Pangasius, widely sold as basa fish, is one of the most globally traded farmed fish, and welfare standards in Vietnamese production have faced significant scrutiny.
Pangasius at very high stocking densities show stress indicators including fin damage and elevated cortisol. The use of prophylactic antibiotics raises both welfare and public health concerns. Certification schemes have driven measurable improvements in water quality management and antibiotic stewardship in certified farms. Consumer preference for certified pangasius creates market incentives for continued improvement.