Fish welfare in a changing world: New developments and current challenges

Area of Science:

• Animal Welfare Science
• Aquatic Biology
• Ethology

Background:

• Growing attention to non-human animal welfare, particularly fish, across various sectors.
• Need for updated theoretical approaches and assessment methods for fish welfare since 2006.
• Increasing recognition of cognitive and affective processes in fish welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current theoretical approaches to fish welfare.
• To highlight recent advances in defining and assessing fish welfare.
• To explore the integration of fish welfare within 'One Health' and 'One Welfare' frameworks.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of theoretical approaches and empirical studies.
• Analysis of outcome- and input-based welfare indicators.
• Examination of neurobiological, cognitive, and pain perception research in fish.

Main Results:

• Significant advances in understanding fish cognition, affect, and pain perception.
• Development of diverse methods for measuring and monitoring fish welfare.
• Established links between fish welfare, sustainability, public perception, and ethical considerations.

Conclusions:

• Fish welfare is increasingly recognized as a critical component of ethical practice and sustainability.
• Integrating fish welfare into broader frameworks like 'One Health' is essential.
• Ongoing challenges include climate change, cultural perspectives, and understanding fish sentience.