EFARO (European Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Organisations) is collaborating with ICES on this workshop on aquatic animal welfare (WGAAW).
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. For example, 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. Moreover, in 2024, the EU established a reference centre specifically for aquatic animal welfare, along with centres for other food production animals.
