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FAI introduces online training to advance fish health and welfare in tilapia aquaculture

Responsible Seafood Advocate

FAI launches free multilingual online course to boost fish health, productivity and sustainability in tilapia aquaculture

tilapia aquaculture
FAI launches a free online training program on tilapia aquaculture, with five modules focused on fish welfare, health and farm productivity. Photo courtesy of FAI.

The Food Animal Initiative (FAI) has launched a new online course designed to improve fish health and animal welfare in tilapia aquaculture. The program, Tilapia Health Welfare Indicators, is available free of charge through FAI Academy, the organization’s training portal, and targets veterinarians, farmers and seafood supply chain professionals.

The course completes a five-module Tilapia Welfare Training Program, which FAI says reflects the growing complexity and importance of tilapia welfare in commercial production. Participants are taught how to assess health indicators, understand the role of common diseases and distinguish between fish health and welfare – knowledge intended to reduce losses and improve productivity.

“We visited farms in several regions to include real-life examples and to check how important technical concepts could work for everyone,” said FAI’s e-learning and aquaculture program manager, Dr. Sara Barrento, adding that the course was developed with farmers and vets across South America, Africa and Asia.

The Tilapia Health Welfare Indicators course is part of a larger Tilapia Welfare Training Program that brings together five modules on key aspects of fish care and production. Alongside health, the program addresses behavior, nutrition, environmental management and overall welfare. The full curriculum includes:

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  • Tilapia Health Welfare Indicators
  • Tilapia Behavior and Welfare: from foraging to humane slaughter
  • Tilapia Nutrition and Welfare
  • Tilapia Welfare Indicators
  • Tilapia Environment and Welfare: Water Quality

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FAI describes the program as a “comprehensive and structured way to develop tilapia welfare expertise.” The training is designed with flexibility in mind. Participants can choose to complete individual modules, each of which is certified, or pursue the full five-part program for broader professional recognition. At present, the modules are offered in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai and Arabic. A Vietnamese version is expected to be added later this year.

“We are delighted to offer such a range of courses, bringing every aspect of tilapia welfare, including environment, nutrition, behavior and health, to those who influence fish well-being every day,” said Dr. Barrento. “Committed to improving the lives of farmed tilapia worldwide, we combine the latest science with practical skills to support both fish welfare and farmer success. By helping build more resilient and responsible farming businesses, our work contributes to better livelihoods and more sustainable food systems for all.”

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