Aquaculture Welfare Standards in Developing Countries

The majority of global aquaculture production occurs in developing countries where welfare regulations are minimal and enforcement is weak, creating significant welfare risks for billions of fish.

Key Facts

Asia produces approximately 90% of global farmed fish and shellfish by volume
Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Indonesia are major exporters of farmed shrimp with minimal domestic welfare regulation
Welfare standards in supply chains for exported seafood are often dictated by importing country retailer requirements rather than national law
ASC certification covers less than 5% of global aquaculture production
Small-scale artisanal aquaculture in Asia employs over 20 million people but may lack access to welfare guidance
Import regulations in the EU and US increasingly include sustainability but rarely welfare-specific requirements

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of farmed fish in developing countries is a largely invisible problem. Animals experience the same capacity for stress, pain, and suffering as those in high-income country operations, but regulatory oversight, veterinary access, and welfare knowledge are far more limited. Supply chain leverage from retailers and certification schemes is currently the most effective mechanism for driving improvements, but coverage is limited. Investment in welfare education, veterinary capacity building, and south-south knowledge transfer offers a path to sustainable improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose ASC or equivalent certified seafood when purchasing from developing country origins
Support NGOs working to improve aquaculture welfare standards in Asia and Latin America
Advocate for welfare criteria to be included in seafood import regulations
Ask retailers about their supplier engagement on welfare standards in developing countries
Support research into cost-effective welfare interventions suitable for smallholder aquaculture