Aquatic Animals

Aquaculture Welfare Certification

Aquaculture certification programs are increasingly incorporating welfare standards, with significant variation in what is required and enforced.

Key Facts

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council certifies approximately 20% of global aquaculture production
Welfare criteria in aquaculture certification lag significantly behind land animal certification
Fish welfare indicators including fin damage, eye cataracts, and skin lesions can be objectively measured
Consumer demand is beginning to drive welfare improvements in aquaculture certification

Welfare Considerations

Aquaculture certification programs have historically focused on environmental sustainability with minimal welfare requirements. Fish welfare can be objectively assessed through measurable indicators but these are rarely required by certification programs. Incorporating meaningful welfare standards into aquaculture certification would drive significant improvements for billions of farmed fish.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood from producers with the most comprehensive welfare standards
Advocate for welfare criteria in aquaculture certification programs
Support consumer campaigns driving welfare improvements in aquaculture certification
Contact certification bodies to request stronger fish welfare requirements