ESR partners with Rio Fish to strengthen tilapia welfare in Kenya

KENYA – Ethical Seafood Research (ESR) has partnered with Kenyan fish producer Rio Fish to strengthen fish welfare across its tilapia farming operations and wider producer network, with the 24-month collaboration focusing on welfare training, monitoring, improved slaughter practices and progress towards recognised aquaculture certification.

Under the partnership, ESR will onboard Rio Fish’s team onto the FAI Tilapia Welfare App and provide training on welfare monitoring, low-stress handling and identifying poor welfare using the Five Domains model.

The organisations will also develop improved pre-slaughter and slaughter protocols for Rio Fish, drawing on knowledge from ESR’s Harvest Well project in Egypt.

Supporting certification and wider farmer network

ESR, which is a qualified Implementer for the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Improver Programme, will support Rio Fish through an Aquaculture Improver Project towards ASC certification.

The process will include a baseline assessment against the ASC Farm Standard, followed by a phased improvement plan with time-bound targets and technical support.

Beyond its own tilapia farming operations, Rio Fish aggregates fish from other producers and provides training to farmers.

The company works with a network of more than 1,500 farmers, creating an opportunity to extend welfare practices and knowledge developed through the partnership to a wider producer base.

“From my perspective, this partnership is about building a strong relationship where we can learn from each other, support farmers with practical knowledge and tools, and work together to raise the standard of fish welfare and responsible aquaculture in Kenya,” said Margaret Omondi, ESR’s country manager for Kenya.

Adrian Odira, partnerships officer at Rio Fish, said the company viewed responsible treatment of fish as part of building a sustainable aquaculture sector.

He highlighted the welfare training, monitoring support and opportunity to work towards the ASC Improver Programme.

ESR and Rio Fish will review progress at agreed intervals during the 24-month partnership and explore opportunities to extend welfare training and good practices to farmers across Rio Fish’s wider network.

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