Atlantic cod aquaculture has expanded as wild cod stocks have declined, with the welfare of farmed cod presenting distinct challenges including crowding-induced aggression and handling stress.
Farmed Atlantic cod welfare presents challenges specific to a carnivorous, aggressive species adapted to cold, deep water. High stocking densities trigger aggression and cannibalism; the solution requires adequate space, appropriate feeding strategies, and structural complexity that reduces dominance hierarchies. Temperature management is critical as cod are cold-water adapted. The welfare science base for cod is less mature than for salmon, creating uncertainty about optimal conditions. As the industry develops, investing in welfare research alongside production optimisation will be essential.