Aquaculture welfare research has advanced substantially but significant gaps remain. Understanding research priorities helps advocates support the most impactful science for improving farmed fish welfare.
Fish welfare research faces unique challenges including validating behavioral indicators that are harder to interpret than mammalian expressions of pain or fear, developing non-invasive welfare assessment tools suitable for farm use, and conducting species-specific studies across the hundreds of farmed fish species. Progress has been uneven, with salmon welfare research substantially more advanced than for high-volume species like tilapia, pangasius, and carp. Translating research into industry practice requires accessible guidance documents, economic incentives, and regulatory frameworks that reference welfare science. Supporting research organizations and advocating for welfare science funding advances the evidence base that ultimately underpins better standards and regulations.