Non-Penetrative Captive Bolt: An Effective Method of Slaughter for White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)

Excerpt from Introduction:

Currently, there are no guidelines or regulations to manage the welfare of these fish [white sturgeon] during harvest. Due to the diversity of size and anatomy of farmed fish, producers lack significant information regarding safe and humane harvest practices. 

Excerpt from Summary:

Establishing a more effective and humane slaughter protocol is essential to promote positive animal welfare and ensure that sturgeon are stunned effectively and do not recover before death. Safe and effective harvest practices will help safeguard the well-being of fish and staff during  processing. The use of NPCB is a considerable  improvement in animal welfare over currently used practices.