Introduction

Although there has been an increase over the last few years in EA work for aquatic animals, there are still significant gaps and challenges in this space. We believe there is a misconception that the existence of new organisations means that the area is 'covered'. 

Our purpose in this post is to highlight the gaps and challenges in aquatic animal welfare. We argue that an ecosystem of multiple charities and approaches in the space is needed (including overlapping work on species, countries, and/or interventions).

We will also explore some of the challenges that currently hinder the development of this field and offer recommendations within the 'white space' of aquatic animal welfare. Our goal is to initiate a dialogue that will lead to more robust and varied approaches.

Why we need more groups working in the aquatic animal space

There are not that many people working in this space

Animal welfare programs have traditionally been focused on terrestrial species. However, recent years have witnessed a burgeoning interest in aquatic animal welfare within the Effective Altruism community. This could raise the question as to whether we need more charities focusing on aquatic animals, to which we want to argue that we do.

Aquatic animals encompass a wide range of species from fish to crustaceans, and are subjects of increasing concern in welfare discussions. Initiatives by various organisations, including our own (Fish Welfare Initiative and Shrimp Welfare Project), have started to address their needs. However, these efforts represent only the tip of the iceberg. 

The depth and breadth of aquatic animal welfare are vast, and current interventions barely scratch the surface. For example, while there is growing awareness and some actions by various charities towards the welfare of farmed fishes, the welfare needs and work on invertebrates like shrimps are still in nascent stages.

Situations are vastly different between regions, species, and interventions

Despite the progress, significant gaps and challenges persist. The welfare of aquatic animals is a multifaceted issue, complicated by factors like the diversity of species, lack of baseline welfare research, and the intricacies of aquatic farming practices. These challenges contribute to the continued neglect of aquatic animals in broader welfare efforts. 

The complexity of their environments and behaviours, coupled with limited public awareness and scientific understanding, has resulted in a lag in developing comprehensive welfare strategies for these animals.

We need more innovation

Aquatic animals face diverse welfare challenges that vary by species, farming systems, and geography. A one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient—tailored strategies are essential. For example, farmed shrimp and salmon have vastly different biological needs and farming conditions, requiring species-specific solutions. These differences also extend across countries, where farming systems create unique welfare concerns.

A multifaceted approach allows for cross-validation and collaboration. Different organisations can specialize in research, advocacy, or direct interventions, ensuring a more comprehensive effort. By leveraging diverse expertise, the movement can remain adaptive, innovative, and responsive to emerging welfare issues.

The chicken welfare movement demonstrates the power of this approach. Corporate outreach, policy advocacy, and scientific research have collectively driven significant improvements. Applying this model to aquatic animals can create a similarly effective ecosystem, where multiple strategies reinforce each other for lasting welfare gains.

The White Space of Aquatic Animals

One of the primary challenges in this domain is the scarcity of funding and resources, which often limits the scale and scope of interventions. Moreover, there exists a lack of comprehensive awareness about the distinct needs and lives of these creatures, both within the public sphere and among potential stakeholders. 

This is compounded by a hesitancy within the community to venture into what may seem like overlapping territories of welfare work. For instance, the presence of a charity focused on shrimp welfare might inadvertently discourage the formation of another entity addressing the same species, under the misconception that the space is fully 'covered'. This not only narrows the field of welfare work but also limits the potential for diverse, innovative approaches.

To cultivate a richer and more effective landscape in aquatic animal welfare, we encourage the exploration of varied combinations of species, countries, and interventions. This diversity is key to uncovering novel solutions and broadening the impact of our efforts.

Exploring Different Species

Even within the realm of aquatic animals, the needs and welfare issues can vary greatly between species. For example, a charity might focus on species that are less commonly addressed, like certain invertebrates or lesser-known fish species, revealing new insights and welfare opportunities.

Country-Specific Interventions

Tailoring interventions to specific countries or regions is crucial, considering the varying cultural, economic, and environmental contexts. A new charity might replicate successful models in different countries, adapting them to local needs and conditions, thereby broadening the reach of welfare efforts.

Diverse Intervention Strategies

We advocate for experimenting with different types of interventions. These could range from policy advocacy and farmer education to technological innovations and corporate partnerships. Each approach has its unique strengths and can contribute to a holistic welfare strategy.

Encouraging Similar Initiatives

In line with the idea of non-territoriality, we also support the establishment of charities with similar focuses, such as another fish welfare organization in India. This approach fosters healthy competition, innovation, and cross-learning, ultimately benefiting the welfare of aquatic animals.

A number of additional intervention recommendations for shrimp welfare can be found in the “What We Aren’t Doing” section of Shrimp Welfare Project’s Forum post.

Conclusion

We've witnessed firsthand the nascent strides made in recognising and addressing the needs of these diverse and often overlooked species. However, it's clear that the journey is far from complete. Current efforts are just the beginning of what needs to be a more expansive and varied approach to truly make a difference in this area.

The key takeaway from our discussion is the need for a diversified ecosystem of charities and approaches in the realm of aquatic animal welfare. Moving beyond the notion of single entities 'covering' a species or intervention type, we advocate for an ecosystem of strategies and collaborations. This not only ensures a more comprehensive understanding and addressing of the nuanced needs of aquatic animals but also fosters innovation and resilience within the welfare community.