OUR STORY

Our journey to promote aquatic animal welfare started in 2021, and has been made possible through the generous support of impactful organisations and individuals who believe in our mission.

OUR ORIGINS

Ethical Seafood Research was founded in 2021 by aquatic ecologist and fish welfare researcher Wasseem Emam, following a residency with the Effective Altruism community in Zanzibar. The residency offered time and space to reflect deeply on career impact, ultimately leading Wasseem to commit to aquatic animal welfare as a neglected but high-leverage cause.

Drawing on his background in applied aquatic ecology, conservation, and sustainable aquaculture, Wasseem recognised a critical gap: aquatic animals are the most numerically exploited yet least protected animals in food systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where aquaculture is rapidly expanding. At the same time, there was virtually no dedicated effort to improve the welfare of these animals in a way that aligned with local contexts and industry realities.

Ethical Seafood Research was created to fill this void — bridging conservation and industry through practical, science-based welfare improvements. From better slaughter methods and water quality monitoring to farmer training and policy advocacy, ESR works to embed animal welfare in aquaculture systems without compromising economic viability. The goal is not just to reduce suffering, but to demonstrate that fish welfare can — and should — be part of sustainable, resilient food systems worldwide.

Ethical Seafood Research blue icon logo with fish and waves

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

We actively collaborate with renowned institutions and organisations, fostering meaningful partnerships that contribute to our research and advocacy efforts. Some of our valued partnerships include:

  • FAI Farms
  • Nautilus Collaboration
  • Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management
  • World Federation for Animals
  • Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute 
  • Zanzibar Fisheries and Marine Resources Research Institute
  • University of Kafrelsheikh, Egypt (Faculty of Aquatic & Fisheries Sciences)
  • Aquavet Egypt

COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVES

Ethical Seafood Research takes pride in being the implementing partner for the Tilapia Welfare Project in Egypt for FAI (previously FAI Farms) and collaborating with Nautilus Collaboration on innovative research projects. We also lead research and development at Tanganyika Blue, contributing to the sustainable development of aquatic ecosystems.

Group photo taken during ESR’s 2024 “Exploring Egypt’s Aquatic Resources” visit to WorldFish
ESR team members standing beside net-covered tilapia pond — Ethical Seafood Research
Field team conducting tilapia welfare assessment — Ethical Seafood Research
Portrait of Mohamed Bakr — Ethical Seafood Research
Group photo of ESR and ANAW workshop participants on farmed fish welfare in Kenya, seated outdoors between information banners
ESR team standing together in the shallow lagoon at a Zanzibar seaweed farm (April 2024)
Group photo of ESR team with Egyptian aquaculture experts during field visit
Improving the lives of more than 260 million tilapia 2
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Workshop participants discussing tilapia welfare in Egypt during ESR’s first-year event

COALITIONS & ASSOCIATIONS

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Coalitions & Associations We Are Part Of
Coalitions & Associations We Are Part Of
Coalitions & Associations We Are Part Of
Coalitions & Associations We Are Part Of
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Coalitions & Associations We Are Part Of
Coalitions & Associations We Are Part Of
Coalitions & Associations We Are Part Of
Coalitions & Associations We Are Part Of
Coalitions & Associations We Are Part Of
The Pollination Project Logo
labour animal welfare society logo
World Federation for Animals logo
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    JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

    Your support is crucial to our mission. By making a donation today, you contribute to the advancement of ethical seafood production practices and the well-being of aquatic animals worldwide.
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