Pangasius catfish from Vietnam feeds much of the world's demand for white fish. Welfare standards in this major producing country have significant gaps.
Pangasius farmed at intensive densities in poorly regulated systems face chronic stress, disease pressure, and welfare impacts that go largely unmonitored. The scale of the industry - supplying global supermarkets at very low prices - means that welfare improvements would affect hundreds of millions of fish. Consumer and retailer pressure for welfare certification is the primary available lever.