WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2025 73 that eliminates fear and suffering, making it one of the most humane slaughter techniques. This approach is ideal for small-scale, research, or high-value operations that prioritize both ethical standards and product excellence. The adoption of these methods requires focused training programs and the development of affordable, locally adaptable stunning equipment. Improving welfare at this final stage is not only an ethical imperative but also a key to improving product quality and market access. A Path Forward: Integrated Strategies for Better Welfare Transforming the welfare landscape in African aquaculture requires a multi-pronged, collaborative approach that blends modern science with practical, on-the-ground reality. The following integrated strategies provide a roadmap for meaningful improvement: Optimised Stocking and System Design: Promote and disseminate clear, species-specific stocking density guidelines. Encourage simple system modifications, such as creating deeper zones in ponds for thermal refuge, to improve the physical environment. Enhanced Feed and Water Management: Besides promoting high-quality feeds, prioritize farmer training in feed management by teaching how and when to feed in order to minimize waste. Expand the use of low-cost aeration and water testing technologies. Building Robust Health Systems: Invest in building regional diagnostic networks and leverage mobile technology. Smartphonebased apps and telemedicine can connect remote farmers with veterinary expertise, enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses and reducing antibiotic misuse. Promoting Humane Practices: National extension services should integrate modules on low-stress fish handling and humane slaughter techniques into their farmer training curricula. Demonstrations and cost-benefit analyses showing the improved product quality from humane slaughter can drive adoption. Supportive Policy and Economic Incentives: Governments and industry bodies can play a transformative role by incorporating animal welfare standards into national aquaculture strategies, certification schemes, and best practice guidelines. Creating market incentives, such as premiums for welfare-assured products, can make ethical farming more profitable. Conclusion: A Sustainable and Ethical Future for African Aquaculture The growth of African aquaculture is a testament to the continent’s innovation and resilience. By consciously addressing the fish health and welfare challenges embedded in current practices, we can ensure this growth is not only productive but also sustainable and ethical. The path toward improved welfare requires collaboration across the entire value chain, involving everyone from smallholder farmers to researchers, policymakers, and private investors. The goal is clear: an African blue revolution that nourishes the continent while upholding the highest principles of animal care and environmental stewardship. Acknowledgements We wish to formally acknowledge the World Aquaculture Society and the WAS Student Association for organizing the student writing workshop, which initiated this paper. We also extend our gratitude to Professor Catriona Macleod for her valuable review and feedback on the drafts of this manuscript. Notes Tafadzwa Maredza,* Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, P Bag CY 7701, Causeway, Harare Zimbabwe; Alice Namata, Makerere University School of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security, Bulwanyi, Uganda. * Corresponding author: maredza.tm@gmail.com (CONTINUED ON PAGE 74) A Snapshot of African Aquaculture Production Systems System Type Description & Prevalence Key Welfare Challenges Extensive Rural-based, using natural water bodies Limited control over environment and disease; (rivers, seasonal ponds) with minimal inputs. fish highly susceptible to environmental changes Relies on natural productivity. and predators (Meliko et al. 2021; Sanda et al. 2024). Semi-Intensive The dominant method, typically earthen ponds. Variable feed quality leads to nutritional stress; Uses fertilizers and supplementary feeds poor water quality management common, (e.g., maize bran, kitchen waste). causing oxygen depletion and ammonia spikes (Offem et al. 2020; Mustapha 2014). Intensive Includes cages, concrete tanks, and High stocking densities cause chronic stress and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). aggression; system failure (e.g., power loss in RAS) Prevalent in urban/peri-urban areas. can be catastrophic; requires rigorous biosecurity (Charo et al. 2023). Integrated & Emerging Includes integrated agriculture-aquaculture Management complexity; requires balanced (IAA) and aquaponics (fish + plants), understanding of both fish and plant/crop needs to enhancing sustainability. prevent welfare compromises (Obirikorang et al. 2021; Birhanu and Natarajan 2019). Note: The backbone of African aquaculture continues to be earthen pond culture for catfish and tilapia (FAO 2024; El-Sayed 2006). Strengthening the integration of indigenous ecological knowledge with contemporary techniques to enhance welfare outcomes is a potential direction forward (Sanda et al., 2024).
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