Atlantic salmon welfare is improving through regulatory pressure, certification standards, and technology, but significant challenges remain in the world's most scrutinised aquaculture species.
Atlantic salmon welfare has improved substantially over the past two decades through scientific research, regulatory development, and market-driven standards. Key advances include mandatory pre-slaughter stunning, reduced chemical lice treatments, and welfare-based stocking density limits. Remaining challenges include chronic sea lice pressure causing fish stress and tissue damage, and the ongoing development of RAS systems that eliminate lice but require new welfare management approaches. The alignment of consumer, retailer, and regulatory pressure creates a favourable environment for continued improvement, but progress requires sustained attention from all stakeholders.