Catfish and Pangasius Welfare in Aquaculture

Catfish and pangasius (basa) are widely farmed in Southeast Asia and the US, often under conditions that compromise welfare through crowding and poor water quality.

Key Facts

Vietnam produces over 1 million tonnes of pangasius annually, mostly for export to Europe and the US
Pangasius are farmed at extremely high densities in net cages in the Mekong Delta
Water quality in intensive pangasius systems frequently deteriorates, causing hypoxia and disease stress
US catfish farming concentrated in Mississippi and Alabama faces similar density and water quality challenges
ASC certification for pangasius exists but covers a minority of global production
Pain response research in catfish confirms nociceptive capacity similar to other teleost fish

Welfare Considerations

Pangasius and catfish welfare are largely invisible to consumers in importing countries. High stocking densities, poor water quality, and inhumane slaughter practices cause significant suffering. Certification schemes like ASC provide a pathway to improvement, but most catfish and pangasius on global markets falls outside any meaningful welfare standard. Consumer pressure and import requirements can drive improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose ASC-certified pangasius and catfish products where available
Ask retailers about the welfare standards of their catfish supply chains
Advocate for import welfare standards that apply to catfish and pangasius entering your market
Support research into fish welfare assessment for pangasius farming conditions
Reduce consumption of uncertified farmed fish from high-density systems