Millions of fish.
One overlooked welfare crisis.
One African answer.
Fish are farmed and harvested by the billions across Africa — yet their welfare is barely studied and rarely discussed. Fish Welfare Africa is building the evidence, policy, and practice to change that, starting in Kenya.
Grounded in veterinary science & animal welfare research
A neglected issue, an enormous opportunity
To improve the welfare of fish through research, advocacy, education, policy engagement, and partnerships that promote sustainable aquaculture and responsible fisheries across Africa.
As aquaculture and fisheries continue to grow throughout Africa, billions of fish are farmed and harvested every year. Despite their importance to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and economic development, fish welfare remains largely overlooked. Fish Welfare Africa was established to close this gap by promoting science-based solutions that improve the lives of fish while supporting sustainable aquatic food systems.
Read Our StoryMost people think about elephants. Almost no one thinks about fish.
Fish are the most farmed and harvested animals on the planet by number. Their welfare is barely studied, rarely regulated, and almost never discussed — especially in Africa, where aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food sectors.
Billions
of fish are farmed and harvested across Africa every year
Overlooked
Welfare science and policy for fish lag decades behind other farmed animals
A turning point
Africa's aquaculture boom is the moment to build welfare in from the start
A young organisation, building deliberately
Fish Welfare Africa is early in its journey. Rather than overstating results, we're transparent about where we are — and precise about where we're going.
Strategic pillars guiding our work
Flagship scoping study underway on Lake Victoria
Founding team members leading programmes
Organisation dedicated solely to fish welfare in Africa
Research, engagement, and advocacy — working together
We start by listening. Welfare improvements only spread when they work for farmers, so we prioritise changes that benefit fish and farm incomes together.
Research
Building the first evidence base on farmed fish welfare in Kenya, starting with a scoping study of cage farming in the Lake Victoria Basin.
Farmer Engagement
Working directly with fish farmers to identify and adopt low-cost welfare improvements that also boost productivity.
Advocacy
Bringing fish welfare into Kenya's animal welfare and fisheries policy conversations.
Eight pillars, one goal: Africa's centre of excellence for fish welfare
Fish Welfare Research
Generating Africa's first rigorous evidence base on the welfare of farmed and wild-caught fish, starting with cage aquaculture in the Lake Victoria Basin.
Impact: Credible, locally-generated evidence that funders, regulators, and farmers can act on — replacing assumption with data.
Policy and Legislative Advocacy
Bringing fish welfare into Kenya's animal welfare and fisheries policy conversations, and building the case for its inclusion in national and regional frameworks.
Impact: A seat at the table in policy discussions that have historically excluded fish from animal welfare considerations.
Farmer and Community Capacity Building
Working directly with fish farmers and fishing communities to build practical skills in welfare-positive husbandry and handling.
Impact: Farmers equipped with low-cost, high-return practices that improve both fish welfare and farm productivity.
Fish Health and Welfare Assessments
Developing practical tools to assess welfare on farms — from water quality to stocking density to handling stress.
Impact: A shared language and method for measuring welfare that farmers, researchers, and regulators can all use.
A strategic launchpad for continental impact
Kenya is one of Africa's leading aquaculture and fisheries nations. From the waters of Lake Victoria to fish farms across the country, Kenya is well positioned to champion fish welfare research, innovation, and policy for the continent. Fish Welfare Africa leverages Kenya's strong research institutions, vibrant aquaculture sector, and strategic regional position to catalyse improvements in fish welfare throughout Africa.
Building a network of research and delivery partners
We're in active conversations with the institutions below and others across Kenya's aquaculture and research sectors.
Fish welfare in Africa needs its first champion. Help us build it.
Whether you're a funder, a research institution, or an individual who believes fish deserve better — there's a role for you in this work.