Electrical Stunning in Mediterranean Sea Bream and Sea Bass Aquaculture: A Multi-stakeholder Analysis, 2024
25.02.2025
Executive Summary
In 2024, the Centre for Aquaculture Progress conducted a comprehensive study analyzing implementation barriers and opportunities for electrical stunning in Mediterranean aquaculture. The study engaged 27 key industry participants, including fish producers, retailers, certification bodies, and equipment manufacturers. The analysis revealed that the industry is moving towards adopting electrical stunning, primarily driven by upcoming certification requirements from GLOBALG.A.P. (2025) and ASC (2027). Despite concerns about vessel compatibility, technical assessment showed 86% of surveyed producers already own vessels compatible with available stunning technologies. Economic analysis shows minimal cost impact, with farm sales price increases of only 0.10% to 0.28%. The main implementation barrier remains the upfront investment cost, which can be partially offset through government funding. Expanded government funding is needed, and technology manufacturers should focus on developing cost-effective solutions. Enhanced information sharing and implementation support are crucial to help producers adopt electrical stunning technology successfully.
