Research increasingly shows that fish are aware of their surroundings and sensitive to changes in their living conditions. To gain a better understanding of their welfare, Diergaarde Blijdorp zoo in Rotterdam, Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem and Wageningen University & Research (WUR) are joining forces. Through the four-year ZOOVIS research project, they aim to develop new scientific insights and practical tools to better understand, assess and further improve fish welfare.
Welfare as a foundation
Animal welfare is a fundamental principle for all three partners. Diergaarde Blijdorp and Burgers' Zoo want to gain a better understanding of how fish experience their environment and whether changing conditions affect their welfare. At Diergaarde Blijdorp, species native to the North Sea and housed in the Oceanium will play an important role in the research. At Burgers' Zoo, the research will focus on tropical coral reef species in the Ocean.
The study will examine factors including water quality, currents, light, day-night rhythms and temperature, and how these influence the welfare of fish living in aquariums. In this way, the Netherlands' two largest aquariums are contributing to scientifically substantiated insights that can help improve fish welfare.
"We aim to make fish welfare measurable, providing a stronger scientific basis for understanding and improving the welfare of fish in aquariums."
- Arjan Palstra
- project leader ZOOVIS
Innovation and science go hand in hand
WUR is leading the scientific part of the project and developing new methods, including camera-based behavioural analysis, research into underwater sound, and analyses of water and fish samples. This is much needed, as there are currently very few robust, scientifically validated criteria for assessing fish welfare. Through ZOOVIS, the three organisations are taking the lead in changing this.
Developing the standard of tomorrow
The ultimate aim of ZOOVIS is clear: to make fish welfare observable, measurable and open to improvement. By combining science, practical experience and innovative technology, Diergaarde Blijdorp, Burgers' Zoo and WUR aim not only to develop new knowledge, but also to translate it into tangible improvements for fish kept in aquariums. In doing so, the partners are laying the foundations for a new standard for assessing and improving fish welfare.
