2004 Welfare underwater
Welfare underwater - issues with aquatic animals
Tuesday 24 February 2004
Telstra Theatre, Australian War Memorial, Canberra
The 2004 RSPCA Australia Scientific Seminar examined recent developments in our understanding of, and interactions with, marine and freshwater animals as livestock, wildlife, companion animals and research animals.
Interest in the welfare of aquatic animals is at an historic high, with each new scientific enquiry into whether or not fish experience pain making news and fuelling discussion. These discussions may lead to changes in the way we define what are the most humane methods of handling and killing fish and crustaceans within both the commercial and recreational sectors. There are also widespread concerns over the future of our larger marine animals, with debate over the relevance of the International Whaling Commission and its ability to control the killing of whales.
In aquaculture, the expansion of farming of both marine and freshwater species has raised issues over the welfare of farmed fish. Indeed, the way we use or care for all kinds of aquatic animals is being examined on a range of different levels, from the fishing and seafood industries, recreational fishing, aquarium displays, aquaculture, to our treatment of aquatic animals as ‘pets'.
Presentations covered the impacts of human interactions, humane treatment and humane killing, and providing an appropriate captive environment.
This project is supported by the Commonwealth Government through a grant-in-aid administered by the Department of Finance and Deregulation.