Pangasius — widely sold as basa or river cobbler — is one of the most commercially important farmed fish globally with welfare and sustainability concerns requiring informed consumer choices.
Pangasius welfare illustrates the tension between affordability and animal welfare that runs throughout global food systems. The low price point that makes pangasius accessible to millions of consumers creates economic conditions hostile to welfare investment. Yet research shows welfare improvements in pangasius farming are achievable and produce health and productivity benefits that partially offset costs. Consumer and retailer demand for certified pangasius from better-managed operations is the primary market mechanism available to drive welfare improvement in this high-volume industry.