The Tilapia Hub is FAI’s comprehensive new online platform designed to help tilapia supply chain professionals embed fish welfare in business performance.
Tilapia is among the world’s top three most farmed species, with global production second only to carp and forecast to reach nine million tonnes by 2030. As demand for this versatile, high-quality source of protein continues to rise, the need for strong welfare standards across the supply chain is vital.
FAI has long championed improved welfare in aquaculture, recognising fish and other aquatic animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, fear and stress.
Expectations from retailers, regulators, and buyers are also rising worldwide. Because good welfare practices are linked to improved productivity and reduced losses, prioritising welfare delivers clear commercial as well as ethical benefits. Dr Sara Barrento, FAI’s e-learning and aquaculture programme manager, said,
“We are already influencing thousands of tilapia farmers worldwide.
“The Tilapia Hub accelerates this progress by translating our global welfare programme into a user-friendly digital platform.”
The Tilapia Hub is available in the six languages spoken by most tilapia farmers – Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, Arabic and English. It brings together FAI’s multilingual online training, face‑to‑face learning and practical welfare assessment tools, including the Tilapia Welfare App, into one accessible digital resource, creating a comprehensive support platform for the global tilapia sector.
Barrento continued:
“Importantly, the Hub not only provides the training and assessment tools producers need but also supports them prepare for certification with leading bodies such as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and the Global Seafood Alliance. This enables companies to gain recognition for their commitment to high welfare standards.”
Progress is recognised through the achievement of two welfare badges, demonstrating measurable improvement in on-farm practices. The ‘welfare-trained’ badge is awarded on completion of FAI’s Tilapia Welfare Trained Foundation course and a commitment to assessing welfare, followed by the ‘welfare-assessed’ badge, granted after successful implementation and independent assessment of welfare outcomes.
The Tilapia Hub is hosted on FAI Academy, FAI’s global learning platform serving food professionals from farm to retail.
Maria Delphino of GenoMar Genetics in Brazil, said,
“FAI’s science-based training and welfare assessments complement our mission to deliver robust and sustainable tilapia genetics. By combining genetics with welfare practices, we are helping farmers achieve stronger performance while upholding standards that benefit both the animals and the industry.”
In addition, the Hub provides opportunities for specialist tilapia partners and suppliers to share the latest research, innovation and technology, helping to secure welfare’s place at the centre of tilapia’s sustainable future.
