Document type: article published in Fish Focus
Author: Fish Focus
Preview: Fish welfare is emerging as one of the most significant issues in the global food sector, at a time when more than half of the fish consumed worldwide now comes from intensive farming. The Fish Welfare Project From research to practice: standards and implementation Operational phase and impact
Experts point out that factors such as stocking density, water quality, stress management, and slaughter methods can significantly impact fish health and welfare.[…]
It is in this context that the Fish Welfare Project, developed by Friend of the Sea together with the World Sustainability Foundation, takes shape. Launched in 2017, the initiative aims to make fish welfare a measurable, verifiable, and certifiable parameter and is supported by Open Philanthropy (now Coefficient Giving), one of the leading international philanthropic organisations.
The project is founded on the scientific assumption that fish are sentient beings and that their welfare represents a new frontier in the sustainability of the fisheries sector. The aim, therefore, is to translate scientific research into operational standards applicable to both aquaculture and fisheries to reduce stress, suffering, and mortality.
The project is structured around two main lines of action.
– Aquaculture : In collaboration with Fair Fish and Fish Etho Group, 24 species-specific standards have been developed, with criteria for assessing and improving farm welfare and for certifying companies that adopt compliant practices.
– Fisheries : In collaboration with CCMAR, Fair Fish, Fish Etho Group and Demos (CareFish Catch project), five certification standards have been developed, applicable to both small-scale fisheries and large global fleets. The standards are based on the main fishing methods (nets, longlines, lines and other systems) and aim to reduce stress and injuries during capture.
The Fish Welfare Project is now in its operational phase, with activities focused on testing standards, certifying companies and trialling improved practices.
In recent months, the project has entered a critical validation phase, with field trials launched directly at aquaculture farms as well as on fishing vessels and fleets.|…]The ultimate goal is to make fish welfare a recognised international standard, integrated into sustainability certification systems.
A paradigm shift that could redefine the sustainability criteria of the entire sector in the years ahead. […]
From Fish Focus website
