Fish welfare science has advanced dramatically over two decades. From establishing nociception to developing positive welfare indicators, research is transforming how fish are managed in aquaculture and research.
Fish welfare science has undergone a paradigm shift. Once dismissed as reflexive automata incapable of suffering, fish are now recognised by the scientific mainstream as sentient animals with the neural architecture for pain experience and emotional states. This recognition has profound implications for aquaculture, research, and fisheries management. The field is moving beyond establishing the capacity for suffering to developing positive welfare frameworks — asking not just "are fish suffering?" but "are fish thriving?" Validated welfare indicators enable producers and regulators to assess fish welfare more rigorously, providing a scientific foundation for the welfare standards the industry urgently needs.