Jade perch is an emerging native freshwater aquaculture species in Australia, prized for its high omega-3 content and welfare-friendly production characteristics.
Jade perch have several characteristics that make them relatively welfare-friendly compared to other aquaculture species - they are robust, tolerate a range of conditions, accept plant-based diets, and grow well in warm recirculating systems. Welfare challenges relate primarily to harvest and slaughter methods, which in small-scale Australian operations often lack stunning protocols. Developing humane slaughter standards for native Australian aquaculture species is an emerging priority as the sector grows. The species tolerance for crowding must not be misused as a justification for extreme stocking densities that compromise welfare.