Monitoring a Crowd Pen

The following categories provide a simple scoring system for varying behaviour levels that can be used in training all members of staff so they can assess the crowd behaviour objectively.

It is important to keep the stocking density as low as possible during crowding, whilst ensuring enough fish reach the stunning table at the required rate.

Crowding should be carried out slowly and gently and always under the control of a trained operator with sole responsibility for the crowd pen.

Level	Crowd Behaviour
1	No vigorous activity, occasional fins breaking the surface of the water.
2	Fins and part of the fish above the water over the whole surface of the crowd.
3	Fins and part of the fish above the water over the whole surface of the crowd. Some burrowing, gasping and vigorous activity in parts of the crowd.
4	The whole surface of the crowd vigorously burrowing, gasping and splashing.
5	The whole surface of the crowd boiling with violent splashing.

At all times you should be aiming for Level 1.

Levels 3, 4 and 5 are unacceptable and the crowding procedure should be reviewed and altered as appropriate.

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