Aquatic Life Institute blog
Nueva Pescanova’s Octopus Farm: Obstacles and Opposition
While global efforts against the practice have spurred action, one lingering question remains: What’s happening with Nueva Pescanova’s controversial octopus farm in Spain?
Aquatic Life Institute Recommended by Animal Charity Evaluators in 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Aquatic Life Institute has been recognized as one of the most effective animal charities in the world according to Animal Charity Evaluators’ 2024 recommendations.
RSPCA Ranks 2nd in 2024 Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark: Leading the Charge for Aquatic Animal Welfare
This year, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) was ranked second in the Benchmark, with a score of 7.3 out of 10.
The Media Celebrates California’s Historic Ban on Octopus Farming
The media celebrates the new law as a testament to effective advocacy and collaboration among organizations who raised awareness about the ethical, environmental, and public health issues associated with farming octopuses.
Aquaculture Stewardship Council Leads the Way in Aquatic Animal Welfare: Top Ranking in 2024 Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark
We interviewed Maria Filipa Castanheira, Fish Health and Welfare Standards Manager at Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), to learn about the process that led to ASC’s top ranking in this year’s Benchmark.
Aquatic Life Institute Releases Rankings in 3rd Annual Aquaculture Certification Benchmark
Aquatic Life Institute (ALI) is thrilled to announce the release of the 3rd edition of our Aquaculture Certification Schemes Benchmark: Aquatic Animal Welfare. This annual report evaluates the welfare standards of 8 global seafood certification schemes and, for the first time, an international ratings agency.
California Makes History as the Second State to Prohibit Octopus Farming in the U.S.
On September 27th, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 3162, the California Oppose Cruelty to Octopuses (OCTO) Act into law, prohibiting octopus farming and the sales of commercially farmed octopus products in California.
Global Experts Call for Urgent Action at the 5th Annual Aquatic Life Conference
The 5th Annual Aquatic Life Conference was a resounding success, bringing together 860 registrants and 18 globally diverse speakers to discuss the future of the seafood industry through the lens of Aquatic Life Institute’s 4Rs framework: Reduce, Refine, Replace, and Reject.
Two Major Companies Publish Comprehensive Crustacean Welfare Policies
Aquatic Life Institute has supported major companies, Tesco and Hilton Foods, in producing comprehensive crustacean welfare policies, both released this month.
Federal Bill to Ban Commercial Octopus Farming and Imports Introduced in U.S.
We are thrilled to share groundbreaking news in our Octopus Farming Ban Campaign. U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Lisa Murkowski have introduced a federal bill to ban the commercial farming of octopuses, as well as the importation and sale of commercially farmed octopus.
Aquatic Animals at the Animal and Vegan Advocacy (AVA) Summit 2024
From May 16-19, Aquatic Life Institute (ALI) attended the Animal and Vegan Advocacy (AVA) Summit in Washington, DC, where more than 800 animal advocates convened, and over 70 sessions took place to strengthen our advocacy efforts for animals in the global food system.
Key Stakeholders Acknowledge Urgent Need to Address Animal Welfare in the Seafood Industry
For the first time, the topic of animal welfare was incorporated into the official program of the Seafood Expo Global, gaining prominence alongside pressing issues such as climate change, labor rights, and sustainability.
Octopus Farming: Alarms Raised by Aquatic Life Institute are Echoed by Canary Islands Government
Aquatic Life Institute has both led and contributed to a global campaign to ban octopus farming since 2022. We are adamantly opposed to the establishment of this industry as there are a myriad of animal welfare, environmental, public health and community wellbeing concerns regarding exploiting octopuses in intensive settings.
Exploring Aquatic Animal Welfare and Sustainable Fisheries: Insights from the 9th World Fisheries Congress
From March 3-7, Aquatic Life Institute’s team members, Christine Xu and Sophika Kostyniuk, attended the 9th World Fisheries Congress in Seattle. This gathering serves as a global platform for fisheries managers and scientists to tackle the complex challenges facing aquatic ecosystems.
Despite Progress in Sustainability, the Seafood Industry Has Yet to Prioritize Animal Welfare for Comprehensive Improvement
At Seafood Expo North America in Boston in early March, Aquatic Life Institute team members engaged in discussions and made connections with stakeholders aligned with our vision for a more humane and sustainable seafood industry.
Washington State Prohibits Octopus Farming: A Major Victory for Animals
In a groundbreaking move for aquatic animal welfare, Washington House Bill 1153, which prohibits octopus farming in the state, has been officially signed into law, and is the first law of its kind in the world.
Sustaining Ocean Life: A Call for Holistic Ocean Conservation in Climate Action at COP28
2023 marks the hottest year on record. Our oceans, the world's largest carbon sink, are experiencing unprecedented threats from multiple fronts. Our team will be at COP28 to ensure holistic climate policies that include ocean conservation and aquatic animal welfare.
Support Aquatic Animals this Giving Tuesday
Together, we can make a meaningful difference for aquatic animals and our planet. This Giving Tuesday, November 28th, stand with us in our mission to reduce the suffering of aquatic animals caught in the global food system.
Ethical Evolution: How Corporate Embrace of Animal Welfare Shapes Trust and Success
As the world confronts pressing issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and ethical treatment of animals, businesses have a pivotal role to play in crafting solutions that contribute positively to sustainable development.
Progress on Animal Welfare in Aquaculture Certifications: Aquatic Life Institute Launches Second Annual Benchmark Report
Aquatic Life Institute (ALI) has launched the second edition of the aquaculture certification benchmark tool that analyzes current welfare requirements within the primary farming standards of 7 global seafood certification schemes.