FAI launches free online course to improve tilapia welfare and sustainability

Responsible Seafood Advocate

FAI’s latest online course helps fish farmers improve tilapia welfare, boost productivity and promote sustainability in global aquaculture

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FAI’s latest online course helps fish farmers improve tilapia welfare, boost productivity and promote sustainability in global aquaculture. Photo by Darryl Jory.

FAI has launched a new free online training course to enhance tilapia welfare. Available globally through the FAI Academy learning portal, the course – “Tilapia Behaviour and Welfare Indicators: From Foraging to Humane Slaughter” – is designed to help aquaculture professionals improve fish welfare, increase farm productivity and adopt more sustainable practices.

“The course is specifically tailored for fish farmers, veterinarians and seafood supply chain professionals, providing practical insights into critical welfare areas,” said Dr. Sara Barrento, FAI’s e-learning and aquaculture program manager. “Participants will gain hands-on skills to assess tilapia behavior, recognize welfare indicators and humane slaughter methods, all grounded in the latest scientific research and best practices.”

“Importantly, the course also addresses the widespread misunderstandings about what humane slaughter truly means, offering practical examples to help distinguish humane methods from inhumane ones. By advancing these practices, we’re not just improving fish well-being, we’re driving a more ethical and informed approach to food production.”

Topics covered in the new course include measuring behavioral indicators, such as swimming and foraging using a three-score system, recognizing signs of pre-slaughter stress and adopting humane slaughter methods.

What do farmed fish and shrimp need to thrive? Start with the basics.

“This is more than just learning theory,” said Barrento. “Farmers gain actionable skills to actively monitor and assess the welfare of their fish, allowing them to take control of welfare outcomes on their farms. Focusing on welfare enables farmers to enhance productivity, improve meat quality and strengthen their farm’s reputation.”

The course is part of a series of five welfare-focused online courses offered by FAI as part of their ongoing Tilapia Welfare Project, which seeks to improve the lives of farmed tilapia worldwide. By providing accessible, science-based resources, the project supports farmers in achieving better welfare outcomes while positioning them as leaders in responsible aquaculture practices.

“While this course is specifically focused on the behavioral aspects of tilapia welfare it is essential for welfare practitioners to assess all welfare indicators across the different domains: environmental, nutrition and health,” said Barrento. “When all our courses are completed together, they provide a comprehensive toolkit for learners to become effective welfare practitioners on their farms and ensure their fish thrive.”

FAI provides a wide range of tilapia welfare training resources through the FAI Academy website, including online courses that complement the Tilapia Welfare Assessment App. This mobile-friendly tool helps farmers evaluate fish welfare using scientifically verified indicators across four key domains: nutrition, environment, behavior and health. Indicators include feed quantity, eye health, swimming behavior and water quality.

“Tilapia welfare plays a vital role in aquaculture and we’re working to provide a comprehensive toolkit for improving welfare outcomes,” said Dr. Barrento. “Our research and expertise within the aquaculture sector show that enhancing fish welfare not only results in healthier fish with a better quality of life but also boosts profitability for farmers.”

“By advancing tilapia welfare practices, we’re not just improving fish well-being, but also contributing to more sustainable food production.”

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