Indonesia is taking its first steps towards understanding and improving fish welfare through a new research initiative to support sustainable aquaculture development and raise awareness across the industry.
The conversation gained momentum during a workshop held in Surabaya in April 2026, which brought researchers, aquaculture businesses, NGOs and sustainability practitioners together to discuss how fish welfare considerations could be incorporated into one of the world’s largest aquaculture sectors.
The event was organised under the Asian Fish Welfare Network (AFWN), led by the University of Stirling and funded by Coefficient Giving. While countries such as Thailand and Vietnam have already begun exploring fish welfare through earlier projects, Indonesia remains at an early stage, with limited research and policy focus on the subject.
Participants highlighted that one of the biggest challenges is the perception among fish farmers, which can lead to increased production costs and operational complexity. Researchers noted that many producers are initially unfamiliar with the concept and often view it as an additional burden rather than an opportunity to improve farming practices.
To address this gap, AFWN has launched a call for research proposals focused on fish welfare narratives, farmer perceptions and opportunities for practical welfare improvements within Indonesia’s diverse aquaculture systems.
Researchers stressed that the objective is not to replicate European welfare models but to develop approaches suitable for local production conditions and economic realities. Indonesia’s aquaculture industry ranges from large-scale export operations to small family farms, requiring flexible and locally relevant solutions.
The workshop attracted interest from sustainability practitioners who see fish welfare as part of broader efforts to promote responsible aquaculture, strengthen production systems and meet evolving international market expectations.
Participants agreed that the initiative represents an important first step in building awareness and encouraging dialogue among stakeholders. As Indonesia continues to expand its position as a leading global aquaculture producer, fish welfare is expected to become an important part of discussions around sustainability, productivity and long-term industry development.
