Dying for a canape: the welfare implications associated with both traditional and “ethical” production of caviar from sturgeon

The farming of sturgeon to produce caviar is increasing globally, even though little is known about the welfare implications of aquaculture for these unique, long-living, and large animals. The use of non-lethal methods for egg harvesting is increasing, as these methods are thought to offer a more ethical alternative to traditional methods where the female is killed. However, these “non-lethal” methods raise significant welfare concerns including routine handling, surgical procedures, and painful procedures, and could potentially perpetuate suffering. Consequently, there is an urgent need for significant exploration and research into this field. This review presents and discusses some of the welfare concerns associated with producing caviar from sturgeon, including the traditional and non-lethal methods of egg harvesting and the concerns associated with rearing them in aquaculture systems. It concludes in stating that the welfare issues involved with non-lethal caviar production are too sizeable to warrant its description as an “ethical or humane” alternative to traditional caviar production.