Aquatic Animal Welfare

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems: Welfare Potential

Land-based recirculating aquaculture systems offer improved welfare control compared to sea cages by enabling better management of water quality, disease, and stocking density.

Key Facts

RAS systems recycle up to 99% of water making them highly resource-efficient
Disease management in RAS is easier than in open sea cages reducing chemical treatment needs
RAS allows precise control of temperature, oxygen, and feeding conditions
Capital costs of RAS are high but operational welfare control advantages are significant
Salmon and trout RAS production is scaling commercially in multiple countries

Welfare Considerations

Recirculating aquaculture systems represent the most welfare-controllable form of fish farming, enabling precise management of the key welfare variables including water quality, stocking density, and disease pressure. The higher cost of RAS relative to sea cages is a barrier to scaling, but welfare certification premiums and regulatory preference for welfare-positive systems are improving economic viability.

What You Can Do

Choose salmon and trout from RAS facilities where available and labeled
Support policies that provide incentives for welfare-positive aquaculture systems
Advocate for aquaculture welfare standards that reward RAS systems
Donate to fish welfare organizations promoting RAS adoption