While pompano is an important mariculture species in Vietnam, a lack of formal fish welfare standards and monitoring on the smallscale farms that are prevalent presents a concern regarding welfare of this fish in aquaculture; and varying levels of understanding among practitioners, coupled with traditional farming practices, may hinder adoption of species-specific welfare measures. This study investigated the perceptions and practices of fish welfare in small-scale pompano aquaculture in Nha Trang and surrounded areas. Structured questionnaires were used to interview key stakeholders - hatchery operators, grow-out farmers, and transporters.
A significant majority of stakeholders, particularly hatchery and grow-out operators, demonstrated a strong foundational understanding of key fish welfare concepts, acknowledging fish sentience and susceptibility to stressors. Furthermore, these groups largely accepted their responsibility for ensuring good welfare conditions for the fish, such as good health, freedom to perform natural behaviours, proper feeding, and absence of injury. This positive baseline of awareness and acceptance of responsibility provides a solid foundation for further welfare improvements within the sector.
Despite the generally positive awareness, notable gaps and challenges exist. Transporters exhibited uncertainty regarding behavioural welfare indicators. While operators expressed high awareness and responsibility, their self-assessment of actual welfare practices revealed a discrepancy between knowledge and implementation.
Specifically, hatcheries showed some uncertainty regarding the impact of chemical use, and a portion of grow-out farms expressed doubts about their disease control methods. Transporters, while recognizing transport-related stressors, lacked understanding of social stress and sedation techniques. A significant percentage of transporters also admitted to lacking sufficient knowledge about fish welfare, highlighting a critical need for targeted education. Moreover, a considerable proportion of hatchery and grow-out operators perceived a lack of resources as a barrier to implementing optimal welfare practices.
This study has laid the groundwork for significant welfare improvements in Vietnam’s pompano aquaculture industry. With targeted training, stakeholder collaboration, and evidence-based policy support, the sector can align with international welfare standards while improving productivity, sustainability, and social license to operate.