Aquaculture Welfare: Future of Farmed Fish

Overview of the trajectory of aquaculture welfare for farmed fish over the next decade.

Key Facts

Fish welfare certification coverage is expected to expand across more species
Pre-slaughter stunning requirements will expand through legislation and certification
AI monitoring will become mainstream in leading aquaculture operations
Land-based RAS aquaculture may reduce some sea cage welfare challenges
Alternative protein growth may reduce pressure on wild-catch but aquaculture will continue growing

Welfare Considerations

Aquaculture welfare trajectory over the next decade involves expanding certification coverage, pre-slaughter stunning requirements, AI monitoring commercialisation, and growing land-based aquaculture. The fish welfare movement is at an early but rapidly developing stage. As fish sentience recognition in law expands, regulatory frameworks will develop. Consumer certification awareness will grow. These trends suggest meaningful welfare improvement is achievable for farmed fish if the movement maintains the remarkable momentum of recent years.

What You Can Do

Support fish welfare certification schemes and choose certified products
Advocate for pre-slaughter stunning legislation for farmed fish
Engage with the fish welfare movement through Fish Welfare Initiative