Aquaculture

Farmed Pangasius Vietnam Advanced Welfare

Vietnamese pangasius catfish is one of the world's most traded fish, with welfare standards lagging behind environmental sustainability improvements.

Key Facts

Vietnam exports over 1.5 million tonnes of pangasius annually
Pangasius farming has improved environmental practices through certification but welfare lags
High stocking densities of 60 to 80 kg per cubic meter cause chronic crowding stress
Slaughter methods are largely unregulated and may involve extended asphyxiation
Pangasius shows pain responses and behavioral indicators of negative affect

Welfare Considerations

Pangasius farmed at extreme densities experience chronic stress, oxygen depletion, and disease pressure. Improving welfare standards in Vietnamese pangasius production requires both regulatory and market-driven approaches.

What You Can Do

Choose pangasius certified to include welfare standards as well as environmental sustainability
Advocate for importer welfare due diligence requirements for pangasius
Support organizations developing pangasius welfare standards for Vietnamese producers