Fishery Anesthetics in Aquaculture Products: Safety Concerns and Analytical Methods

Fishery anesthetics are extensively employed in aquaculture to mitigate stress and reduce mortality during handling, transportation, and processing of fish. While they enhance operational efficiency and reduce economic losses for fish merchants, the potential residual presence of these anesthetics raises concerns regarding human health risks and environmental impact. This review examines six commonly used anesthetics in aquaculture—eugenol, MS-222, benzocaine, 2-phenoxyethanol, diazepam, and quinaldine—focusing on their mechanisms of action, application risks, ecotoxicological effects, and methods for residue analysis. The objective is to promote the safe and informed application of these anesthetics, mitigate their biological toxicity, and minimize their ecological impact. Furthermore, the review provides technical insights into monitoring and managing anesthetic residues in aquaculture to ensure the safety of aquatic products and safeguard environmental health, while also supporting the development of sustainable aquaculture practices.