Improving fish welfare
across Africa
Our fish welfare model bridges science and practice, moving from baseline research to direct engagement in both fishing communities and cluster farms. We deliver tailored, in-field interventions that reduce suffering, protect biodiversity, and build lasting capacity across Africa’s wild and farmed fish sectors.
Over 100 billion farmed fish and up to 2.7 trillion wild fish are killed globally every year.
In Nigeria, over 676 million fish are raised and slaughtered each year in ways that cause prolonged suffering – and 420 million are enduring it right now.[1]
Fish Welfare Can’t Wait
Fish are the most farmed and caught animals on Earth—yet the least protected.
Every day, billions of fish in Africa are exposed to preventable suffering – through inhumane slaughter, poor handling, overcrowded conditions, and overlooked policies.
At ICARE-FISH, we believe it’s time to change that.
We’re working across communities, farms, and ecosystems to promote humane, sustainable, and science-backed welfare practices for both wild and farmed fish—starting in the heart of Africa.
Because fish feel.
Because welfare matters.
Because it’s good for animals, people and the planet.
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Our Mission
ICARE-FISH is dedicated to advancing the welfare of aquatic animals in Africa.
We work at the intersection of science, community development, and policy to improve the treatment of both wild and farmed fish.
Through education, research, local leadership, and strategic advocacy, we aim to reduce fish suffering, raise awareness about sentience, and promote more ethical and sustainable aquatic systems.
Project Highlights
2024 Fish Welfare Survey – Uteh & Camp 74
We completed a baseline research survey in two cluster farms in Edo and Delta States, assessing current practices and welfare gaps. The findings are guiding our training strategy and will form the basis of a scientific publication.
Welfare Training for Smallholder Farmers (2024–2025)
A year-long training and outreach campaign across three clusters (Ufuoma, Uteh, and Eriwe), reaching over 150 farmers. Each cluster receives tailored workshops on fish behavior, welfare indicators, humane handling, and environmental care.
Join Us
Be part of a growing movement to make fish welfare visible, urgent, and actionable across Africa.
Together, we can build a future where fish are treated with care, not cruelty.