FWI emphasizes the importance of wide dissemination and invites academic institutions, industry leaders to spread the word

New Research Initiative: Transforming Fish Slaughter Practices for a More Humane and Sustainable Aquaculture Industry in India

INDIA
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 07:00 (GMT + 9)

The Fish Welfare Initiative (FWI), an advocate for animal welfare in India's aquaculture industry, has announced an impactful new research project aimed at revolutionizing fish slaughter practices in India.

With the country ranked as the world’s second-largest fish producer, this initiative arrives at a pivotal moment, striving to balance humane treatment with economic viability, reports Fishery.News.

Addressing an Urgent Issue:

Each year, billions of farmed fish undergo significant stress and suffering due to conventional slaughter methods, primarily through asphyxiation. These methods not only inflict severe suffering but also reduce the meat quality, ultimately diminishing the fish's market value. FWI’s initiative aims to replace these practices with pre-slaughter stunning—an approach proven to mitigate suffering while preserving meat quality.

FWI co-founder Haven King-Nobles underscores the necessity of these changes: “We owe it to these animals to explore methods that lessen their suffering. But it’s not just about ethics; it’s about smarter, more sustainable ways to meet consumer demand, enhance product quality, and elevate industry standards.”

Research Goals:

The call for proposals outlines a multi-dimensional approach to this challenge:

1. Identify Key Stakeholders: Understanding which groups—ranging from small-scale farmers to large exporters—would be most receptive to adopting humane slaughter methods.
2. Analyze Incentives and Barriers: Investigate the economic, cultural, and logistical obstacles that could hinder or support the adoption of stunning technology.
3. Develop Pathways to Scale: Create actionable strategies to implement stunning technology across India’s aquaculture sector in a cost-effective, scalable manner.

This research is envisioned to enhance animal welfare while empowering Indian fish farmers to remain competitive in a global market where consumers increasingly prioritize ethical treatment standards.

To the center: Karthik Pulugurtha, Managing Director

Context and Industry Implications:

The global shift towards humane farming practices is accelerating, driven by consumer expectations and stricter regulations. Studies show that pre-slaughter stunning can substantially improve fish meat quality by reducing stress-related degradation. For Indian exporters, meeting these welfare standards is becoming a key factor in maintaining market access and consumer trust.

Unique Aspects of This Research:

Unlike many prior initiatives that stalled in theoretical discussions, FWI’s request for proposals (RFP) is crafted to deliver practical, scalable solutions that can be directly applied in India’s aquaculture landscape. This project aims to bridge the gap between academic research and field application, directly benefiting both the welfare of farmed fish and the industry’s economic sustainability.

Collaboration Opportunities:

FWI is actively seeking proposals from researchers across disciplines, including social sciences, aquaculture, and technical fields. Academic institutions are particularly encouraged to leverage their resources to generate impactful solutions.

“Collaboration between academia and industry is essential,” remarks Shardul Dabir, an FWI consultant. “We need rigorous research backed by practical insights to drive enduring change in the aquaculture sector.”

Through this initiative, FWI aims to foster a shift in India’s aquaculture industry, promoting humane practices that align with evolving global standards while empowering Indian fish farmers.

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