2020 Review of Aquatic Animal Welfare from ALI

As the last blog post of 2020, we’d like to share our top stories for aquatic animal welfare from this year. In only a short few months, we have seen tremendous progress in this nascent movement, a testament to the foundational path that the Aquatic Life Institute (ALI) has been paving behind the scenes since its founding in mid-2019. Here are some highlights.  

A major headline was made from the creation of the Coalition for Aquatic Conservation (CAC), a unique coalition that combines marine conservation organizations with animal welfare organisations so that we can finally break down the silos and begin to collaborate on common issues that can improve the lives for all aquatic life, such as destructive fishing gear and bycatch. In just three months, we already have nearly 40 organizations from around the world eager to collaborate wherever possible. We are excited to see what 2021 will bring to the CAC.

Another news-worthy development was the publication of a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive guide to welfare for wild and farmed aquatic animals. After consulting with global experts, ALI led the effort in drafting the guide with its partners. This type of groundbreaking research has formed the basis of not only ALI’s advocacy work but many other organizations working in this field -- providing consistent asks across various animal welfare groups. 

Last and perhaps the biggest impact we have had was the formation of the Aquatic Animal Alliance (AAA). Inspired by the Open Wing Alliance, the AAA is a coalition of advocacy organizations across six continents that believes aquatic animals should have lives free of suffering. Since its founding, members of the AAA have collectively targeted some of the biggest certification labeling schemes in the world urging for the incorporation of high welfare standards for aquatic animal products. We are proud to report that at least one, the GlobalG.A.P., has agreed to postpone their deadline in order better rewrite their welfare standards based on our feedback.

You can help support aquatic animals easily by following us on social media and helping to spread the word about their sentience.

As you can see, 2020 saw great strides in a nascent movement that is steadily gaining momentum. We look forward to creating further positive impact in 2021.

From all of us at ALI, we thank you for your continued support and wish you a safe and happy holiday!