Essere Animali’s investigators have documented the appalling living conditions and cruel practices to which sea bream and sea bass are subjected on intensive farms in Greece, the European aquaculture leader. Violent slaughter, overcrowding and high mortality rates: our images once again reveal the enormous suffering of fish raised for food.
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Some of the procedures filmed, in collaboration with We Animals Media, even fall short of international animal welfare standards. Sea bass and sea bream are immersed in water and ice while still alive, where they can spend dozens of minutes in agony before dying. This is a painful and unacceptable practice that is also condemned by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the European Commission.
Sea bass and sea bream are taken from cages with nets, where they are crushed by the weight of the other trapped fish. Still alive, they are dumped into tanks of water and ice where they injure themselves in their frantic attempts to escape. Although the fish stop moving after a few minutes, they can remain conscious for up to 40 minutes before suffocating to death.
Sea bass and sea bream can spend up to two years imprisoned in overcrowded, bare cages with no environmental enrichment whatsoever. The overcrowding is a source of chronic stress for the fish, deteriorates the water quality and weakens the immune system of the animals.
The mortality rates for sea bass and sea bream farmed in the Mediterranean is 15-20%, as also confirmed by the owners of the farms investigated. This means that one in five fish dies before reaching slaughter age. Half the deaths are caused by the spread of diseases.
Selene Magnolia / We Animals Media
Selene Magnolia / We Animals Media
Selene Magnolia / We Animals Media
Selene Magnolia / We Animals Media
Selene Magnolia / We Animals Media
Selene Magnolia / We Animals Media
Essere Animali’s investigators worked undercover with photographer Selene Magnolia, who was undertaking a photography project on the fisheries and aquaculture industry for We Animals Media.
Federation of Greek Maricultures (2020)
Thanks to our team of investigators, millions of people are discovering the reality of abuse and cruelty in farms and slaughterhouses. Our work saves animals and needs your support.
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