Article 25h Management of aquaculture animalsF1
United Kingdom
Handling of aquaculture animals shall be minimised, undertaken with the greatest care and proper equipment and protocols used to avoid stress and physical damage associated with handling procedures. Broodstock shall be handled in a manner to minimize physical damage and stress and under anaesthesia where appropriate. Grading operations shall be kept to a minimum and as required to ensure fish welfare.
The following restrictions shall apply to the use of artificial light:
for prolonging natural day-length it shall not exceed a maximum that respects the ethological needs, geographical conditions and general health of farmed animals, this maximum shall not exceed 16 hours per day, except for reproductive purposes;
Abrupt changes in light intensity shall be avoided at the changeover time by the use of dimmable lights or background lighting.
Aeration is permitted to ensure animal welfare and health, under the condition that mechanical aerators are preferably powered by renewable energy sources.
All such use is to be recorded in the aquaculture production record.
The use of oxygen is only permitted for uses linked to animal health requirements and critical periods of production or transport, in the following cases:
exceptional cases of temperature rise or drop in atmospheric pressure or accidental pollution,
occasional stock management procedures such as sampling and sorting,
in order to assure the survival of the farm stock.
Documentary evidence shall be maintained.
Slaughter techniques shall render fish immediately unconscious and insensible to pain. Differences in harvesting sizes, species, and production sites must be taken into account when considering optimal slaughtering methods.