Inside the Caviar Industry: Fish Welfare, Farming & Hidden Realities | Animal Justice

Inside the Caviar Industry: Fish Welfare, Farming & Hidden Realities | Animal Justice

A first-of-its-kind investigation into the caviar industry reveals the hidden realities of fish farming behind one of the world’s most expensive luxury foods. In this exposé by Animal Justice, footage from a Canadian fish farm raises important questions about fish welfare, transparency and how aquaculture systems are managed in practice. The investigation highlights the lived conditions of farmed sturgeon and salmon, including long-term confinement, invasive handling procedures and slaughter methods that may not align with emerging welfare standards. Featuring insights from aquatic animal welfare researchers, including ESR Director, Wasseem Emam, the video brings attention to a broader issue: fish remain among the least protected farmed animals globally, despite growing scientific recognition of their sentience and welfare needs. Beyond caviar, the findings point to wider challenges across aquaculture systems - from limited regulation and oversight to the need for clearer welfare indicators and more transparent practices. As global demand for seafood continues to rise, understanding how these systems operate is critical to ensuring that future food systems are both responsible and sustainable. 🔗 Learn more about our work: https://ethicalseafoodresearch.org/ #SturgeonFishing #FishFarming #Caviar #FoodSystems