BENEFISH - Benefits and Costs of Fish Welfare

Welcome to BENEFISH

Photograph courtesy of Steinar Johnsen

Evaluation and Modelling of
BENEfits and Costs of FISH Welfare Interventions
in European Aquaculture

Farmed Fish Welfare

Far from the simple creature with a 30 second memory, fish are now known to possess the anatomy, physiology and cognitive ability necessary for perceiving noxious stimuli. Furthermore, they demonstrate behavioural responses characteristic of a painful experience. The welfare of fish bred and raised in captivity is thus a subject for serious consideration, resulting in increasing pressure on the regulatory authorities to legislate on fish welfare. Legislation and regulation pertaining to farmed fish welfare requires a detailed understanding of not only the relevant biology and ethical issues, but also of practical matters regarding welfare assessment and monitoring (e.g. operational welfare indicators) and the economic implications of their implementation. This latter area is the focus of the BENEFISH research program.

Evaluation and Modelling ofBENEfits and Costs of FISH Welfare Interventionsin European Aquaculture

Evaluation and Modelling of
BENEfits and Costs of FISH Welfare Interventions
in European Aquaculture