Transforming Tilapia Welfare and Productivity: A Success Story in Brazil
April, 2025
FAI Farms Ltd. Revolutionizes Aquaculture with Innovative Project
FAI Farms Ltd. is making a significant impact in the aquaculture industry with its groundbreaking Tilapia Welfare Project. Launched in 2018, this initiative has raised the bar for fish welfare standards, setting a new benchmark for the sector.
Paulo Rogério Dobre (left), Veterinarian in charge of BTJ Foods’ slaughterhouse after training with FAI Farms technician Cléverson Bornatte.
Tilapia Welfare Project: Innovation and Collaboration for Sustainable Aquaculture
The pioneering Tilapia Welfare Project, led by FAI Farms Ltd., brings together Brazilian researchers, technicians, fish farmers, an app development team, and a training team. Together, these professionals aim to implement good welfare practices in tilapia farming operations.
Scientific and Technological Development
The project began with the collaboration of scientists and technicians who, working alongside fish farmers, developed indicators for assessing tilapia welfare. With the scientific parameters in place, FAI Farms created an app to support welfare assessments, along with a series of free online courses.
Tools and Resources
Welfare App: An innovative tool that facilitates the monitoring and assessment of tilapia welfare, ensuring sustainable and effective practices.
Free Online Courses: Available to everyone, these courses provide essential knowledge on welfare indicators, water quality, nutrition, behavior, and humane slaughter—promoting continuous education and improved aquaculture practices.
Impact and Benefits
Implementing these practices not only improves the quality of life for tilapia but also contributes to the sustainability and efficiency of production. The project seeks to set new quality standards in the industry, promoting animal welfare and environmental responsibility.
The Global Peixes team evaluating a batch of juveniles
Valério Angelozi presenting how Superfish has incorporated new technologies into its operations, improving quality and productivity.
FAI’s range of free Tilapia Welfare Courses at FAI Academy
FAI’s free Tilapia Welfare App
Engagement and Partnerships
The project has formed strategic partnerships with leading commercial farms and processing plants. Among the key partners is BTJ Aqua, an industry leader with a production capacity of 720 tons per month and 6.1 million fish annually. BTJ Aqua also produces 7.2 million juveniles per year and operates a processing plant with a 9,000-ton annual capacity, handling 6.3 million fish per year.
Henrique Junqueira, Director and one of BTJ’s founders, states:
"The partnership with FAI Farms has been transformative for our operation. The welfare practices implemented have improved the quality of our processes and, consequently, our fish, and are also crucial for accessing new markets."
He adds:
"The Tilapia Welfare App allows us to effectively monitor and assess fish welfare, making management and decision-making easier."
Another partner is Global Peixes, renowned for its large-scale production of around 120 million fry annually, ensuring a constant supply for the industry. Emerson Esteves, CEO of Global Peixes, emphasizes:
"We are proud to be part of this innovative project. The focus on fish welfare has helped us reach new standards of excellence."
In addition to BTJ and Global Peixes, FAI has partnered with and conducted frequent training and assessments at other producers like Psicultura Superfish. This fish farm, dedicated to juvenile production, produces 7.2 million fish annually, with a strong focus on sustainability.
Valério Angelozi, head of Psicultura, says:
"Regular training and evaluations have been essential to maintaining the quality and sustainability of our production."
Superfish is one of the companies using Sibraar: the Brazilian Agrotraceability System, a web-based application for recording and managing production chain data developed by Embrapa. In a pioneering move, Superfish added the results of its welfare assessments conducted with the Tilapia Welfare App to the system, offering its customers an extra layer of information about product origin and quality.
On the left, an image of a batch tracked by Superfish, using SIBRAAR. Above, the welfare scores of the same batch, indicated by the link with the Tilapia Welfare App.
Education and Training
FAI Farms has heavily invested in education and training to drive change. Initiatives include Free Online Courses through the FAI Academy, covering key topics such as tilapia welfare indicators, nutrition, and humane slaughter. In-person training for teams also ensures the continuous improvement of welfare practices. The course already has over 4,000 participants worldwide. In Brazil, in-person training is conducted in key production regions such as Paraná, São Paulo, and Mato Grosso do Sul.
Driving Impact and Innovation
The project has brought significant improvements to tilapia production at all stages, supporting quality assurance through regular assessments and training. These practices have enhanced quality control and risk management, paving the way for greater commercial success. Using welfare assessment protocols can open new markets and boost both volume and value of sales.
Join the Movement
FAI’s Tilapia Welfare Project is not just about improving fish welfare—it's about transforming the industry. By partnering with FAI, companies can benefit from innovative practices, higher productivity, and access to new markets.
Be part of this transformative journey. Join FAI in setting a new standard for fish welfare and driving sustainable growth in the aquaculture industry.
FAI Website: www.faifarms.com
Register for courses via FAI Academy: https://fai.academy/?lang=pt-br
Contact Murilo Quintiliano, COO: murilo.quitiliano@faifarms.com