Tilapia is one of the most widely farmed fish globally, with welfare challenges in intensive systems that are beginning to receive research attention.
Tilapia welfare is largely invisible to consumers despite their enormous scale of production. Intensive pond systems frequently experience water quality fluctuations that cause distress and mass mortality events. Sex reversal treatments raise welfare questions about exposing juvenile fish to hormonal manipulation at a sensitive developmental stage. Improved water quality management and welfare monitoring standards are priorities for this sector.