Aquaculture

Farmed Tilapia Welfare Certification Progress

Progress in developing welfare certification schemes for tilapia and the challenges of covering this globally important species.

Key Facts

Tilapia is the most widely farmed finfish globally, produced in over 135 countries
ASC tilapia certification covers environmental and some social standards but welfare is limited
Consumer demand for welfare-assured tilapia is growing in higher-income markets
Welfare science specific to tilapia is less developed than for salmon or trout
Smallholder tilapia production presents certification challenges due to fragmented supply chains

Welfare Considerations

Tilapia welfare certification is still at an early stage relative to the scale of production. Improving welfare standards for this globally important species requires investment in tilapia-specific welfare science and certification approaches that work in diverse production contexts.

What You Can Do

Support development of welfare standards specific to tilapia production
Advocate for welfare criteria in tilapia certification schemes
Choose tilapia from certified farms with the most comprehensive welfare requirements