Tilapia is the most widely farmed fish globally, predominantly in tropical developing countries, with significant welfare challenges from intensive production methods.
Tilapia welfare in global aquaculture receives little attention despite the enormous scale of production. High-density pond systems cause chronic social stress and aggression resulting in fin damage and injury. Harvest by net crowding followed by prolonged air exposure causes asphyxiation distress before slaughter. Temperature extremes during seasonal variation cause thermal stress. Improving tilapia welfare at scale requires minimum space standards, humane harvest protocols, and water quality monitoring requirements across producer countries.