Overview: Welfare assessment for Pangasius (basa/swai) farmed intensively in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam.
Key Welfare Facts
Pangasius is one of the most intensively farmed finfish globally, with Vietnam exporting over 1.5 million tonnes annually.
Ultra-high stocking densities in pond culture systems create chronic stress and water quality challenges.
Dissolved oxygen depletion in high-density ponds causes hypoxic stress and surface gasping behaviour.
Antibiotic use to manage disease in high-density systems raises welfare and human health concerns simultaneously.
Slaughter by decapitation without prior stunning is widely practised and considered a significant welfare concern.
Certification schemes including ASC are improving practices at certified farms but coverage remains limited.
Welfare Assessment
Pangasius welfare is severely compromised in conventional production systems. Choosing ASC-certified pangasius encourages adoption of higher welfare practices and drives industry-wide improvement through market incentives.
What You Can Do
Choose ASC-certified pangasius products where available
Support global adoption of minimum welfare standards for high-volume farmed fish species
Advocate for stunning before slaughter requirements in Vietnamese aquaculture regulations
Engage with retailers about welfare standards for pangasius in their supply chains