Tilapia is one of the most farmed fish species globally, with production exceeding 6 million tonnes annually. Their welfare in intensive aquaculture systems presents significant challenges that the industry is slowly beginning to address.
Tilapia welfare is compromised primarily by overcrowding, poor water quality, and disease. Fish stocked at very high densities show chronic stress responses — elevated cortisol, suppressed immune function, and increased aggression. Welfare improvements include lower stocking densities, better water quality monitoring, humane slaughter practices (electrical stunning prior to killing), and reduction of invasive procedures like fin clipping. The tilapia industry is increasingly aware that welfare improvements can also improve production efficiency, which may drive reform.