To raise awareness, educate on ethical aquaculture practices, and promote sustainable fisheries management, a webinar on the basic of fish welfare was conducted on February 25, 2025, as part of DA-NFRDI’s 6th Anniversary celebration.

Claren May Echano, campaign officer of Animal Kingdom Foundation’s Better Fish Tomorrow served as the resource speaker. In her lecture, she presented the importance of fish welfare particularly on the context of the existence of “sentience” among fish.

According to her, fish are sentient or capable of feeling emotions and recognizing their environment. It is therefore important to address prevalent issues and challenges in the fisheries industry including pests and diseases, water quality degradation, overstocking, and lack of government support.

Echano highlighted key findings in the study that they’ve conducted, including low public awareness of fish welfare, absence of a clear definition in existing fisheries regulations and practices, and lack of accessible, comprehensive materials for fisherfolk. Their study recommended developing user-friendly indicators to monitor fish welfare and improve industry standards, ultimately enhancing marketability and profitability.

Attended by NFRDI personnel, the webinar was organized by the Finance and Administrative Division and facilitated by the Training Division. ### (Lea Mae dela Cruz)