Greetings,

We hope you’re doing well, wherever you are in the world. Two important updates for you from FWI:

First, we just released our new report Fish Welfare Improvements in Aquaculture (written by my colleague Dr. Marco Cerqueira). This is one of the most comprehensive reports ever produced detailing not just fish welfare issues, but how we can solve them. 

The most significant contribution of this report is the species it discusses. Currently, nearly all of the literature on fish welfare deals with species commonly farmed in Europe and North America. This research is important, and in some areas more is needed. 

However, very little research has explored the welfare of the species commonly farmed in Asia, despite them being far more numerous--nearly 90% of all farmed fish originate from Asia. This report, in its extensive discussion of the welfare of Indian major carp, begins to fill this gap.

Second, next Tuesday December 1st, is Giving Tuesday. And this means that Facebook is once more offering $7 million in matching funds. 

Facebook offers these funds on a first-come, first-serve basis. This means that they are expected to run out in seconds, requiring some prep and a few very quick clicks. Fortunately, our friends at EA Giving Tuesday have created instructions, clicking simulations, and more to optimize the chance of a successful donation match. 

Our goal for 2021 is to improve the lives of 500,000 fish. If you think this is a worthy goal, I encourage you to check out EA Giving Tuesdays instructions for donating, and if you’re able, support FWI’s fundraiser on Tuesday.

• Arguing against the expansion of the fisheries sector in Bihar, India.

• French parliament officially adopts resolution asking the European Commission to improve fish welfare (English translation of sections on fish).

• Recent fish farm investigation by Mercy for Animals.

• The Humane League launches new campaign to make fish slaughter more humane in the UK.

• What are Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs)? We Animals Media releases new photo essay.

• The Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s update on their fish welfare project.

• Faunalytics releases study on public beliefs about fishes and implications for advocacy.

• Another land-based salmon farm launching in the US.

• New study assesses replacing fish meal and fish oil with plant-based ingredients.

• It’s time to think about fish welfare in New Zealand.

• Meet Mikko, the lonely grouper in a Finnish aquarium who recently celebrated his 16th birthday.

• Evolution and Application of Aquaculture Operational Welfare Indicators with Dr. Chris Noble: December 1

• Catholic Concern for Animals Fish and Marine Welfare Conference: January 18
   

Know of other upcoming events? Feel free to send them over, and we'll include them next time.