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Ethical Seafood Research

@ethicalseafood.bsky.social

140 followers 950 following 330 posts

We conduct rigorous welfare assessments, develop new strategies, and collaborate with industry leaders to improve conditions for millions of fish. Our peer-reviewed studies and hands-on projects influence policies and practices for more ethical seafood.

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Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 2d

Welcome to ESR's Advisory Board, Professor Gareth!

#AnimalWelfare #AquaticAnimalWelfare #Aquaculture #EthicalSeafoodResearch #FishWelfare #FarmedFish #AdvisoryBoard #Science #Research #WelcomeProfGarethArnott

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 2d

Gareth’s depth of expertise in animal behaviour and welfare science brings invaluable perspective to our work, and we’re proud to have his guidance as we continue advancing, understanding and improving farmed fish welfare.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 2d

He also serves as Academic Lead for the BBSRC-funded Animal Welfare Research Network, is a member of the UK government’s Animal Welfare Committee, and Director of Postgraduate Research at Queen’s.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 2d

A pioneer in applying behavioural ecology to practical welfare challenges, including aggression, Gareth works across a wide range of species.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 2d

His research spans fundamental behavioural ecology to applied animal welfare, with a particular focus on social interactions and decision-making in animal contests.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 2d

Gareth is Professor of Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare at the School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast (@qubelfastofficial.bsky.social).

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 2d

We’re delighted to welcome Professor Gareth Arnott as the newest member of our Advisory Board, providing support to refine our research direction.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 3d

📅 Read more: 👉 wfa.org/un-mspp-amr-animal-welfare-publication

#AnimalWelfare #SustainableFoodSystems #PublicHealth #EthicalSeafoodResearch #AquaticWelfare #FishWelfare #AMR #OneHealth #Policy #FoodSafety

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 3d

The brief calls for:
🔹 Embedding animal welfare expertise in IPEA’s mandate
🔹 Recognising welfare as a foundation of prevention strategies
🔹 Supporting governments to integrate welfare into National Action Plans

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 3d

Why it matters:
🐟 Farmed animals receive large quantities of antimicrobials — use is projected to rise by 30% by 2040.
⚠️ Overuse fuels AMR, one of the world’s top public health threats.
✅ Stronger welfare standards in nutrition, housing, and handling reduce disease and antibiotic dependence.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 3d

Developed by the Action Group on Animal Welfare – AMR Nexus, led by the World Federation for Animals, the paper brings together organisations including FOUR PAWS, Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys, and us here at ESR, among others.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 3d

📢 Animal welfare must be central in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The UN Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform on AMR has released a new policy briefing, “Embedding Animal Welfare in the IPEA Mandate: A One Health Imperative for Curbing AMR.”

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Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 4d

A special acknowledgement goes to:

Sarah Wahltinez
Christian van Rijn
Christine Huynh

#AquaticAnimalWelfare #EthicalSeafoodResearch #FishWelfare #FishWelfareResearch #EffectiveAltruism #SustainableAquaculture #Kenya

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 4d

💡 Why it matters: High-quality data is the foundation for meaningful analysis and future publication — helping to advance the global conversation on fish welfare and drive better outcomes for aquatic animals worldwide.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 4d

This project was made possible through the support of Effective Altruism Animal Welfare Fund and in partnership with Nautilus Collaboration, Dr Mwenda Mbaka, and our Kenyan Country Director Faisal Qureshi.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 4d

📊 Mona has been analysing data from a comprehensive baseline survey we conducted last year across Kenyan fish farms, exploring key barriers to adopting higher welfare practices.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 4d

🔎 Behind the Research

We’re thrilled to spotlight the work of Mona Zahir, who’s been contributing to our research this summer alongside her doctoral studies in sociology at @uclacollege.bsky.social.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 8d

Together, we can build a future where seafood is not only good for people and the planet, but for the animals themselves.

#HappyAnimalDay #AnimalWelfare #EthicalSeafoodResearch #AquaticAnimalWelfare #FishWelfare #ProtectAnimals

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 8d

The road ahead is long. From hatchery to harvest, every stage of aquaculture production offers chances to reduce suffering and improve both welfare and quality.

This World Animal Day, let's remember: animal welfare includes aquatic animals.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 8d

But progress is happening:
🔹 Fish welfare is entering policy and regulation.
🔹 Trials in Africa and Asia are proving humane harvest is possible even under tough conditions.
🔹 Farmers, scientists and policymakers are joining forces for an ethical, sustainable seafood sector.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 8d

Fish and other aquatic animals are often forgotten, even though they make up most of the farmed vertebrates on the planet. Their welfare still receives too little attention.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 8d

Today is World Animal Day! 🐟🌍🦁

We stand with organisations worldwide working to ensure all animals are treated with dignity and care.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 9d

Jane's legacy of using rigorous science to drive institutional change and promote compassion will continue to fuel our work towards a resilient aquatic food system that is free of intensive and unethical practices.

#RIP #JaneGoodall #AnimalWelfare #AquaticWelfare #Africa #Sentience #ESR

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 9d

Just as Dr Goodall challenged the world to see the chimpanzee, we are driven to ensure the fair treatment of fish and other aquatic animals who are largely unseen and unheard.

Ethical Seafood Research @ethicalseafood.bsky.social · 9d

Her groundbreaking, science-based approach that insisted on animals as individuals, not just 'others' is a foundational pillar of our mission.