The University of Stirling has been awarded £780,000 from Open Philanthropy to improve the welfare of farmed fish in Thailand and Vietnam, with the aim of enhancing the quality of fish for human consumption.
“ “Across Asia there are serious welfare issues that affect millions of aquatic animals and there is an urgent need to drive change. In addition, there is very little awareness about the importance of improving the situation. This significant research funding will help tackle these issues and we hope it will vastly improve aquatic animal welfare, result in fewer losses, produce a higher standard of meat, and boost the economy.” ”
Jimmy Turnbull, Sonia Rey Planellas, David Little and Amaya Albalat review fish behaviour video at the Niall Bromage Freshwater Research Unit.
The project is being led by Professor Dave Little (Deputy Head of the Institute of Aquaculture), Professor Jimmy Turnbull (Strategic Lead on Animal Welfare), Dr Amaya Albalat (Senior Lecturer in Welfare and Behaviour), and Dr Sonia Rey Planellas (Lecturer in Welfare and Behaviour).
The research aims to support transformational change in the welfare of farmed fish across the continent. Interventions will have the potential to avoid unnecessary harm and pain to the fish, help farmers improve efficiency and business resilience, support a sustainable environment, contribute to a healthier general population, and combat poverty and hunger.
Seafood is central to Southeast Asian cuisine - Farmed prawns are cooked to order at this street stall in Bangkok
The project will start by mapping opportunities for improved welfare, establishing networks of stakeholders, supporting education and advocacy, research into delivering improvements and removing barriers, and developing guidelines. Outcomes will be disseminated through videos, podcasts, course materials and a resource website, publicised through social media channels and relevant publications.
A key element of the project will be supporting local researchers and working closely with other stakeholders to develop innovative approaches to improving fish welfare practically, all while raising awareness and interest among consumers. The work will fund and support the development of the most promising small projects in both countries to help achieve these goals.
The project will also make a fully funded MSc scholarship to study at the Institute of Aquaculture available to a Thai and Vietnamese national, harnessing and growing the potential of local talent to continue work in this area into the future.
Alongside this project, Open Philanthropy are funding a specific project on the welfare of farmed tilapia, led by FAI Farms. We will be collaborating closely with this project.
If you are based in Thailand or Vietnam with an interest in this issue we would be keen to establish contact with you. Please connect with us using the e-mail form below.