Pangasius (Basa/Tra catfish) is one of the most traded fish globally, farmed intensively in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, with significant welfare and environmental concerns.
Pangasius farming produces affordable protein for millions of people but commonly involves conditions that compromise fish welfare. Extremely high stocking densities lead to chronic stress, fin damage, and increased disease transmission. Slaughter practices frequently involve inadequate or absent stunning, meaning fish are processed while conscious. The species is often marketed as a sustainable alternative, but welfare standards in the sector remain highly variable. Certification schemes exist but are not universal, leaving many fish in uncertified farms without welfare protections.