Arctic char are cold-water salmonids farmed primarily in Iceland and Canada. Their specific temperature requirements and welfare needs in production systems are reviewed here.
Arctic char aquaculture has some inherent welfare advantages over Atlantic salmon farming. The freshwater and cold-water production environment eliminates sea lice — the most significant welfare challenge in marine salmon farming. Lower natural aggression levels compared to Atlantic salmon reduce the agonistic interaction welfare burden in production systems. These characteristics make Arctic char aquaculture potentially more welfare-compatible than marine salmon farming for equivalent production levels.
Temperature management is the critical welfare requirement for Arctic char. Temperatures above 15°C cause stress responses, immune suppression, and reduced welfare — in warmer seasons, active cooling systems or cold water sourcing is welfare-essential. Iceland's abundance of cold freshwater makes it a natural production location with inherent welfare advantages in temperature management.