Aquaculture is growing rapidly across Africa to meet food security needs. Building welfare practices into this growing industry is critical before poor practices become entrenched.
Africa's rapidly expanding aquaculture sector represents a critical welfare opportunity. Unlike established industries where poor practices are entrenched, nascent sectors can build welfare principles in from the start. Fish experience stress, pain, and behavioral deprivation in high-density, poorly managed systems. Development programs investing in African aquaculture should incorporate welfare standards - appropriate stocking densities, water quality management, disease prevention, and humane slaughter - alongside productivity and food security goals.