Edition #7

January 2026

TOP NEWS OF THE MONTH!

Editorial

The closing months of 2025 marked an important consolidation phase for EURCAW-Aqua, with strong engagement from national competent authorities, continued development of practical welfare frameworks, and closer alignment with EU-level scientific and policy initiatives. This first newsletter of 2026 highlights key activities delivered at the end of 2025 and outlines the broader European context shaping fish welfare work in the year ahead.

Highlights from Late 2025

Coordination with National Reference Centres and Supporting Bodies

The four EU Reference Centres jointly organised a meeting for National Reference Centres (NRCs) and Supporting Bodies, gathering participants from 14 EU Member States. The meeting supported mutual updates, identification of synergies, and in-depth discussion of topical animal welfare issues through interactive workshops.

15 October 2025 | Online

EURCAW-Aqua at the 19th Panhellenic Ichthyologists Conference

At the Panhellenic Ichthyologists Conference, Prof Michalis Pavlidis, Director of EURCAW-Aqua, presented the Centre’s mission and activities, highlighting its role in promoting science-based fish welfare practices and knowledge exchange.

30 October – 2 November 2025 | University of Ioannina

Welfare Assessment of Gilthead Seabream During Grow-Out

On 25 November 2025, the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona hosted an EURCAW-Aqua workshop focused on welfare assessment during the grow-out phase of gilthead seabream.

The programme covered:

• Seabream production systems and welfare challenges
• Practical inspection methodologies and key welfare indicators
• Interactive knowledge-testing sessions to support applied learning

Speakers included Dr Francesc Padrós, Dr Maria Constenla, and Dr Athanasios Samaras. The workshop forms part of EURCAW-Aqua’s ongoing efforts to harmonise welfare assessment practices across Member States.

Workshop: 25 November 2025 | Hybrid | Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Welfare Indicators and Assessment Tools for On-Growing Rainbow Trout

EURCAW-Aqua successfully delivered the webinar “Welfare Indicators and Assessment Tools for On-Growing Rainbow Trout”, bringing together over 70 representatives of competent authorities from across Europe.

The session combined scientific background with practical inspection-oriented examples, supported by interactive Q&A and live Slido polls. 

EURCAW-Aqua warmy thanks Dr Ivona Mladineo, Dr Thanasis Samaras, and Prof Lluis Tort for their valuable contributions.

Webinar: 27 November 2025 | Online

1st Meeting with National Competent Authorities

EURCAW-Aqua held its first dedicated meeting with National Competent Authorities (NCAs), introducing the Centre’s mission, structure, and core activities, and opening structured dialogue for future collaboration.

A dedicated technical session addressed fish welfare during transport, focusing on key risks and science-based assessment approaches.

17 December 2025 | Online | Hosted by the University of Crete

The Five Domains Framework

In late 2025, EURCAW-Aqua consolidated a Five Domains framework for farmed fish welfare.

The framework addresses:

1. Nutrition
2. Physical Environment
3. Health
4. Behavioural Interactions
5. Mental / Affective State

By explicitly linking resource-based conditions, animal-based indicators, and welfare risks, the framework provides a clear and consistent structure for inspections, training activities, and future guidance materials.

Looking Ahead

EURCAW-Aqua Roadshow on Farmed Fish Welfare

EURCAW-Aqua will begin 2026 with a national roadshow for official veterinary inspectors, covering EU legislation, key welfare indicators, and a practical case study on seabass harvesting. The event will be held in Greek and is addressed exclusively to official inspectors.

Invitation: EURCAW-Aqua Webinars and Workshops in 2026

In 2026, EURCAW-Aqua will continue its webinar series on welfare indicators and assessment tools, with a strong focus on inspection-relevant, species-specific guidance. The programme will include:

Webinars on welfare indicators and assessment tools

•    On-growing European seabass and gilthead seabream 

•    Rainbow trout (juveniles or adults) during transport

•    Common carp (juveniles or adults) during transport 

•    Atlantic salmon during transport 

•    European seabass and gilthead seabream (juveniles) during transport

In addition, on-site workshops will be organised focusing on rainbow trout hatchery welfare, addressing key welfare risks and practical management practices.

Further details, dates, and registration information will be shared in due course. All activities are designed primarily for official inspectors and competent authorities, supporting harmonised and science-based welfare assessment across the EU.

9 February 2026 | Salamina, Attica | Greece

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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