Edition #9

September 2026

TOP NEWS OF THE MONTH!

STRENGTHENING COOPERATION ACROSS THE EURCAW NETWORK

Annual EURCAWs Meeting in Rome

On 10–11 June 2026, EURCAW-Aqua joined colleagues from across the European Union Reference Centres for Animal Welfare (EURCAWs) for their third annual meeting, hosted by the Italian Ministry of Health in Rome.

More than 40 participants came together under the theme “Strengthening coordination among EURCAWs: state of play and key challenges” to exchange experiences, discuss ongoing activities and explore opportunities for closer collaboration across the EURCAW network.

EURCAW-Aqua contributed its expertise in aquatic animal welfare to the discussions, supporting the shared goal of strengthening scientific cooperation, knowledge exchange and evidence-based support for Competent Authorities across Europe.

TWO NEW QUESTIONS TO EURCAW (Q2E) ANSWERS PUBLISHED

EURCAW-Aqua has published two new scientific answers through its Questions to EURCAW (Q2E) service, addressing practical welfare questions raised by National Competent Authorities.

Killing methods for lampreys
The first Q2E examines methods used for killing lampreys from an animal welfare perspective, providing scientific evidence to support Competent Authorities in assessing appropriate practices.

Placing European eels alive on ice
The second Q2E addresses the welfare implications of placing live European eels on ice and reviews the available scientific evidence relevant to this practice.

The Questions to EURCAW service enables representatives of National Competent Authorities and government policy officers from EU Member States to submit questions related to the welfare of aquatic animals and receive scientifically supported answers from EURCAW-Aqua experts.

EXPLORE THE LATEST Q2E ANSWERS here.

NEW EURCAW-Aqua ANIMATIONS SUPPORTING WELFARE IN PRACTICE

EURCAW-Aqua has released two new animations providing practical, science-based information for Competent Authorities, official inspectors and professionals working with aquatic animals.

Fish Welfare Assessment for Inspectors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This animation highlights key aspects of fish welfare assessment and important considerations when evaluating fish welfare during official controls.

Watch the animation at youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Transport of Mediterranean Aquaculture Fish

This new animation presents key welfare considerations during the transport of Mediterranean aquaculture fish, highlighting good practices throughout the transport process.

Watch the animation at youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

NEW INFOGRAPHICS AVAILABLE

Science-based information at a glance

EURCAW-Aqua continues to expand its collection of practical visual resources on aquatic animal welfare.

A series of new infographics is now available, translating scientific knowledge and EURCAW-Aqua recommendations into clear, accessible visual formats. The infographics provide concise overviews of key welfare issues and are designed to support Competent Authorities, official inspectors and other professionals working with aquatic animals.

EXPLORE THE INFOGRAPHICS LIBRARY.

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 1ST EURCAW-AQUA ROADSHOW

A new video takes you inside the first EURCAW-Aqua Roadshow in Greece

EURCAW-Aqua has released a new video capturing highlights from its first Roadshow, held in Salamina, Greece, in February 2026.

The Roadshow brought together National Competent Authorities and experts for a practical exchange on farmed fish welfare. Combining technical presentations with an on-site visit to a commercial aquaculture facility, the event connected scientific knowledge and EU welfare requirements with the realities of official controls and aquaculture practice.

The new video offers a glimpse into the discussions, practical activities and knowledge exchange that characterised this first Roadshow – and the approach that EURCAW-Aqua aims to bring to future Roadshows across Europe.

Watch the video at youtube.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Rainbow Trout Hatchery Workshop – Prague

Rainbow trout at hatchery: Welfare Risks and Practices of Welfare Concerns

14 September 2026 | Prague, Czech Republic

An on-site workshop for National Competent Authorities and state veterinary inspectors, focusing on key welfare issues in rainbow trout hatcheries.

European Seabass Welfare Workshop – Athens

European Seabass Welfare at the Hatchery: Welfare Risks and Good Practices for Broodstock, Larvae and Fry, Including Live Transport

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠9 October 2026 | 11:00–16:00 | Athens, Greece & Online

A hybrid workshop focusing on welfare risks and good practices for European seabass at the hatchery, including broodstock, fry and live transport.

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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