By FAI
Launched on January, 22th, “Tilapia Behavior and Welfare Indicators:from foraging to humane slaughter” is the latest free online training course produced by leading tilapia welfare experts, FAI.
Available through FAI’s learning portal, FAI Academy, and accessible globally, the new course empowers aquaculture professionals to improve tilapia welfare, boost farm productivity, and promote sustainable practices.
“The course is specifically tailored for fish farmers, veterinarians, and seafood supply chain professionals, providing practical insights into critical welfare areas,” explains Dr. Sara Barrento, FAI’s e-learning and aquaculture program manager. “Participants will gain hands-on skills to assess tilapia behavior, recognize welfare indicators, and humane slaughter methods, all grounded in the latest scientific research and best practices.
“Importantly, the course also addresses the widespread misunderstandings about what humane slaughter truly means, offering practical examples to help distinguish humane methods from inhumane ones. By advancing these practices, we’re not just improving fish well-being, we’re driving a more ethical and informed approach to food production.”
Topics covered in the new course include measuring behavioral indicators such as swimming and foraging using a three-score system, recognizing signs of pre-slaughter stress and adopting humane slaughter methods.
“This is more than just learning theory,” continues Dr. Barrento. “Farmers gain actionable skills to actively monitor and assess the welfare of their fish, allowing them to take control of welfare outcomes on their farms. Focusing on welfare enables farmers to enhance productivity, improve meat quality, and strengthen their farm’s reputation.”
This course is just one in a series of five online welfare-focused courses that FAI offer and together they form a core component of FAI’s ongoing Tilapia Welfare Project. This project is aimed at improving the lives of as many farmed tilapias as possible worldwide. By providing accessible, science-based resources, FAI is helping farmers achieve better welfare outcomes and establishing them as leaders in sustainable aquaculture practices.
“While this course is specifically focused on the behavioral aspects of tilapia welfare it is essential for welfare practitioners to assess all welfare indicators across the different domains: environmental, nutrition, and health,” says Dr Barrento. “When all our courses are completed together, they provide a comprehensive toolkit for learners to become effective welfare practitioners on their farms and ensure their fish thrive.”
FAI offers a large range of tilapia-focused welfare training resources via the FAI Academy website. These online courses also complement FAI’s Tilapia Welfare Assessment App. This mobile-friendly tool enables farmers to assess fish welfare using scientifically verified indicators across the four domains of animal welfare: nutrition, environment, behavior and health. Examples of these welfare indicators include appropriate feed quantity, eye health, swimming behavior and water quality.
“Tilapia welfare plays a vital role in aquaculture and we’re working to provide a comprehensive toolkit for improving welfare outcomes,” concludes Dr. Barrento. “Our research and expertise within the aquaculture sector show that enhancing fish welfare not only results in healthier fish with a better quality of life but also boosts profitability for farmers.
“By advancing tilapia welfare practices, we’re not just improving fish well-being, but also contributing to more sustainable food production.”
The Tilapia Behaviour and Welfare Indicators course can be accessed for free via the FAI Academy website: https://enterprise.faifarms.com/uk/fast-checkout/28d3ae8d3af98aec45ae0d63d63776ca
About FAI
FAI is a global leader in aquaculture welfare research and development, committed to advancing sustainable and responsible aquaculture practices. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, FAI works with industry partners to drive positive change across the aquaculture sector.
About FAI Academy
FAI Academy is an online training platform run by FAI and aims to advance knowledge and skills within the agricultural and aquaculture sectors. It offers a wide range of courses, workshops, and resources designed to empower individuals working towards more sustainable food production. From online modules to in-person seminars, FAI Academy provides accessible and practical learning experiences and serves as a hub for continuous learning and professional development.
