The European Union Reference Centre for Animal Welfare in Aquaculture (EURCAW Aqua) launched a new website, a fresh digital platform created to deepen understanding, inspire action and unite competent authorities across Europe around the welfare of aquatic animals.
The EURCAW Aqua website serves as a dynamic resource, blending cutting-edge research, expert insights, and practical tools designed to make a real difference in the lives of farmed fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. This online space makes it easier for professionals of EU national competent authorities to access and share information, staying at the forefront of welfare practices in aquaculture in the forthcoming months.
The website features:
- Essential welfare guidance at hand: Access a comprehensive knowledge hub filled with research articles, best practices, and technical guidance to support the humane treatment of aquatic species.
- Interactive learning and tools: Dive into training materials, informational sheets, webinars, and hands-on resources covering welfare aspects such as transport, health monitoring and humane handling practices.
- Questions to EURCAW Aqua where representatives of national competent authorities from EU member states are invited to submit queries related to the welfare of aquatic animals.
- Updated news and events: Explore a regularly updated feed with the latest news, insights from experts, and details on upcoming conferences, training sessions, and more.
EURCAW Aqua was established by the European Commission and is designated to improve the enforcement of the legislation on animal welfare. This is done by providing scientific and technical expertise, carrying out studies and developing methods for improving and assessing the welfare of aquatic animals. This forward-thinking initiative provides EU member states with vital scientific and technical support, equipping competent authorities with the resources needed to improve and harmonize official controls. EURCAW Aqua plays a key role in developing and sharing best practices in aquaculture welfare, ensuring that regulators have access to reliable, evidence-based insights. Through workshops, training programs, and extensive research, EURCAW Aqua fosters a Europe-wide commitment to compassionate, sustainable practices that prioritize the health and welfare of aquatic animals at every stage of the production cycle.
“We’ve designed the EURCAW Aqua website in a way that we aspire it will become an interactive ecosystem for knowledge-sharing, community-building, and innovative solutions,” said Michael Pavlidis, Professor at the University of Crete and EURCAW-Aqua director and coordinator. "Our mission is to transform the welfare landscape for aquatic animals across Europe, empowering them to make compassionate, informed decisions that contribute to a sustainable future.”
