We supported a joint statement from the Coalition for Fair Fisheries Arrangements (CFFA) to the FAO Subcommittee on Trade asking that they stop encouraging the mass production of aquatic animals and adopt a coherent approach that considers animal welfare, the environment, and local communities.
The European Commission’s Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture is out, and we’re happy to see a mention of animal welfare. The text says the Commission will “further develop the EU framework for the welfare of farmed aquatic animals across all stages of production, building on existing good husbandry practices, guidance and scientific knowledge.”
Earlier this year, Nueva Pescanova abandoned its plans to build the world’s first commercial octopus farm in Gran Canaria, Spain. The threat will not go away until we have a ban on octopus farming in EU law. A joint letter to the European Commission, coordinated by CIWF, explains why farming carnivorous aquatic species is inherently incompatible with animal welfare.
Our new White Paper, “Reforming Pig Welfare in the European Union: The Case for a Cage-Free Future,” has been featured on the website of the German Veterinarian Network.
