New WelfareCheck | catch: Scomber scombrus x purse seines: Atlantic mackerel is a delicate species that requires extra care to avoid injuries and stress. Targeting large schools may already increase density in the net too much. But slipping part of the catch proves difficult, as the species does not like to break the school. → read more
- 2025-01-21: Scomber scombrus (Atlantic mackerel)
- 2024-10-23: Penaeus vannamei (Whiteleg shrimp)
- 2024-10-09: Oreochromis aureus (Blue tilapia)
- 2024-07-20: Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia)
- 2024-06-08: Merluccius merluccius (European hake)
For us, behaviour is the most important indicator of the welfare state of an individual. By describing the behaviour of aquatic animals in the wild and in captivity, we aim to assess the species’ potential on the welfare continuum.
Because we rely on scientific sources, this gives us the reliable, valid, and objective basis for recommendations on how to avoid harm and how to improve welfare.
The goal is to bridge the gap between science and the stakeholders in the aquaculture and fisheries sector: producers, fishing people, certifiers, retailers, NGOs, policy makers, and consumers.
«Animal welfare legislation is largely based on science, but legislatures around the world lack data on best aquatic animal welfare practices. In compiling data on animal welfare needs in a way that’s accessible to scientists and policy-makers, the fair-fish database is an incredibly effective tool to advance the treatment of aquatic animals in the law.»
The fair-fish database is a project launched and managed by fair-fish.
fair-fish is an NGO aiming at increasing welfare of aquatic animals in captivity and decreasing welfare hazards during catching, applying fair trade with fishermen and -women, and protecting the environment.
Find out more about the fair-fish database team.