Sustainability

Animal Welfare in Seafood: Everyone’s Talking—Few Are Ready

The conversation around animal welfare in seafood is gaining momentum—and not just in one corner of the world.

What started as a scientific and policy-driven discussion in parts of Europe is now making its way across global supply chains, landing squarely in front of U.S. companies, retailers, and importers.

And right now, that conversation is no longer theoretical.

It’s showing up in buyer expectations, NGO frameworks, and early shifts in certification standards.

Let’s Be Honest—This Is Already Here

There’s a lot of debate around this topic.  Some of it is valid. Some of it is noise.

But whether we like it or not, this isn’t a future issue—it’s already happening.

  • Retailers are asking questions.
  • NGOs are publishing frameworks.
  • Standards are starting to move.

So the question isn’t if—it’s how prepared we are.

Before We Start Making Promises… Let’s Slow Down

Here’s where I think we need to be careful as an industry:

We cannot jump into bold animal welfare claims or commitments without having a way to verify them.

Because at the end of the day:

What’s the point of a policy if you can’t prove it’s happening?

That’s why—like it or not—third-party certification is still one of the strongest tools we have.

Not perfect. Not complete. But better than assumptions.

The Reality: Wild Capture Is the Hard Part

If you’ve been following this space, you’ve probably noticed:

Most of the real progress has been in aquaculture; Wild capture is… complicated.

Not impossible—but definitely more challenging.

Because unlike farms:

  • You don’t control the environment
  • You don’t always control the moment of capture
  • And you definitely don’t have standardized welfare practices across fleets

Still, there are areas where progress is happening:

Where the focus is today:

  • Capture methods → reducing stress, injury, exhaustion
  • Time to death → minimizing prolonged suffering
  • Handling practices → less crowding, less damage, less air exposure
  • Slaughter methods (when possible) → ike jime, electrical, percussive
  • Bycatch welfare → not just survival, but condition at release

And yes—technology is coming. But adoption? Still early.

The Role of Aquatic Life Institute (ALI)

One thing I do appreciate is the work being done to actually engage industry—especially by organizations like the Aquatic Life Institute (ALI).

They’re working on a roadmap to help companies navigate this space.

And the best part? It’s free. No “pay us and we’ll fix it” model.

Just guidance to help companies start figuring this out.

Aquaculture: More Structured, But Still Evolving

On the aquaculture side, things are more defined—but still not simple.

Take eyestalk ablation in shrimp:

  • Suppliers are testing alternatives
  • But facing real challenges (cost, performance, timelines)
  • And the science + operations are still catching up

Meanwhile, standards are stepping in:

  • BAP → committed to phase out by 2030
  • ASC → proposing a phased approach toward full elimination (~2031)

This is important because it gives the industry something we desperately need:

A timeline. A pathway. A reality check.

Not So Fast: Science Still Matters

Even with promising solutions like electrical stunning—made more accessible through efforts like the Shrimp Welfare Project—implementation remains complex. 

If not done right? You can immobilize an animal without actually rendering it unconscious.

Which means:

  • It looks humane
  • But doesn’t meet welfare expectations

So again—this is not plug-and-play.

It requires:

  • Species-specific validation
  • Proper parameters
  • Real implementation guidance

What I’m Hearing from Suppliers

Transition is possible—but not overnight, and certainly not without the right support in place.

Common concerns:

  • Higher costs
  • Operational complexity
  • Limited availability (especially regionally)
  • Risk of supply disruption if pushed too fast

So… What Should We Actually Do?

Here’s my take:

  • Don’t ignore this
  • Don’t overpromise
  • Don’t go rogue

Instead:

  • Follow where standards are going
  • Engage with suppliers early
  • Map your current reality (not your ideal one)
  • Support phased transitions
  • Stay close to the science

And most importantly: Don’t make commitments your supply chain can’t meet

Final Thought

Animal welfare in seafood is not a passing trend. It’s another layer of accountability: one that’s messy, evolving, and honestly… uncomfortable.

But like everything else in this industry: The companies that pay attention early are the ones that don’t scramble later.

Resources

Aquatic Life Institute