Aquaculture

Farmed Fish Welfare in Global South: Capacity and Standards

Overview of farmed fish welfare challenges and capacity-building needs in lower-income countries.

Key Facts

Asia produces over 90% of global aquaculture production
Welfare standards for farmed fish are largely absent in major Asian producing countries
Small-scale fish farming supports livelihoods for millions of smallholders
International seafood supply chains can drive welfare standard adoption through buyer requirements
Capacity-building organisations are beginning to work on fish welfare in Asia and Africa

Welfare Considerations

Farmed fish welfare in the global south faces structural barriers including limited veterinary capacity, absence of welfare regulation, economic pressures, and lack of welfare awareness. The scale of Asian aquaculture production means welfare improvements there would affect enormous numbers of fish. Supply chain pressure from importing countries and capacity-building support from international organisations are emerging tools for welfare improvement in these contexts.

What You Can Do

Support organisations building fish welfare capacity in Asian aquaculture producing countries
Advocate for imported seafood welfare standards that include fish welfare requirements
Choose seafood from certified sources with verified welfare standards