by CCMAR
In August 2022, the Aquaculture Advisory Council (AAC) requested a study from our researchers of the Fish Ethology & Welfare group on how to improve the welfare of aquaculture fish and its production. In December 2022, the AAC published this study coordinated by our researcher João Saraiva in collaboration with our researchers Jenny Volstor, María Cabrera-Álvarez and Pablo Arechavala-López.
The study aims to provide insight and advice to the European Commission, Member States and European decision-makers on the benefits of using the increasing knowledge about the behaviour and ethology of aquaculture fish.
In the report, a definition of animal welfare is proposed, allowing the testing, validation and implementation of measures that improve the welfare and production of aquaculture fish.
The study focuses on the behavioural and welfare needs of the five main species farmed in the European Union: seabass, seabream, salmon, trout and carp. In addition, the main challenges faced by captive farmed fish have been identified: environmental (water quality, light, temperature), ethological (space, density, reproduction), physiological (pain, disease, parasites, stress) and human-induced (slaughter, handling, transport).
To begin to integrate and implement these proposals, the researchers propose the creation of training courses at different levels, as well as the establishment of the European Reference Centre of Fish Welfare. Priorities for research on the welfare of farmed fish in Europe and funding priorities are also proposed.
As mentioned in the report, research priorities include addressing knowledge gaps on the natural behaviour of farmed species that can provide highly relevant information for animal welfare. The researchers also suggest the development of environmental enrichment strategies and the development of technological tools to monitor farmed fish.
The preparation of this report takes place in a context where interest in fish welfare is starting to grow exponentially in research, public awareness, production and to policymakers.
The report is available for download and is written in clear and accessible language for all stakeholders: industry, researchers, Non-Governmental Organisations, etc.
Reference (open access)
João L. Saraiva, Jenny Volstorf, María J. Cabrera-Álvarez, Pablo Arechavala-Lopez. 2022. Using ethology to improve farmed fish welfare and production. The Aquaculture Advisory Council (AAC). 68 p.
Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.
