Public aquariums vary enormously in their welfare standards. Accreditation bodies attempt to set minimum requirements, but the standards and enforcement of different schemes differ significantly.
Accreditation provides a minimum quality signal for aquarium welfare, but standards vary between schemes and enforcement is inconsistent. Some accreditation bodies have strengthened their standards for species with high welfare needs — particularly cetaceans — in response to scientific evidence and public pressure. Others continue to accredit facilities that welfare scientists regard as inadequate. Visitors cannot easily determine the quality of accreditation from facility marketing materials. Independent welfare assessments, transparent reporting of animal health and survival data, and public access to accreditation review reports would significantly improve accountability. The strongest accredited facilities contribute meaningfully to conservation, research, and public education while maintaining high welfare standards.