— Our Work / Research

Investigating solutions to create a sustainable food system that prioritizes aquatic animal welfare

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We produce applied, decision-relevant research that is used by policymakers, certification bodies, companies, and advocacy organizations to inform standards, frameworks, and implementation. Aquatic Life Institute’s research aims to answer questions around sustainability integrations, operational feasibility, supply chain alignment, and public health and food system resilience - helping a range of stakeholders create a more future-focused food system.

Access our research library ➔
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Key Elements of ALI’s Research

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Developing actionable standards and frameworks

Our research focuses on what welfare improvements look like in practice by identifying measurable indicators, operational criteria, and pathways for adoption according to the best available evidence.

➔ See this in action through our report: An Industry Shift Towards Environmental Enrichment in Aquaculture

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Bridging science and implementation

We synthesize academic research and translate it into formats usable by non-academic stakeholders, including policy briefs, certification recommendations, and corporate guidance.

➔ Check out our latest scientific journal publication: Harmonizing Animal Health and Welfare in Modern Aquaculture

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Identifying system-level gaps and leverage points

We analyze where welfare is missing or weakly defined within existing systems, and where targeted interventions can produce outsized change.

➔ Read the article: ‘Positive’ animal welfare in aquaculture as a cardinal principle for sustainable development

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Supporting coordinated advocacy with shared evidence

Our research underpins coalition efforts, ensuring that stakeholders across regions and sectors are working from a consistent, evidence-based foundation.

➔ Explore the scientific backing for global advocacy in aquaculture: Key Animal Welfare Recommendations for Aquaculture

Contact

Tessa Gonzalez

➔ For research inquiries, including technical input or collaboration, connect with our Director of Research and Impact

Featured in

Harmonizing Animal Health and Welfare in Modern Aquaculture(2025) ➔ Cited in Feed & Additive feature

‘Positive’ Animal Welfare in Aquaculture as a Cardinal Principle for Sustainable Development (2023) ➔ Cited in Feed & Additive feature

Why Cephalopod Farming Must Be Rejected Before It Starts(2023) ➔ ALI research and testimony supported the passage of California Oppose Cruelty To Octopuses (OCTO) Act AB 3162

ALI Stunning and Slaughter: Best Practices for Animal Welfare in Aquaculture(2023) ➔ Cited in Aquaculture Stewardship Council Farm Interpretation Manual v1.0.1

Nueva Pescanova: Prioritizing Profits and Polluting Las Palmas(2023) ➔ Cited in New York City Bar Committee Report Supporting the Federal Octopus Act of 2025

The Welfare of Captive Fish (2022) ➔ Published in IAABC Foundation Journal‍ ‍