Changeworker of the Week #5: Wasseem Emam, Fish Welfare Advocate & Founder of Ethical Seafood Research

Wasseem Emam is a fish welfare advocate and founder of Ethical Seafood Research, working to ensure aquatic animals are no longer the invisible victims of industrial food systems. Through science, policy, and collaboration with industry, he is pioneering humane, scalable practices that center compassion in African aquaculture proving that sustainability and animal dignity can go hand in hand.

Through the #MyPieceForChange campaign, we invite people to share their unique contributions to collective transformation. This series exists to honor their stories, amplify their voices, and connect them with a wider community of like-minded peers. Today, we’re honored to introduce our Changeworker of the Week: Wasseem Emam whom we had the pleasure of interviewing for this special spotlight.

What’s your piece for change? 

I champion aquatic animal welfare by bridging science, industry and policy. Through Ethical Seafood Research, I pioneer humane, scalable practices that put the dignity of billions of fish at the heart of African aquaculture—proving that compassion and sustainable food systems go hand in hand.

What inspired you to begin this work or stay committed to it?

This journey began when I was asked to assess farmed fish welfare in Egypt during my PhD. As someone with a background in aquatic ecology and conservation, I hadn’t thought deeply about fish suffering in farming systems. But once I saw what was happening and how invisible fish remain in conversations about food, sustainability and ethics, I knew I couldn’t look away. Since then, I’ve committed to elevating fish welfare as a legitimate and necessary part of sustainable and just food systems.

What’s one hope or vision you hold for the future?

That aquatic animals are finally recognised as sentient beings worthy of protection, and that we build food systems around their welfare — not in spite of it. I imagine a world where ethical aquaculture (including seaweed!) helps nourish people and ecosystems alike, where no animals suffer.

What support or connection are you currently looking for?

We’re looking to connect with funders, researchers and food system changemakers who want to reimagine seafood from a justice, sustainability and welfare lens, especially across the Global South. Collaborators interested in seaweed systems, policy advocacy, humane fish slaughter or building farmer-led welfare movements are especially welcome.

What’s one thing about your field or topic you wish more people knew, considered, or acted on?

That aquatic animals are the most farmed group of animals in the world, and yet the least protected. The suffering of billions of fish, shrimp and other animals goes unnoticed because it’s underwater, often invisible. But their lives — and deaths — matter, and improving their welfare is one of the biggest opportunities we have to reduce animal suffering at scale.

Where can people learn more about your work or connect with you?

Website: ethicalseafoodresearch.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @ethicalseafoodresearch
LinkedIn: Wasseem Emam & Ethical Seafood Research

The Parayma community is rooted in authentic, supportive relationships. 

If Wasseem’s story resonates with you, reach out, share reflections, or co-create new possibilities together.

🌿 Thank you, Wasseem, for sharing your #PieceForChange and for helping build a future where aquatic animals are treated with dignity and compassion.

Stay tuned for next week’s Changeworker feature, and if you’d like to be highlighted, join the campaign and tick the box to express your interest.