Anglers finally off the hook as scientists settle age-old debate over whether fish feel pain



It is a debate that has raged for years. But now Britain’s four million anglers can rest easy – because fish do not feel pain, scientists have concluded.



Fish do not even suffer when they are hooked and fighting for their lives, according to research by an international team.



They say fish do not have a brain system or enough sensory receptors in the nerve cells to experience suffering.



In the clear: Anglers may be off the hook after a research team discovered fish don't feel pain

While fish may struggle to get free, the scientists say this does not mean they are in pain. Instead, they show ‘little effect’ from injuries and toxins that would leave humans in agony.



In their experiments, reported in the scientific journal Fish and Fisheries, researchers inserted needles into the jaws of rainbow trout.

Jim Rose, professor of zoology and physiology at the University of Wisconsin, who led the project, said: ‘In spite of large injections of acid or bee venom, that would cause severe pain to a human, the trout showed remarkably little effect.’



Fish also resumed normal activity within minutes of surgical procedures, as well as after being caught and released back into the water. Prof Rose added: ‘It is highly improbable that fish can experience pain.



In defence: However others believe while fish may not scream out, they still react to painful stimuli

‘We are not diminishing the importance of welfare considerations for fish, but we do reject the view that mental welfare is a legitimate concern.’



Angling enthusiasts believe the research vindicates a sport worth £3.5 billion a year to the UK economy.



But Ben Williamson, spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said: ‘Fish don’t scream in pain but they exhibit other pronounced reactions to painful stimuli.

