Improving the welfare of aquatic animals during aquaculture and wild capture is not just an ethical issue; it has clear potential benefits for food security and the sustainability of exploited populations. Changes to practices that improve welfare may also improve quality and reduce spoilage in food products, as well as lead to increased survival rates of animals released from unwanted catch. It therefore follows that improving welfare can benefit the economic, environmental and social sustainability of both the aquaculture and fishing industries through improved productivity, profitability and reputation, as well as provide access to new welfare-conscious markets.
Public interest in aquatic animal welfare is growing, and national legislation and regulations are being reviewed and revised with increased recognition of aquatic animal welfare. In 2024, the EU established a reference centre specifically for aquatic animal welfare, adding to existing welfare reference centres that encompass other food production animals.
To this end, and following recommendations from the Workshop on Aquatic Animal Welfare (WKAAW), in 2026 ICES established a Working Group on Aquatic Animal Welfare (WGAAW) to address the following terms of reference:
- Develop recommendations and guidelines to improve animal welfare during ICES-coordinated scientific activities;
- Develop methods (including risk assessments and operational welfare indicators) for assessing the effects of implementing welfare-conscious practices;
- Map welfare risks in aquaculture, fisheries and ICES scientific practices;
- Liaise with key stakeholders to identify critical welfare issues and their effects on product quality and sustainability (environmental, economic & social); and
- Compile a glossary of terms & definitions.
