Aquaculture

Atlantic Salmon Welfare in Scotland 2026: Progress and Challenges

Scottish Atlantic salmon farming is the UK most significant aquaculture sector, and welfare improvements in 2026 are driven by industry commitments, regulatory pressure, and consumer demand.

Key Facts

Scotland produces around 185,000 tonnes of Atlantic salmon annually
Sea lice remain the primary welfare challenge requiring ongoing management
Mortality rates vary significantly between well-managed and poorly managed operations
Salmon Scotland welfare commitments include sea lice benchmarking and mortality targets
ASC certification covers a growing proportion of Scottish salmon production

Welfare Considerations

Scottish salmon welfare has improved significantly with better sea lice management, improved slaughter practices, and greater welfare monitoring. Challenges remain including environmental variability, disease pressure, and the welfare impact of necessary treatments. Industry and regulatory commitment to welfare improvement is genuine but progress requires continued pressure.

What You Can Do

Choose ASC certified Scottish salmon where possible
Ask retailers about mortality rates and welfare commitments at suppliers
Support Salmon Scotland welfare initiative campaigns
Advocate for stronger regulatory welfare standards for salmon farming
Follow Marine Scotland regulatory developments on aquaculture welfare