Aquaculture

Farmed Tilapia Welfare Tropical Systems

Tilapia is the second most farmed fish globally, with welfare challenges relating to density, disease, and tropical climate variability.

Key Facts

Global tilapia production exceeds 7 million tonnes annually
Tilapia tolerate a wide range of conditions but suffer welfare compromise at high densities
Streptococcus agalactiae disease causes meningoencephalitis, eye damage, and mortality
Hypoxia is a common welfare risk in pond systems during hot weather
Tilapia welfare is poorly regulated in producing countries compared to European standards

Welfare Considerations

Tilapia farmed at high densities in poorly managed ponds experience chronic hypoxic stress, disease, and injury. Improving water quality monitoring and density standards would substantially improve welfare.

What You Can Do

Choose tilapia from certified sustainable aquaculture sources
Support development of welfare standards for tilapia farming in producing countries
Advocate for including tilapia in international aquaculture welfare regulations