Small Project and Travel Awards
Improving the welfare of captive cephalopds
As of 1st January 2013 cephalopods have been included in the legislative definition of ‘protected animal’ when used in scientific research within the European Union. The most commonly used cephalopod in European research is the common European cuttlefish. However, there is currently little standardisation on how best to keep and care for these animals when in captivity. Dr Gavan Cooke and Belinda Tonkins, Bangor University, investigated a range of husbandry and environmental factors and their effect on cuttlefish behaviour and welfare. To raise awareness of their findings, UFAW supported Dr Cooke in presenting their work at the 9th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences.
