The Asian Fish Welfare Network organised and supported a special session on “Tilapia Welfare and Certification” at the 5th INFOFISH World Tilapia Trade and Technical Conference and Exhibition in Bangkok in November 2025.
The session lasted approximately 1 hour and followed the overall format of the event with an initial keynote presentation by Professor Dave Little, followed by a round-table discussion with invited speakers on some of the key issues that were raised moderated by Dr Simao Zacarias. Between these a short video was played highlighting the implementation of electro-stunning by Regal Springs, including an interview with the Managing Director of the Indonesian farms Mr Rudolf Hoeffelman.
Professor Dave Little giving the keynote presentation
The overal objective was to highlight how certification and welfare-oriented practices are driving sustainability and profitability in the tilapia industry. The case studies presented reinforced the “Happy Fish, Higher Profit” message, i.e. that healthier fish lead to better growth, lower mortality, and ultimately, higher profits. Certification acts not just as a compliance tool, but as a pathway to sustainability, competitiveness, and long-term value in tilapia farming.
Short video re-cap of the session
The panel members were:
Dr. Alastair Hamilton, Consultant Geneticist, Nam Sai Farms Co., Ltd., Thailand
Ms. Maria Filipa Castanheira, Standards Manager - Health & Welfare, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
Mr. Huw Thomas, Executive Director, Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST), The Netherlands
Ms. Denise Gurshin, Senior Director of Market Development, Global Seafood Alliance, USA
Mr. Warren Turner, Managing Director of Nam Sai Farms Co. Ltd, Thailand, who due to illness stood in for Ms. Jessica Kaye Turner (Assistant Managing Director).
The session also provided the opportunity to launch the Frontiers in Aquaculture Special Topic on Tilapia Welfare.