The Asian Fish Welfare Network (AFWN), a project funded by Coefficient Giving, held a workshop at Airlangga University in Surabaya, Indonesia, on the 21st and 22nd of April 2026 to introduce the project to those involved in aquaculture, including academic organisations, policy makers and businesses. Indonesia is a new country included in the AFWN project, providing the opportunity for Indonesian aquaculture communities to benefit from the project as well as shine the light on the importance of fish welfare.

The workshop started with an introduction to the workshop from Dr Simao Zacarias, University of Stirling, followed by a welcome to the workshop from Prof. Annur Hadi Abdillah, Universitas Airlangga, and Prof. I Nyoman Suyasa, Politeknik Ahli Usaha Perikanan.

Professor Dave Little and Dr Simao Zacarias then delivered an interactive session focused on participants understanding of fish welfare, with mentimeter results showing that the large majority agreed that both fish and crustaceans are sentient, i.e. that they feel pain, stress, anxiety, etc. Following the survey, fish welfare was defined, and physical domains, indicators of welfare, and the One Welfare Approach were discussed.

Focus then turned to the interdisciplinarity of welfare research and approaching welfare from different disciplinary backgrounds, with participants asked to consider how their expertise could be applied in a fish welfare project, and what multi-stakeholders could contribute to better welfare research outcomes. The session finished with an overview of the Indonesia AFWN funding call.

Participants reconvened after the lunch break to consider how we can support better farmed fish welfare practically in Indonesia. Participants were asked to initially consider perceptions on current welfare gaps and challenges, and research and development priorities, before brainstorming ideas through group work. The day closed with a representative from each group providing an overview of their discussions, with feedback given by Prof Dave Little and Dr Simao Zacarias.

Simao interviews Tita Elfitasari (UNDIP) about the workshop at UNAIR

See the Surabaya Workshop Page for further details about the programme and copies of the presentations.

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