Pangasius catfish are farmed in enormous volumes in Vietnam and neighboring countries for export, with welfare conditions varying widely and receiving limited regulatory oversight.
Pangasius catfish welfare receives minimal international attention despite the species being one of the most widely traded farmed fish globally. Extreme stocking densities, minimal environmental enrichment, and inconsistent pre-slaughter stunning mean that these fish experience crowding stress throughout their lives and frequently die without effective anesthesia. The low price point of pangasius makes welfare investment economically challenging for producers competing on cost. Consumer demand for welfare-certified pangasius, combined with certification scheme development, offers the most realistic pathway to improvement.