Philosofish Institutes Humane Harvesting Practices

Aquaculture firm Philosofish takes pride in working in harmony with nature and harnessing the potential of the seas to promote the wellbeing of not just its customers and employees but the fish as well.

The humane treatment of fish and its welfare is integral to the company's mission as stewards of the seas, and it firmly believes that happier fish make for happier customers.

Philosofish has invested in an electric stunning system that allows it to harvest fish in the most humane way via an automated system that uses electrical currents to anaesthetise the harvested fish with instant electronarcosis.

This process painlessly renders the fish unconscious from the moment they leave the water and keeps them in this state as they are lowered into the ice baths where their journey ends – free from any stress and unaware of what is going on.

Not only does this method have obvious merits for the fish over traditional harvesting practices, but the quality of the resulting product is vastly superior owing to the gentler experience.

Traditional harvesting is stressful for fish as the struggle and trauma experienced in the final moments create a buildup of chemicals, such as lactic acid, which quickly compromises its quality.

In addition, depleted energy levels and chemical reactions set in motion during the final moments conspire to hasten the degeneration of the fish. It weakens connective tissues, leading to gaping, toughness, and excessive moisture loss.

Fish harvested via electronarcosis have a much gentler experience and are oblivious to what is happening. The process translates into freshness, firmness, appearance and organoleptic qualities of the fish.

Philosofish strives to continuously improve its production methods and protocols, and each step brings it closer to a more compassionate and mutually beneficial coexistence with nature.

The company has developed the 'humanely harvested' logo to mark the occasion and celebrate this achievement.