New Report: Benefits of Aquatic Animal Welfare for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Leading up to the 2023 SDG Summit, we have published a new report on how aquatic animal welfare intertwines with multiple SDGs, highlighting ten priority areas where it can pave the way towards achieving a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030.
This year marks the halfway point towards the deadline of achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In September, the UN will host a SDG Summit to review the state of the SDGs implementation, provide policy guidance, mobilize action to accelerate implementation and consider new challenges since setting the SDGs in 2015. In gearing up for this momentous event, we have published a new report on the Benefits of Aquatic Animal Welfare for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which could serve as a powerful tool in advocating for aquatic animals.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strives to address the most critical challenges facing humanity today. While many aspects of sustainable development are included in the SDGs, one vital yet overlooked component is animal welfare. In this report, we shed light on how aquatic animal welfare intertwines with multiple SDGs, and highlight ten priority areas where its inclusion can pave the way towards achieving a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030.
It is essential to recognize that aquatic animal welfare extends beyond ethical considerations. Improving their welfare has far reaching implications for sustainable development, including poverty eradication, food security, environmental preservation, public health, and social equity. Incorporating aquatic animal welfare considerations into national policies, strategies, and practices is an urgent and essential task for all countries. By addressing the welfare of these sentient beings, nations can forge a transformational path towards a more sustainable and equitable future, in line with the principles and interconnectedness of the 2030 Agenda.
Specifically, we identify ten priority areas in which aquatic animal welfare serves as a cross-cutting solution to many of the SDGs beyond SDG14: Life Below Water. By embracing this holistic perspective, we can foster a more compassionate, sustainable, and resilient world for both present and future generations.
Water Quality
SDGs 6, 14
Water quality is directly linked to the welfare of aquatic animals in fish farms. Overcrowding and inefficient feeding practices can lead to toxic wastewater, causing harm to the surrounding environment and public health. To address this, implementing species-appropriate stocking density and optimal feeding is crucial, along with comprehensive aquaculture zoning and site selection.
Biosecurity
SDGs 6, 14
Escapes of non-native fish from aquaculture farms disrupt local ecosystems and threaten native species. Preventing such escapes through double-netting and species-specific stocking density can mitigate the impact on the environment.
Disease Control
SDGs 3, 14
Disease outbreaks in fish farms can have devastating consequences for wild fish populations and ecosystems. By providing a high welfare environment with proper nutrition and stress-reducing measures, the risk of disease outbreaks can be minimized, reducing the need for antimicrobial usage.
Antimicrobial Resistance
SDGs 3, 14
The misuse of antibiotics in aquaculture can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, a global health concern. Adopting responsible antibiotic use and employing vaccinations under the guidance of trained professionals can mitigate this risk.
Feed Composition
SDGs 2, 12, 13, 14
Improving feed composition in aquaculture is vital for the industry's sustainability and global food security. Research and innovation are required to reduce the reliance on wild-caught fish in feed and shift toward plant-based alternatives. Policies and incentives are also required for a global shift from farming carnivorous species (e.g. salmon) to herbivorous or omnivorous species (e.g. tilapia), extractive species (e.g. shellfish, seaweed), and systems where animals and their feed are co-produced.
Climate Change
SDGs 13, 14
Aquatic animal welfare is intrinsically linked to climate change and ocean health. One method in which fishes are caught is through bottom trawling, which produces a significant amount of carbon emissions. Removing aquatic animals and destroying seabed habitats also reduce the ocean's capacity to store carbon. Meanwhile, aquaculture will be increasingly affected by climate change in many ways, including increased temperature, ocean acidity, pollutants, and more intense and unpredictable weather events. Responsible practices, such as banning bottom trawling, promoting seaweed farming, and sourcing feed sustainably, can help mitigate climate impacts.
Food Security
SDGs 2, 14
High aquatic animal welfare leads to healthier fish populations and improved food security. Utilizing low trophic species, optimizing feed conversion ratios, and establishing marine reserves support sustainable food sources.
Food Safety
SDGs 3, 14
Proper welfare practices during rearing and slaughter can enhance fish product safety and quality for consumers, reducing the need for antimicrobial treatments and chemicals.
Ecosystem Health
SDGs 12, 13, 14, 15
Consideration of aquatic animal welfare is crucial to maintain ecosystem health. Proper aquaculture practices and responsible fishing gear reduce negative impacts on the environment and wildlife.
Livelihoods
SDGs 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15
Sustainable aquatic animal welfare supports livelihoods in coastal communities by promoting safer and dignified work conditions, protecting small-scale fishers, and curbing harmful fishing subsidies.
Aquatic animal welfare is not just an ethical concern; it is a key driver of achieving the SDGs. By addressing the welfare of these sentient beings, we can foster a more sustainable and resilient world for both people and the environment. For more information on all of the ways in which aquatic animal welfare is connected to the SDGs, see here. If you are inspired to help us continue advocating for aquatic animal protection on a global scale, support us here.