Throughout this course, we have explored the complexities of farmed animal welfare, and the additional challenges that the aquatic environment presents. From the foundational principles of welfare, practical applications of assessments and management strategies, and emerging innovations that may help address many of the logistical constraints that academia and industry currently face, you should now have a comprehensive understanding of what is required to further progress this discipline and incorporate welfare into your own work. At the highest level, scientific and technical advancements must be met with a deep appreciation of the broader social, economic, and ethical landscapes in which each aquaculture sector operates.

Moving forward, improving the welfare of farmed aquatic animals will depend largely on three key pillars: robust scientific frameworks, technological advancements, and engagement with stakeholders and policymakers.

Provided that industry and academia continue to collaborate and refine how we define, assess, and manage welfare, OWIs and WASs will become more standardised, meaningful, and practical. Alongside these developments, advancements in precision farming and automation will offer new avenues for monitoring welfare and providing assurances that certain standards are being achieved on-site. 

These modules have hopefully highlighted the importance of adopting both a holistic and adaptive approach, one which considers species and context-specific needs but also appreciates the realities of farm operations and what is economically viable. Continued collaboration and effective communication of the complex topic that is animal welfare will be critical in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and on-farm application.

This course has provided the knowledge and tools needed to critically assess and improve welfare in the aquaculture environment. Whether through research, policy, or direct industry involvement, the next step is to apply these insights in practice and foster a principles-based approach to animal welfare science.