Science-based assessment of welfare: aquatic animals

Area of Science:

• Aquatic Animal Welfare Science
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Management

Background:

• Terrestrial animal welfare is well-established, but aquatic animal welfare is a nascent field.
• Addressing aquatic animal welfare is complex due to diverse species (poikilothermic vertebrates and invertebrates), varied industry practices, and limited scientific data.
• Existing philosophical approaches, policies, and regulations present challenges for consistent welfare standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of aquatic animal welfare issues.
• To explore factors influencing the concepts and practices of aquatic animal welfare, focusing on finfish.
• To inform future developments in aquatic animal welfare for societal, industrial, and public benefit.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing knowledge on aquatic animal welfare.
• Exploration of ethical and moral concepts related to animal welfare and humane treatment.
• Analysis of public and institutional understanding of aquatic animal welfare issues.

Main Results:

• Identified key challenges in aquatic animal welfare, including species diversity and practice understanding.
• Highlighted the importance of ethical considerations and the potential for animal suffering in aquaculture and fisheries.
• Emphasized the role of public perception and institutional frameworks in shaping welfare standards.

Conclusions:

• Aquatic animal welfare requires a multidisciplinary approach considering biological, ethical, and societal factors.
• Further research is needed to bridge knowledge gaps and develop effective welfare strategies for diverse aquatic species.
• Developing consistent and science-based approaches to aquatic animal welfare is crucial for sustainable industries and public trust.