Pangasius (striped catfish) is a major Southeast Asian aquaculture export species whose welfare standards are improving through certification schemes and buyer pressure.
Pangasius welfare has historically been poor in conventional production systems using extreme crowding and minimal water quality management. Growing export market requirements and certification scheme adoption have driven substantial improvements in better-managed operations. Key welfare challenges include stocking density limits, water quality parameters especially dissolved oxygen, and humane slaughter methods. Consumer demand for certified pangasius creates market incentives for welfare improvements across the supply chain.