The emerging field of fisheries welfare certification is developing standards for wild-caught fish welfare alongside the existing environmental sustainability frameworks, creating a more complete picture of seafood supply chain ethics.
Fisheries welfare certification extends the logic of farm animal welfare certification to the wild-caught seafood supply chain. A fish caught using methods that minimize injury and stress, handled correctly on deck, and killed humanely has better welfare outcomes than one subjected to prolonged trawl capture, rough handling, and conscious asphyxiation. The development of welfare standards for wild-caught fish creates market signals that reward practice improvements, applying the same consumer pressure that has driven farm animal welfare improvements to the larger aquatic sector.