A growing toolkit of welfare indicators for farmed salmon enables farmers, auditors, and consumers to assess salmon welfare objectively rather than relying on vague assurances.
Welfare indicators work by translating the fish's welfare state into observable, measurable outcomes. A high cataract score tells us that many fish are experiencing visual impairment — a significant welfare deficit for a predatory species. High wound scores indicate inadequate handling protocols. Gill health scores correlate with respiratory stress. These indicators enable farm-level accountability and give consumers, retailers, and regulators objective evidence to distinguish better and worse welfare practice. The challenge is integrating them into supply chain requirements rather than leaving them as voluntary tools.