Why Focus on Aquatic Animal Welfare?

 

Hong Kong is a globally significant hub for seafood consumption, with an annual per capita seafood consumption of approximately 66 kg, ranking fifth worldwide. Scientific evidence increasingly shows that fish, crustaceans and cephalopods are capable of experiencing pain. With global aquaculture production surpassing capture fisheries for the first time in 2022, and projected to account for 60% of aquatic food for human consumption by 2032, improving aquatic animal welfare has become an essential priority for industry development.

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Benefits of Improved Welfare

 

• Higher Profits: Enhancing welfare improves survival rates, reduces disease outbreaks and mortality, and increases overall productivity.

• Improved Product Quality: Minimising stress during rearing, handling and slaughter preserves better quality and improves growth and feed efficiency.

• Market Advantage: Meeting rising consumer expectations for sustainability and quality creates opportunities to access premium markets.

• Environmental Efficiency: Better water quality and farm management reduce waste and excessive antibiotic use.

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Purpose of the Guide

 

Planet For All is launching Hong Kong’s first “Aquatic Animal Welfare Guide” (1st Edition) to spark discussion and raise awareness across the sector. This initial edition aims to serve as a foundation for collective improvement. We invite all stakeholders to participate actively, through collaboration and shared expertise, to co-develop an enhanced version tailored to Hong Kong’s unique context.

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Our Objectives

 

• Establish a benchmark for quality and welfare in Hong Kong’s aquaculture industry to promote sustainable development;

• Provide practical operational guidance to the industry to enhance management efficiency and seafood quality;

• Increase public awareness of aquatic animal welfare, advancing food safety and ecological well-being.

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We look forward to working together to build a sustainable future for aquaculture in Hong Kong—one where economic development, ecological health and animal welfare progress hand in hand.

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📨For enquiries, please contact:katherine@planet4all.org