Aquaponics combines fish farming with hydroponic plant growing in a closed loop system. Understanding the welfare implications for fish in aquaponic systems is important as this production method grows in popularity.
Aquaponics fish welfare depends on the same factors as other aquaculture: stocking density, water quality, handling, and disease management. The integrated nature of aquaponic systems can create welfare risks if plant production is prioritised over fish welfare -- for example, high plant nutrient demand may encourage higher fish densities than welfare supports. Well-managed aquaponic systems with appropriate stocking densities, good water quality monitoring, and low-stress handling can provide reasonable welfare for fish while delivering highly efficient food production. Consumer demand for welfare-certified aquaponic fish can drive the higher standards that the method is capable of supporting.