Fish welfare—general awareness

Animal welfare in aquaculture is multifaceted, encompassing legal, ethical, and practical challenges. Aquaculture has grown significantly in recent years, contributing to global food security and offering economic opportunities. However, this growth has sparked debates around the welfare of animals in fish farming, as specific welfare information is only available for a mere 30% of species. This chapter discusses the complexities of animal welfare in aquaculture, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to welfare assessments. This involves a combination of behavioral, physiological, and environmental assessments to differentiate between health and positive welfare or disease and stress status. It also underscores the necessity of distinguishing between the effects of stress and overall welfare, noting that the onset of a disease does not necessarily equate to poor welfare status. Various stressors in aquaculture, such as poor water quality, handling and transportation, crowding, high pathogen pressure, environmental changes, noise, critical social interactions, and inappropriate nutrition, are explored. Identifying and mitigating these stressors is vital for enhancing fish health and welfare. This chapter also discusses the role of technological innovations in promoting animal welfare. Innovations such as artificial intelligence and monitoring systems could help monitor and improve animal welfare in real time in the future. However, implementing these technologies must be accompanied by suitable management practices, regular monitoring, and the creation of optimal environmental conditions. The need for international efforts for stricter legislation and cooperation between science, politics, and industry to further advance animal welfare in aquaculture is emphasized. The chapter also highlights the role of the FAO in advocating for countries to adopt the Blue Transformation Roadmap as a catalyst for change in aquatic food systems, aiming to achieve sustainable growth in aquaculture, effective fisheries management, and enhanced value chains. In conclusion, ensuring the welfare of fish in aquaculture requires a transformative shift within the industry, leveraging innovative technologies and sustainable practices. Addressing this complex issue requires a multifaceted approach involving legal, ethical, and practical considerations. With the right strategies and commitment, it is possible to ensure the welfare of aquatic animals in aquaculture, contributing to the sustainability of the sector and the quality of the products.