Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are increasingly used as a sustainable protein source in aquaculture feed. Their production raises welfare questions for both the larvae and the fish they feed.
The welfare status of black soldier fly larvae is uncertain but increasingly the subject of serious scientific attention. Their nervous systems lack the structures most associated with conscious pain experience in vertebrates, but they do exhibit nociceptive responses. The precautionary principle suggests that kill methods should minimize potential suffering, and the industry is beginning to examine rapid thermal or mechanical methods as more humane options. From the fish welfare perspective, replacing ocean-derived fishmeal with BSFL feed can significantly improve the welfare footprint of aquaculture by reducing pressure on wild fish populations. Responsible BSFL production supports both sustainability goals and the broader effort to reduce suffering across the food chain.