The University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture has secured $2.7 million (around £2 million) in funding from Open Philanthropy to lead a three-year project aimed at improving the welfare of farmed fish in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This project builds on a previous initiative funded by Open Philanthropy that focused on fish welfare in Thailand and Vietnam. The new phase expands the geographic scope to include Indonesia and supports the growth of the Asia Fish Welfare Network.
The prior work concentrated on raising awareness among stakeholders throughout the farmed fish value chains—covering the entire process from production to consumer—in regions where farmed fish and shellfish are a significant part of the diet and where aquaculture is densely concentrated. The project addresses urgent welfare issues affecting millions of aquatic animals, with a focus on critical points such as the harvest and slaughter stages, which have been identified as key areas for improvement.
Professor Dave Little, Deputy Head of the Institute of Aquaculture, emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness and drive change in aquatic animal welfare across Asia. He highlighted the importance of understanding the perceptions of consumers and stakeholders to target welfare improvements effectively. The research aims to enhance aquatic animal welfare while also recognizing its ethical significance and economic impact on the region.
Open Philanthropy’s Program Associate, Michelle Lavery, praised the University of Stirling team for building local research communities and working closely with industry and policymakers to ensure sustainable fish welfare improvements. She noted that the foundation’s support over the past three years has been vital in establishing groundwork that benefits fish welfare now and into the future.
The new grant will fund research studies in the target countries, examining practical, biological, social, and economic aspects of fish welfare. It will also support workshops, outreach activities, and expanded exchange and mentorship programs designed to strengthen networks and institutional capacity within the aquaculture sector.
Additionally, the project will fund six fully sponsored Master’s students from Vietnam, Thailand, or Indonesia to study at the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture. These scholarships aim to cultivate local talent to sustain future progress in aquaculture welfare. The application process for these studentships is free and open for courses starting in the 2025-26 or 2026-27 academic years.
Professor Little will lead the project alongside Simão Zacarias as Project and Research Coordinator, with John Bostock providing communications and educational support. The funding announcement coincides with the near completion of the University’s National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH), a state-of-the-art facility supported by a £17 million UK government investment and a £1 million Wolfson Foundation grant.
NATIH will be integrated into the Institute of Aquaculture and is designed to position the UK as a global leader in modern aquaculture practices. The hub will employ cutting-edge research to address critical challenges faced by aquaculture producers, including fish welfare and environmental management, ensuring innovation and leadership in the growing aquaculture industry.
