Compassion in World Farming launches Southern Africa office with webinar exploring the importance of sustainable, nature-friendly and compassionate aquaculture for food security.

Global animal welfare and environmental NGO, Compassion in World Farming is launching its new presence in Southern Africa by inviting those interested in food security, sustainable aquaculture and animal welfare to join expert speakers at a free webinar on 26 March 2025.

The webinar, The Future of Sustainable Freshwater Aquaculture in Africa is taking place at 11:00am (SAST) / 09:00am (GMT) and brings together perspectives from aquatic ecology, fish welfare and environmentalism to debate and consider how Southern Africa can develop a humane, positive, nature-friendly, and sustainable freshwater aquaculture industry fit for the future.

Speakers include:

• Alexis Olds, Head of Southern Africa - Compassion in World Farming
• Wasseem Emam, Founder, Director & Lead Researcher - Ethical Seafood Research
• Santiago Pintos, Research Manager (Aquatic Animals) - Compassion in World Farming

Freshwater fish farming in Southern Africa has evolved significantly over the past century, with new species such as trout and tilapia introduced to meet demand, leading to more structured and industrial farming practices.

A new draft Aquaculture Development Bill was introduced in South Africa in 2023, which aims to ensure aquaculture meets the country’s food security, economic and employment needs. As it comes into force, it is essential that environmental, sustainability and welfare issues are also considered.

This webinar brings together experts on aquaculture and fish welfare to provide the global and national context and will highlight best practice that the Southern African aquaculture industry can harness to ensure successful, high welfare farms that will aide food security in the country and beyond.

Alexis Olds, Head of Southern Africa at Compassion in World Farming comments:

“There is much excitement around the freshwater aquaculture industry in Southern Africa, but we must not assume it is the silver bullet solution to feeding our growing population.

“As the government considers opportunities to expand the sector, it’s vital to learn from the mistakes the Global North has made – with growth often coming at the expense of the environment, biodiversity, and animal welfare. I would urge anyone with an interest in aquaculture, food security, sustainability or fish welfare to join us for what promises to be a lively, nuanced and informative discussion.”

The Future of Sustainable Freshwater Aquaculture in Africa webinar is on 26 March at 09:00-11:00 GMT on Zoom.