The Fish Welfare Initiative (FWI) has announced a call for proposals (RFP) to assess the feasibility of introducing stunning technology in India’s aquaculture industry, aiming to address ethical concerns surrounding the slaughter of billions of fish each year. Researchers interested in the project must submit their proposals by 1 December.
Currently, fish in India, particularly Indian major carp, are often harvested using large dragnets and left in the open air to asphyxiate for hours before being transported. FWI co-founder and executive director Haven King-Nobles highlighted the distressing nature of this practice: “While traveling through aquaculture hubs in Andhra Pradesh, it’s hard to ignore the sight of fish left to suffocate. From an animal welfare perspective, this is deeply troubling.”
While recognizing the importance of humane slaughter methods, King-Nobles pointed out the challenges to implementing stunning technology. These include limited infrastructure, low consumer awareness, and the absence of species-specific standards. “This study will help determine if stunning is feasible in India’s aquaculture sector and identify potential early adopters. We want to explore possibilities before moving towards actual equipment development,” he added.
FWI’s RFP is open to both local and international researchers, with a preference for those familiar with India’s aquaculture industry and capable of studying the social dynamics involved. “It’s essential to understand which stakeholders in the industry might support stunning and why,” King-Nobles noted.
The initiative also provides opportunities for emerging researchers to contribute to innovation in Indian aquaculture. “This could be a valuable project for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the sector,” he emphasized.
Vivek Rachuri, senior project manager for FWI’s R&D division, stressed the importance of empathy when addressing fish welfare. “I often ask people to imagine being trapped in a smoke-filled room, unable to breathe. That’s what these fish experience when they’re left to suffocate after being pulled from water,” he said.
FWI believes that India’s vibrant startup ecosystem and food tech innovations present an ideal environment to explore humane solutions like pre-slaughter stunning. “The momentum in the country is strong, and we hope to leverage it to improve animal welfare standards in aquaculture,” Rachuri concluded.
