Scientific Seminar

2004 Welfare underwater - issues with aquatic animals

Tuesday 24 February 2004, Australian War Memorial, Canberra 

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.

Proceedings:

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Previous Scientific Seminars

2003 Solutions for achieving humane vertebrate pest control.

2002 Equine welfare: balancing tradition and science.

2001 Pets or pests? The future of companion animal ownership.

2000 Animal welfare in the new millennium: towards a national approach.

1999 Scientific evidence and improvements in animal welfare: are we ignoring the obvious?