Pangasius (river catfish) is one of the world's most traded aquaculture species, farmed predominantly in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam in pond systems with variable welfare standards across the supply chain.
Pangasius welfare varies enormously across the fragmented Vietnamese supply chain. Certified operations under ASC standards have measurably better welfare outcomes than uncertified producers. Slaughter welfare is a particular concern as practices range from simply cutting gill arches in live fish to more rapid methods. Consumer pressure through certification has driven welfare improvements.