Milkfish is the national fish of the Philippines and a major aquaculture species across Southeast Asia, with welfare considerations for this widely farmed tropical species.
Milkfish welfare in aquaculture is influenced by the species schooling behaviour and sensitivity to environmental conditions. High stocking densities in traditional pond systems may frustrate natural behaviour patterns. Water quality management in earthen ponds is challenging with temperature fluctuations and algal blooms creating periodic welfare crises. The transition from traditional extensive pond culture to intensive cage systems introduces new welfare challenges including crowding stress and disease pressure. Milkfish welfare has received minimal systematic research attention compared to salmon and other temperate aquaculture species. The scale of milkfish production in Southeast Asia means welfare improvements would benefit very large numbers of fish.