, evisceration, and salt baths are all widespread methods of death that are rampant amongst the fisheries you are supposed to guide. At the very least, requiring that these animals be stunned before death would lessen their suffering and acknowledge their sentience. Please follow the ASC’s lead and champion a humane, torture-free approach to fishing.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Cottonbro