Protecting
animals.
aquaculture.
Our mission is to reduce aquatic animal suffering in the food system, with a special focus on Africa.
WHY IT MATTERS
Immense suffering
Hundreds of billions of aquatic animals are farmed each year, yet their welfare is largely ignored. Most of them are raised in poor conditions and suffer brutal deaths. Many of these are in low- and middle-income countries, where aquaculture is expanding rapidly.
- Poor water quality results in tissue damage, disease and animals struggling to breathe
- Overcrowding leads to stress, fighting and injuries
- Rough handling and transport cause acute stress, breathing difficulties and injuries
- Slaughter is often by suffocation – a slow and painful death that can take minutes to hours
764
billion
aquatic animals suffer in terrible conditions every single year
Research in this field is severely underfunded relative to the scale of the problem. You can help by making a donation today. Thank you.
Practical solutions, real outcomes
Much of the suffering aquatic animals endure in the food system can be reduced with practical, science-based interventions. ESR implements these by working with:
Farmers and producers
Governments
Universities and training institutions
Industry stakeholders
In doing so, we improve conditions for millions of animals.
Helping people, animals and the planet
Across Africa, smallholder farmers and coastal communities depend on aquatic resources for income, nutrition and stability. Yet these communities have often been left out of global conversations about ethical and sustainable food.
ESR’s seaweed farming programme aims to improve income opportunities for coastal households, while reducing pressure on local fisheries and avoiding animal suffering.
