The white paper was a collaborative initiative between the African Union’s InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and Ethical Seafood Research (ESR) and aims to prioritise aquatic animal welfare across Africa.
Aquatic animals, including fish, shellfish and marine mammals, play pivotal roles in Africa's ecosystems. Concurrently, the production and consumption of aquatic animal-derived foods are rapidly increasing, making substantial contributions to human nutrition, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development.
The fact sheet covers the importance of aquatic animal welfare in maintaining ecosystem health and supporting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, crucial for coastal and other aquatic animal-dependent community livelihoods. It advocates for conservation efforts to protect Africa's aquatic biodiversity and emphasizes the need for standards to ensure humane treatment. Additionally, it highlights economic benefits, the importance of education, and international cooperation in addressing these issues comprehensively.
