However, the controversial issue in aquaculture is whether fish and farmed marine invertebrates are actually sentient, or have the perception and awareness to experience suffering. Although no evidence of this has been found in marine invertebrates, recent studies conclude that fish do have the necessary receptors (nociceptors) to sense noxious stimuli and so are likely to experience states of pain, fear and stress. Consequently, welfare in aquaculture is directed at vertebrates, finfish in particular.
However, the controversial issue in aquaculture is whether. fish and farmed marine invertebrates are actually sentient, or have the perception and awareness to experience suffering. Although no evidence of this has been found in marine invertebrates, recent studies conclude that fish do? have the necessary receptors (nociceptors) t,o sense noxious stimuli and so are likely to experience s:tates of pain, fear and stress. Consequently, welfare in aquaculture is directed at vertebrates, finfish in particular.