Status assessment and opportunities for improving fish welfare in animal experimental research according to the 3R-Guidelines

In mammalian research, the implementation of the 3Rs is ubiquitous. However, the adaptation of procedures for experimental work on fish seems less extensive in comparison, even though fish model organisms are common in a broad range of research fields already. To strengthen animal welfare in experimental research, we provide an overview of current research results, including studies on the nociception of fishes. Furthermore, we describe the potential of implementing the 3Rs in fish experimental research. In the context of Reduction, we show alternative research methods to lethal sampling. Considering Refinement, we point out possibilities to improve fish handling and indicate that adaptations to the individual species ecology are necessary. Under the aspect of Replacement, we describe the high potential of cell cultures that can be obtained from fish tissue and give an overview of the already extensive use in ecotoxicology and virology. In addition, we illustrate that cell cultures could also be increasingly used for basic research.

Automated summary

Regarding the widespread use of fish model organisms in a broad range of research fields, we provide an overview of current research results on fish welfare and nociception. In addition, we discuss the potential of implementing the 3Rs principles in fish experimental research, including alternative sampling methods, improved fish handling techniques, and the use of fish tissue-derived cell cultures in various research areas such as ecotoxicology and virology.