Advocating for Aquatic Animal Welfare: ALI's Impact at the AVA Summit 2023
Aquatic Life Institute (ALI) proudly collaborated with the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit (AVA) organizing team over the past year, to curate two comprehensive sessions, exclusively focused on championing effective interventions to advocate for aquatic animals within the food system. These sessions assumed a pivotal role during this year's conference in Los Angeles, establishing an essential platform for constructive dialogues and strategic initiatives in a long-overlooked facet of our movement.
Convening once more on a global scale, over 700 activists gathered to underscore a shared mission: the transformation of the global food landscape through the elimination of animal exploitation, and the embrace of compassion towards animals being caught and farmed for human consumption.
Under the spotlight were two sessions titled "Aquatic Advocacy - Reports from the Field" and "Interventions Towards Abolishing Aquatic Farming." These sessions provided a forum for experts, advocates, and innovative minds to address pressing issues encompassing aquaculture and wild-caught fisheries. Topics included identifying gaps in expertise within aquatic animal advocacy, exploring emerging technologies for enhancing animal welfare, and devising strategies to foster empathy and understanding for marine life beyond species-centric perspectives.
Heading the "Aquatic Advocacy - Reports from the Field" session was Tessa Gonzalez, a senior researcher at ALI. The session featured Mahi Klosterhalfen and Stefan Johnigk, the minds behind the Albert Schweitzer Foundation's Aquaculture Welfare Standards Initiative. They were joined by Andres Jimenez Zorrilla, CEO of the Shrimp Welfare Project, and Haven King-Nobles from the Fish Welfare Initiative. Engaging conversations revolved around bridging skill gaps in the aquatic animal advocacy movement, and shedding light on cutting-edge advancements in stunning methodologies, especially in the context of farmed shrimp.
“Aquatic Advocacy - Reports from the Field” Session
“Aquatic Advocacy - Reports from the Field” Session
Under the moderation of ALI's Managing Director, Sophika Kostyniuk, the "Interventions Towards Abolishing Aquatic Farming" session echoed with dynamic exchanges. Carolina Galvani, founder of Sinergia Animal, and Abigail Penny Executive Director at Animal Equality UK, alongside ALI's Tessa Gonzalez, steered insightful discussions. The audience delved into thought-provoking questions, exploring the narrative of fish as a nutritional cornerstone in developing countries, and exploring the challenges of undercover investigations for aquatic animals. Campaign bottlenecks were brought to the fore, and the pursuit of nurturing empathy towards aquatic beings took center stage. Notably, the discussion navigated the complex terrain of opposing perspectives – as some people still tend to oppose farming certain species while tolerating factory farming of others seen as less sentient.
“Interventions Towards Abolishing Aquatic Farming” Session
As we reflect upon the impact achieved, a sense of invigoration embraces us, fueled by the prospects that lie ahead. Our presence at AVA energized our efforts to further pioneer innovative initiatives, advocate for policy transformations, and forge collaborations with partners who share our vision. Together, we can navigate challenges, stimulate pivotal conversations, and etch an enduring legacy for the well-being of aquatic animals across the globe. This endeavor amplifies our shared vision: a world where aquatic animals are accorded the reverence and dignity they rightfully deserve.
