New report by ALI: innovation and well-being in aquaculture

Animal Law Italia ETS (ALI) is excited to announce the publication of a new scientific report, the result of a collaboration between Dr Lorenzo Fruscella, a marine biologist and the officer leading our campaign “On Behalf of Crustaceans“, and Dr Benz Kotzen, professor of landscape architecture at the University of Greenwich in London. The report, titled “Environmental Enrichment in Aquaculture: Improving Fish Welfare in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS),” represents a significant step forward in our mission to improve the welfare of aquatic animals through innovative and scientifically validated approaches.

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector in the world. In recent decades, the amount of fish produced by farms has surpassed that coming from open-sea fishing. This rapid change has been driven by a growing global demand for fish, with per capita consumption rising from 9 kg to 20.5 kg between 1961 and 2018. Currently, about 3.3 billion people obtain 20% of their animal protein from fish, highlighting the crucial importance of sustainable and animal-welfare-friendly aquaculture practices.

However, despite numerous environmental benefits (reduced pressure on wild fish stocks, resource control and management, lesser impact on marine ecosystems, reduced bycatch, the possibility of recreating natural habitats, recovery and conservation of endangered species), the expansion of aquaculture has raised significant issues regarding fish welfare. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), which are gaining popularity for their ability to strictly control water parameters and increase productivity, often feature artificial environments that can compromise fish welfare. Key issues in RAS include overcrowded conditions, poor water quality, improper management, and the inability of fish to exhibit natural behaviours.

This new report from Fruscella and Kotzen proposes environmental enrichment as a promising solution to improve fish welfare in RAS. Environmental enrichment involves increasing the complexity of farming habitats by introducing elements that simulate the fish’s natural environment. This approach aims to reduce stress and promote natural behaviours, thereby improving the quality of life for farmed fish. Adopting environmental enrichment practices could represent a significant change in the sector, leading to more sustainable and high-quality fish production.

The report also emphasises the importance of organic certification for fish production in the European Union. The EU’s organic standards are among the most stringent in the world, and the new regulation (EU) 848/2018, which came into force in January 2021, places even greater emphasis on fish welfare. However, RAS systems are currently excluded from organic certification due to the artificial conditions they offer. This represents a challenge but also an opportunity to innovate and further improve fish farming systems. The report includes a review of current EU fish welfare regulations, the issue of fish sentience, and suggestions on how to improve RAS through structural and managerial changes.

ALI is proud to contribute to the global debate on the ethical treatment of aquatic animals by promoting an approach based on scientific research, legislation, and ethical awareness. Our team works tirelessly to advance our mission of improving the welfare of all animals, including aquatic ones.

We invite you to read the full report and support our commitment to more ethical and sustainable aquaculture. Stay tuned for further updates and find out how you can contribute to our cause.