Aquaponics combines fish farming with plant growing in integrated systems. Done well, it can represent higher welfare aquaculture, but welfare depends on system design and management quality.
Aquaponics welfare potential is high but not guaranteed. The integrated nature of the system creates both welfare opportunities and risks. When well-designed and managed, aquaponics can provide fish with good water quality, appropriate density, and shelter — welfare improvements over intensive pond culture. When poorly designed, the system constraints can limit welfare management options and create chronic water quality problems. The welfare case for aquaponics rests on system quality: appropriate species, correct density, excellent water quality management, and species-appropriate enrichment where feasible. Community and urban aquaponics projects that prioritise welfare alongside food production demonstrate what is achievable.