Fish welfare has emerged as one of the fastest-growing areas in animal welfare science and law, with landmark recognition, regulatory advances, and industry initiatives transforming practice.
Fish welfare progress represents one of the most significant advances in animal welfare science and law over the past decade. The long-held assumption that fish do not feel pain has been thoroughly challenged and largely rejected by the scientific community. Legislative recognition in the UK, Switzerland, and elsewhere reflects this scientific consensus. Industry initiatives from leading salmon producers demonstrate that welfare-conscious fish farming is commercially viable. The frontier is now moving to crustaceans and cephalopods, with increasing scientific attention to animals previously considered beyond the scope of welfare consideration. This rapid progress demonstrates the capacity for welfare science to drive meaningful change.