Policy Initiatives
Our policy work involves engaging the EU, FAO, and other international organizations, participating in forums and conferences, to influence changes in policies on an international scale. We also use our coalition work to capitalise on policy opportunities and to form unified asks. Creating legislative change requires a collaborative approach.
In 2023, we launched the Aquatic Animal Policy focus group (AAP). The mission of the AAP is to improve the welfare of aquatic animals used for human consumption, by advancing the interests of farmed and wild-caught aquatic animals worldwide through our legal and governmental systems. Improving the health and well-being of aquatic animals around the globe requires a multi-pronged and collaborative approach, hence the Aquatic Animal Policy focus group utilizes the network of its members/experts to capitalize on policy opportunities, and to form unified asks.
One of the current primary focuses of the AAP is the global campaign to ban octopus farming. The campaign, launched by Aquatic Life Institute, has already achieved significant milestones, notably with Washington State introducing a ban on octopus farming - the first law of its kind worldwide.
Scientific breakthroughs on the topic of animal sentience and the global expansion of aquaculture are sparking a long overdue revolution in animal welfare, particularly for aquatic creatures. Here the Aquatic Animal Policy focus group plays a pivotal role, providing a united and international effort to ensure these animals receive the attention they have been denied for far too long.
- Dr. Lorenzo Fruscella, Campaign Lead, Animal Law Italia
