New article on sentience in aquatic animals

We are pleased to announce that we have recently published a new article on the sentience of aquatic animals.

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Sentience in aquatic animals

Abstract

The attention usually given to aquatic animals is surprisingly small compared to that given to terrestrial animals. This contributes to there being very little scientific research on the sentience of these animals and on the factors that affect their welfare, including the study of the types of experiences they may have (especially in the case of negative experiences). It also contributes to society in general not paying attention to the harm suffered by these animals. Despite this, there are conclusive reasons to maintain that many of these animals are capable of suffering and enjoyment. Aquatic animals suffer enormously, whether from human causes, natural causes, or a mix of both. Many of these situations could be avoided if we acted in the animals’ favors.

This article examines these largely neglected issues to gain a deeper understanding of the situation of aquatic animals as sentient individuals who are affected by our actions and our omissions. With this objective, this article more specifically examines two questions: the sentience of these animals and the different harms that they suffer. This can help us gain more knowledge about what we can do to help them.