On 20-21st June 2024, a training event was held in Bangkok for current and potential future award holders under the “Improving Farmed Fish Welfare in Asia” project. The meeting was hosted by Suranaree University and led by staff of the University of Stirling, Institute of Aquaculture.

The programme involved a mix of inputs from the Stirling staff to help deepen understanding of aquatic animal welfare and how academic research can be focused to address the questions raised, and better understand underlying issues.

There was also an opportunity for existing grant holders to present their research to date. This involved the following short presentations:

Perceptions and attitudes towards fish vaccinations in Thailand - Saengchan Senapin (BIOTEC)
An Assessment of Perceptions and Behaviours of stakeholders in Central Thailand and Factors Influencing Farmed Fish Welfare Decisions in the Aquaculture Businesses - Salin Krishna (AIT)
The effects of stocking density and time during transportation on stress, behavioural and morphological observations and metabolic changes in Nile tilapia fry and their impact on growth performances, survival and health status through juvenile stage - Surintorn Boonanuntanasarn (Suranaree University)
Investigating the Application of Clove Oil and Oxygen Nanobubbles to Reduce Stress and Enhance the Welfare of Shrimp Postlarvae during Transportation - Pakkakul Sangsuriya (BIOTEC)

Two MSc students from the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling who are conducting their thesis research in Thailand also presented their work. These were Arnan Hirunratanakorn, who is one of the project funded scholars, and Nsogbu Wadike. Arnan gave a presentation of his project which is investigating market chains for aquaculture produced fish and current practices with respect to transport, stunning and slaughter. Nsogbu outlined his project which looks at synergies and potential trade-offs between improving sustainability metrics and improving welfare in aquaculture production.

David Little Sets out the main objectives of the project and training workshop

Timothy Wiese provides a conceptual framework for welfare research

Saengchan Senapin introduces the BIOTEC research on attitudes to vaccination

Surintorn Boonanuntasarn introduces the Suranaree University project on transport impacts on welfare

Arnan Hirunratanakorn introduces his MSc project researching stunning and slaughter methods along the value chain

Pau Badia Grimalt introduces the FAI Farms project on welfare indicators for tilapia

Group discussions

Providing feedback during concept note development

Reviewing the developed project concept

A presentation was also given by Pau Badia Grimalt on behalf of the FAI Farms fish welfare project that is also funded by Open Philanthropy. This project has developed both teaching materials and a mobile app for on-farm scoring of tilapia welfare.

In the latter part of the programme, participants considered key priorities in welfare research for Thailand and current gaps and then worked in groups on specific research concept notes. This was supported with inputs on the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, and practical tools for problem analysis and research project design.

Further details about the programme and copies of the key presentations are available on this web page: https://www.susaquastirling.net/research-training

We would particularly like to thank Dr Surintorn Boonanuntanasarn and colleagues for looking after all local arrangements and hosting the event so well.