Pangasius (basa/tra catfish) is one of the world's most traded fish products, farmed extensively in Vietnam under welfare conditions that vary widely across operations.
Pangasius welfare has been a concern given intensive production methods and limited international welfare oversight. High stocking densities, variable water quality management and often poor slaughter welfare at processing create a welfare profile that has historically been poor. The growth of certification schemes is improving conditions for certified operations, but the majority of global production remains outside welfare frameworks.