ESR and Rio Fish launch 24-month tilapia welfare partnership in Kenya

Ethical Seafood Research (ESR) has entered a 24-month partnership with Kenyan tilapia producer Rio Fish to raise fish welfare standards across its farming operations and wider producer network, according to a report published on 29 September 2026 by Feed Business Middle East & Africa.

Under the collaboration, ESR will onboard Rio Fish's team onto the FAI Tilapia Welfare App and provide training in welfare monitoring, low-stress handling, and the identification of poor welfare using the Five Domains model. The two organisations will also develop improved pre-slaughter and slaughter protocols for Rio Fish, drawing on knowledge from ESR's Harvest Well project in Egypt.

ESR, described by the publication as a qualified Implementer for the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Improver Programme, will support Rio Fish through an Aquaculture Improver Project towards ASC certification. The process will include a baseline assessment against the ASC Farm Standard, followed by a phased improvement plan with time-bound targets and technical support.

Beyond its own farming operations, Rio Fish aggregates fish from other producers and provides training to farmers, working with a network of more than 1,500 farmers. The partnership is intended to create an opportunity to extend welfare practices and knowledge to that wider producer base.

Margaret Omondi, ESR's country manager for Kenya, said the partnership was about building a relationship to support farmers with practical knowledge and tools. Adrian Odira, partnerships officer at Rio Fish, highlighted the welfare training, monitoring support, and the opportunity to work towards the ASC Improver Programme as key elements of the collaboration.

ESR and Rio Fish will review progress at agreed intervals during the 24-month partnership and explore opportunities to extend welfare training and good practices to farmers across Rio Fish's wider network.