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.
Pressing challenges in the seafood industry, including labor rights, climate change, and sustainability, took center stage at the 2024 edition of the Seafood Expo Global, held in Barcelona from April 23rd to 25th. With a record-breaking attendance of over 35,000 professionals from around the globe, this year's conference marked its largest edition ever, providing a platform for industry leaders to explore the latest trends and innovations.
Representatives from the Aquatic Life Institute (ALI), including Christine Xu, Head of Fisheries Welfare, and Cecilia Valenza, Corporate Engagement Lead, attended the event to foster connections and advocate for the integration of aquatic animal welfare into sustainability and corporate responsibility agendas. Notably, aquatic animal welfare was incorporated into the official program for the first time, in a panel hosted by the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST). Christine Xu spoke about integrating animal welfare considerations into seafood traceability, signaling a shift towards acknowledging the importance of this issue within the industry.
Discussions throughout the conference revealed a growing recognition of animal welfare as a critical topic in the seafood industry. Panelists in sessions such as "Chefs’ View on the Future of Responsible Seafood" highlighted the increasing attention around animal welfare and signaled the need for serious discussions to address this issue comprehensively.
Key figures such as the head of the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture emphasized the importance of animal welfare in the sustainable development of aquaculture. In fisheries, however, the link between animal welfare, sustainability and the bottom line remains less clear to industry stakeholders.
The Seafood Expo Global provided a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to address critical challenges and explore innovative solutions in the seafood sector. With climate change, sustainability, and human health at the forefront of discussions, participants emphasized the importance of collective action and strategic collaboration to ensure a resilient and sustainable seafood industry for future generations.
As the seafood industry continues to evolve, Aquatic Life Institute remains committed to advocating for sustainable and ethical practices that prioritize animal welfare. We encourage industry stakeholders to embrace innovation and collaboration in pursuit of a more sustainable and compassionate future for the seafood industry.