Aquatic Life Institute (ALI) has published the fifth edition of its Marine Capture Fisheries: Innovative Practices for Aquatic Animal Welfare report, highlighting emerging technologies and operational practices aimed at improving animal welfare in wild capture fisheries, including pelagic fisheries targeting species such as mackerel that can also contribute to marine ingredient supply chains used in aquafeed.
According to ALI, the practices featured in the 2026 edition help to reduce harm to aquatic life and the wider marine ecosystem during capture, retrieval, onboard handling, stunning and slaughter – processes that can have a significant impact on welfare and sustainability in commercial fishing operations.
Among the key updates in this year’s edition are new gear innovations designed to reduce crowding, handling stress and unwanted catch, alongside AI-assisted monitoring systems capable of identifying species in real time.
The report also covers new bycatch mitigation technologies, including deterrents for sharks, rays and marine mammals, as well as traceability and data systems such as GDST standards, which can support the documentation of welfare practices across seafood supply chains.
A resource for seafood businesses and policymakers
The report is intended as a resource for fishing companies, seafood businesses, retailers and policymakers seeking to understand which emerging tools could improve welfare outcomes while remaining operationally feasible. While many innovative solutions exist, integrating them into commercial fisheries remains complex due to challenges such as mixed-species catches, limited deck space, and harsh sea conditions.
Despite these obstacles, as showcased in the report, forward-thinking fishing companies are adopting higher welfare practices while research institutions and startups are actively collaborating with industry through field trials. These developments demonstrate that practical welfare improvements are increasingly achievable within commercial fishing operations. As market expectations and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, this report will support companies exploring evidence-based approaches to improving welfare in seafood production.
“What this new report makes clear is that innovation is rapidly transforming what is possible for aquatic animal welfare in capture fisheries. Across the industry, we are seeing research and technologies - from improved gear design to AI-assisted monitoring - that help improve welfare. The next step is scaling these solutions so that more welfare-integrated fishing practices become standard across the industry,” said Christine Xu, head of fisheries welfare, in a press release.
With their Innovative Practices Report, ALI aims to accelerate progress in broader adoption of these innovations, stronger regulatory frameworks, and increased investment to ensure the welfare of aquatic animals. The report serves as a resource for political and corporate decision-makers, providing them with insights to draft new policies that implement cutting-edge welfare practices. As a result, producers can adopt new technologies that minimize aquatic animal suffering in capture fisheries.
