January - June 2024
2024 Half-Year Report
PROGRESS ON KEY DELIVERABLES
On track / complete - The project is progressing as planned within the expected timeframe or has been achieved
Scheduled - The project is planned and set to commence in the third or fourth quarter of the year
At risk - The project is facing challenges that may prevent it from being completed on time or as planned
SUPPLY CHAIN
3rd edition of best practices in capture fisheries report published
The new edition includes innovations in bycatch reduction and ghost gear management, addressing critical environmental issues. The report was socialized at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, and the Seafood Expo North America in Boston.
Blueyou launched first ever animal welfare policy for a global seafood brand
This policy was created with guidance from ALI and sets a new standard in the industry, prioritizing more humane treatment of aquatic animals.
CERTIFIER CAMPAIGN
Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) removed the “stress test” as an indicator within the Shrimp Handling Management System requirements following feedback from ALI
ASC acknowledges that stress testing is an invasive and obsolete practice.
RSPCA improved stunning language following recommendations from ALI
2 feedbacks sent to seafood certifiers
By building relationships with global seafood certifiers and sending feedback to advocate for higher welfare standards for aquatic animals ensures more humane treatment and sustainable practices.
3rd aquaculture certification schemes benchmark in final stages of completion with 1 new certifier and 1 new ratings agency (Soil Association and Seafood Watch) being evaluated this year
Encouraging certifiers to continually improve their standards to remain competitive and credible in a crowded market creates a race to the top, driving industry-wide improvements in aquatic animal welfare.
COALITIONS
9 members joined the Aquatic Animal Policy (AAP) focus group
The AAP, with 60 members in 40 countries, utilizes the network and expertise of its members to capitalize on policy opportunities, and to form unified asks.
8 members joined the Aquatic Animal Alliance (AAA)
The AAA, with 145+ member organizations in 73 countries, leverages expertise, resources, and influence to drive global improvements in aquatic animal welfare. We present a unified front that enhances the impact of our advocacy efforts.
4 events hosted by Aquatic Life Institute/Aquatic Animal Alliance
ALI/AAA events feature expert speakers, including representatives from AAA member organizations, sharing knowledge to enhance our impact on aquatic animal welfare.
POLICY INITIATIVES
14 joint letters/briefs sent and supported
Active participation in policy discussions and feedback shape regulations for aquatic animal welfare, setting global precedents, harmonizing standards, and fostering cross-border collaboration. Engaging in policy feedback constructs realistic, effective, and ambitious regulations.
Victories and developments in the Octopus Farming Ban Campaign
Historic victory: Washington State passed law against octopus farming
California Oppose Cruelty to Octopuses (OCTO) Act passed the Senate Natural resources Committee
Oregon bill against octopus farming: Prepping for 2025 legislative session
Aquatic Life Institute testified in person, serving as an expert witness at the initial hearing for the California Oppose Cruelty to Octopuses (OCTO) Act
The bill has passed out of the committee with bi-partisan support.
CORPORATE INITIATIVE
Initiated outreach with 7 additional retailers
By forging new relationships with retailers and nurturing existing ones with the four we have already established, our goal is to embed robust aquatic animal welfare standards into corporate policies.
Initiated outreach with 4 new industry associations/channels
ALI is reaching out to retailers' associations in Europe and the US, offering resources and expertise on aquatic animal welfare through materials, webinars, and training. We are also reaching out to major industry media outlets to provide similar support and promote awareness through their events.
Corporate sector brief: Why is addressing aquatic animal welfare a good opportunity for corporations? published
Corporate sector brief: Why & How: Corporate Animal Welfare Commitments in Capture Fisheries published
3 feedbacks sent
Providing feedback to global corporations encourages the implementation of stricter corporate animal welfare policies.
OPERATIONS
2 new board members secured
We welcomed the talented Hira Jaleel and Sean Gifford to ALI’s board of directors. Adding new board members strengthens our leadership and strategic capabilities, ensuring that we can effectively drive our mission forward.
We attracted 49 nominations which reflects the growing interest and engagement with ALI’s mission and provided an opportunity to bring new, diverse expertise and perspectives to our board.
85% of 2024 budget secured
ALI has secured a significant portion of our 2024 funding budget, which enables us to sustain and grow our operations and initiatives.
We are actively seeking additional funding to close the current gap in our 2024 budget.
Organizational policies and job structures refined for enhanced clarity and equity
We have refined our organizational policies, established clear job classifications and pay bands. These improvements enhance internal transparency and promote a more organized and equitable work environment.
BLOG POSTS
EVENTS
Attending and presenting at these events increases our visibility and influence in the industry and policy and advocacy sectors. It allows us to share our insights, learn from others, and form strategic partnerships.
Catch Welfare Platform meetings
EAGx Latam
RSPCA Focus on Fish
World Fisheries Congress Panel on Innovation in Capture Fisheries
World Oceans Summit
Animal Justice Academy panel presentation on Fishes and Caviar farm investigation
Seafood Expo North America presentation with Ace Aquatec
The Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue
Podcast interview with Captain Paul Watson Foundation
Wageningen University magazine interview
Barcelona Seafood Expo Panel on Seafood Traceability
Animal Advocacy Strategy Forum
AVA Summit
Interspecies Kindness and Suffering Symposium
EIT Focus Talks Panel on Sustainable Seafood
LDAC General Assembly meetings
Hosted Animal Welfare online event for Pelagic Advisory Council
Oceanovation Panel on Animal Welfare Investment Opportunities and Risks in Seafood
AAC Working groups meetings
Global Synergy for Animal Welfare
World Federation for Animals General Assembly meeting
The 4th Annual UK Animal Law Conference
EAG Global London
CASS - Guidance for Companies Launch event
Writing to Persuade - User friendly
Too Big to Feed: The Threats of Corporate Consolidation on the Food Supply
Navigating Retailer Sustainability Requirements – Quick Tips, Trends, and Insights for the Industry
Ensuring a One Health approach to food systems transformation
IN THE MEDIA
Real Time Data awarded funding to expand pilot electronic logbook project; Blueyou launches animal welfare policy
AQUATIC ANIMAL WELFARE ADVOCACY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND A BETTER WORLD (May/June 2024 issue)
Blueyou targets environmental and social impacts of seafood with aquatic animal welfare policy
Blueyou launches first animal welfare policy for a seafood brand
BLUEYOU LAUNCHES MOST COMPREHENSIVE ANIMAL WELFARE POLICY FOR SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD WORLDWIDE
Blueyou launches new policy for welfare in aquaculture
Blueyou launches aquatic animal welfare policy
Aquatic animal welfare as a key intervention to achieve sustainability
New Ways of Catching, Producing Seafood Could Boost Health of Aquatic Ecosystems
A Washington arriva la prima legge al mondo che vieta di allevare polpi
Washington: Lo Stato Vieta Gli Allevamenti Di Polpi
2 Wins for Octopus Lovers: Mycelium-Based Tentacles and a Historic Farm Ban
Farmers sought for fish welfare initiative
Washington Senate passes ‘first of its kind’ bill to ban controversial octopus farming
US state bans octopus farming as European innovator launches vegan alternative
A Trailblazing Ban On Octopus Farming Becomes Law In Washington State
Outlawing octopus farms: Could US bans influence EU and incentivize alt-protein innovation?
Bill to Ban Octopus Farming in Washington Has Passed State Senate!
Bill to ban octopus farming passes Senate in Washington
Washington State Set to Ban Octopus Farming
Bill to ban octopus farming passes Washington senate
World-First Bans On Octopus Farming Are Being Considered By Some US States
World-First Bans On Octopus Farming Are Being Considered By Some US States
Benefits of aquatic animal welfare for sustainability