Thank you for writing to me concerning the legislative protection of farmed fish.
This is a matter which falls within the remit of the Welsh Government and has done so since the devolution of animal health and welfare powers in 2006. As a consequence of this, the legislative protection of fish within an aquaculture environment also falls within the legislative remit of the Welsh Government.
Across the border in England, the UK Government has taken several steps to improve the welfare of farmed fish, specifically at a time of killing. On instruction from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Animal Welfare Committee has been tasked to reconsider its 2014 opinion on the welfare of farmed fish, at the time of killing. In addition to this, regulations in England also require that all farmed fish are spared avoidable pain, distress or suffering during their killing and other related operations. I am assured that the UK Government will study the Animal Welfare Committees recommendations carefully to determine possible next steps.
In Wales, the Welsh Government have laid out similar proposals in the form of their Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework – Implementation Plan 2022-24 and Animal Welfare Plan for Wakes 2021-26. Within these documents, the Welsh Government lay out their animal welfare-related legislative agenda for the current Welsh Parliament term, which includes that of aquaculture. That being said, it is vital that the concept of responsible ownership should be enshrined in all animal policy development and implementation, which includes fish farming. I’ll work to ensure that the Welsh Government is doing all it can to protect fish and uphold their legislative rights in Wales.
Finally, I am aware that any allegations of welfare or health issues will be investigated by the Animal and Plant Health Agency and Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science. Rightly, appropriate action is taken against anyone who breaks the law when non-compliance is disclosed.
Thank you for taking the time to contact me on this matter.
Kind regards,
