I noticed that AIM has recommended 0 aquatic animal charities in 2026, 1 in 2025 and 0 in 2022-2024.
Curious if either of you (or AIM researchers) have thoughts on why that is, and to what degree that is an indicator of a lack of high-EV, foundable (e.g. talent exists) projects in the space.
Thanks for flagging those! I think my original point probably still stands regarding more projects for different species etc., since the incubated projects are from the existing recommended ideas list.
To build on Michael’s point—AIM has been recommending “Fish Welfare Initiative in a new country” since at least 2023. And another fish welfare charity in Europe can be thought of as taking Shrimp Welfare Project’s model and applying it to fishes.
For (what became) Scale Welfare, my understanding is that many potential co-founder pairings fell apart due to the time needed in country (and I would also guess that the Program attracts people who want to start something new, and founding a similar project isn’t as exciting as something brand new).
I also think a main reason AIM probably aren’t recommending more is because of their modest prioritization value, and wanting to recommend charities that maximise impact over a range of worldviews. I imagine there probably could be a world where AIM exclusively incubated aquatic animal welfare projects, but they (understandably) have epistemic uncertainty about this.
(There’s also probably an argument that the ecosystem can only really accommodate 1-2 new projects per year, and not a flood of new projects all at once).
I noticed that AIM has recommended 0 aquatic animal charities in 2026, 1 in 2025 and 0 in 2022-2024.
Curious if either of you (or AIM researchers) have thoughts on why that is, and to what degree that is an indicator of a lack of high-EV, foundable (e.g. talent exists) projects in the space.
FWIW, since 2022 (so after SWP and FWI), I count:
Scale Welfare (founded in 2025, but I think the idea was recommended for a few years?)
A charity working on fish welfare in Europe (founded in 2024), not listed on their website
Another working on fish started because of AIM in 2023, but not an official incubatee and not listed on their website.
Thanks for flagging those! I think my original point probably still stands regarding more projects for different species etc., since the incubated projects are from the existing recommended ideas list.
To build on Michael’s point—AIM has been recommending “Fish Welfare Initiative in a new country” since at least 2023. And another fish welfare charity in Europe can be thought of as taking Shrimp Welfare Project’s model and applying it to fishes.
For (what became) Scale Welfare, my understanding is that many potential co-founder pairings fell apart due to the time needed in country (and I would also guess that the Program attracts people who want to start something new, and founding a similar project isn’t as exciting as something brand new).
I also think a main reason AIM probably aren’t recommending more is because of their modest prioritization value, and wanting to recommend charities that maximise impact over a range of worldviews. I imagine there probably could be a world where AIM exclusively incubated aquatic animal welfare projects, but they (understandably) have epistemic uncertainty about this.
(There’s also probably an argument that the ecosystem can only really accommodate 1-2 new projects per year, and not a flood of new projects all at once).
Thanks Aaron, this is really insightful!