Atlantic Salmon Farming Welfare: Current Standards and Challenges

Atlantic salmon farming is one of the largest aquaculture sectors globally, with significant welfare challenges including sea lice, crowding, and handling stress.

Key Facts

Norway produces 1.4 million tonnes of farmed Atlantic salmon annually
Stocking densities in sea pens can reach 25-34 kg per cubic metre
Sea lice infestations affect virtually all open-sea salmon farms
Operational mortality in Norwegian salmon farms averages 15-20% per production cycle
The RSPCA Assured scheme covers UK salmon farming with specific welfare standards

Welfare Considerations

Farmed salmon experience multiple welfare stressors: crowding reduces access to food and increases aggression; sea lice cause tissue damage; handling for treatment causes acute stress and physical injury; poor water quality impairs respiratory function. Mortality of 15-20% means millions of salmon die before slaughter. The welfare state of fish approaching mortality — lethargic, covered in sores, struggling to breathe — represents significant suffering. Improving welfare is inseparable from improving survivability and productivity.

What You Can Do

Choose ASC or RSPCA Assured certified salmon where available
Reduce farmed salmon consumption given ongoing welfare challenges
Support Salmon Scotland welfare improvement initiatives
Advocate for stocking density reductions and mandatory welfare monitoring
Engage with retailers about their salmon welfare standards and progress