Aquatic Animal Welfare

Background

Successful aquatic animal husbandry demands these animals are held in healthy environments and fed a healthy diet. Because of their environmental sensitivity to pollutants, aquatic animals are used in biomedical and toxicological studies. These studies help ensure a healthy human environment is maintained or improved.

Aquatic animal farming helps provide an increasing human population with a wholesome, nutritious, consistent quality food and sport fish. To achieve this quality, farm raised aquatic animals are raised under optimal conditions using humane practices. Aquatic animal for slaughter are quickly and humanely euthanized for rapid processing. Aquatic animal reared for stocking in public waters must be transported under good environmental conditions if the fish are to survive. Successful producers routinely follow good production practices. Animal rights or welfare organizations form a diverse group. Some organizations use legitimate legal and political practices to sway public opinion. Some individuals or organizations may not use legal means to achieve their goals. Animal “liberationists” may violate state or federal law, destroy personal or public property, and cause immediate harm to animals or the environment.

Policy

The NAA:

1. Supports the right of aquatic animal farms to use humane husbandry practices in the propagation of finfish and shellfish.
2. Supports the right of all people to use legitimate, legal means to voice their opinions or determine public policy.
3. Opposes individuals or organizations who illegally destroy public or private property.
4. Supports legislation prohibiting dissemination of false information that adversely affects aquaculture product marketability or public opinion about aquacultured products.

Approved March 1999