In-depth discussions at the workshop sparked a demonstrable shift in perceptions and awareness
A guest speaker from seafood processing and export presented their perspective on fish welfare
Beyond the immediate success of the workshop, the project has demonstrably reshaped perceptions and amplified awareness of fish welfare among key Nha Trang stakeholders:
Farmers: The tangible introduction of fish welfare sparked hope for practical solutions to combat rising fish health challenges. Recognizing overlaps with existing practices, they expressed strong interest in further training and guidance.
Industry: Feed industry experts acknowledged the prevalent antimicrobial overuse, driven by economic factors and limited awareness. They lauded the project's potential to foster a deeper understanding of fish wellbeing and promote proactive, welfare-conscious approaches. A leading aquaculture company's initiative in establishing promising probiotic-based model farms signals a tangible shift and advocacy for wider public awareness.
Market: A major fish exporter emphasized the direct correlation between prioritizing fish welfare and achieving superior product quality, aligning with growing consumer demand for ethically sourced seafood and highlighting the clear market advantages.
Academia: Nha Trang University's aquaculture scientists and lecturers strongly integrated the project's findings into their curriculum, underscoring the critical need for ongoing research to broaden stakeholder understanding and inform effective regulatory guidelines.
A trial lecture integrating fish welfare into Marine finfish seed production and culture course
The workshop was well-received, and participant feedback highlighted the informative and illuminating findings. Many considered the results valuable and meaningful, prompting suggestions for further study and expressions of support for future initiatives. We believe this project has served as a helpful step towards raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of fish welfare within Nha Trang's vital pompano aquaculture sector. By highlighting existing strengths and addressing key knowledge gaps, we hope to have contributed to a more ethical, sustainable, and ultimately more prosperous future for fish farming in the region.