Document type News item from CIWF France
Author: CIWF France
Preview: Yesterday (January 24), CIWF presented a pioneering new report to members of the European Parliament in Brussels that shows how improving the welfare of farmed fish and farming [organisms] lower in the food chain is key to making European aquaculture more sustainable.
The CIWFreport, entitled "Rethinking EU Aquaculture for People, Planet, and Animals" (French summary) is the first to draw together the sustainability and environmental issues caused by intensive EU fish farming, the need to move away from this type of production to improve animal welfare and create a more sustainable industry, and to give clear policy solutions for legislators. It calls for strict new EU welfare requirements for fish and policies that promote sustainable alternatives like farming seaweed. This is part of the European Green Deal, as animal welfare and environmental sustainability are intrinsically linked.
This report includes 15 clear policy recommendations and outlines the problems caused by intensive, feed-based production of aquatic animals, which is increasing in Europe and worldwide. It shows that these systems typically result in a net loss of food available for people and highlights the urgent need to steer the EU aquaculture industry towards sustainable production of aquatic species that are lower in the food chain and in extensive systems. Between 0.5 and 1.2 billion fish are farmed every year in the EU. To maximize profit, fish are commonly reared at high stocking densities and are often killed inhumanely without prior stunning, causing tremendous suffering. Farmed fish have strikingly high mortality rates and many die before slaughter.
Intensive fish farming also wrecks the environment by polluting with fish wastes and chemicals, causing biodiversity loss, disease outbreaks and overuse of antibiotics. Farming carnivorous species, such as shrimp, salmon and trout, has major environmental impacts and requires feed made from fish that could be used for human consumption, such as anchovy or sardines.
The EU Commission is currently reviewing the EU legislation for farmed animals. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve the lives of billions of animals, including fish. Protecting fish welfare should be a priority for the EU and all Member States. European Commission is currently reviewing EU legislation on farmed animals. This is a unique opportunity to improve the lives of billions of animals, including fish.
Protecting the welfare of fish must be a priority for the EU and all Member States.
