[JohnnyP]

Do they have to kill the fish to get the eggs?

[SAJ]

The traditional method of harvesting caviar did kill the fish. Then along came the method that is essentially a C-section: a small slit and a gentle squeeze to obtain the eggs. The fish stayed alive, but the technique is known to damage its ovaries some percentage of the time, and there is also the risk of infection.

A couple of companies are now working on 'correct' caviar -- when the fish nears egg-laying time, certain (very NON toxic) chemicals are introduced into the fish's diet, and another, different cycle of massaging obtains the eggs. This is not yet a popular method for 'industrial' production of caviar, but I imagine it will become one.

FReegards!

[Paid_Russian_Troll]

Poachers are usually killing them. Farmers and professional fishers aren’t, unless they don’t want to get a fish too.

[FateAmenableToChange]

Yes.