Aquaculture

Comprehensive Salmon Welfare in Aquaculture

Atlantic salmon welfare in aquaculture is a complex, multi-factorial issue with challenges across the entire production cycle.

Key Facts

Atlantic salmon is the most valuable aquaculture species in Europe
Norway produces over 1.5 million tonnes of farmed salmon annually
Key welfare challenges include sea lice, crowding, slaughter methods, and handling stress
Salmon display pain and stress responses similar to other vertebrates
The Norwegian Salmon Welfare Index provides a validated measure of farm-level welfare

Welfare Considerations

Atlantic salmon welfare encompasses challenges at every stage of the production cycle, from smolt production and sea transfer through sea pen management, treatments, and slaughter. Sea lice, crowding stress, harvest handling, and slaughter methods all carry significant welfare implications. A systems approach to salmon welfare that addresses all phases of production is needed to make meaningful improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose salmon with credible welfare certification that covers the full production cycle
Support salmon welfare research and the development of validated welfare indicators
Advocate for mandatory welfare standards across the salmon aquaculture supply chain
Raise awareness about the complexity and importance of salmon welfare with consumers
Support transition to land-based salmon farming systems that eliminate key welfare challenges