Aquaculture

Farmed Fish Fin Erosion and Welfare

Fin erosion in farmed fish is a widespread welfare indicator reflecting poor water quality, crowding, and aggression.

Key Facts

Fin erosion affects a majority of salmon in many farming operations
Bacterial infections spread along damaged fin tissue causing systemic disease
Fin erosion scores correlate with crowding stress and water quality
Recovery from fin erosion is possible with improved conditions

Welfare Considerations

Farmed fish with fin erosion experience chronic low-grade infection at erosion sites, reduced swimming performance, and social disadvantage in competitive feeding. Fin erosion is a visible indicator of underlying welfare problems including crowding and poor water quality. Operations with high fin erosion scores require conditions improvements rather than treatment alone.

What You Can Do

Support salmon certified to welfare standards with fin condition assessments
Advocate for fin erosion scoring to be included in aquaculture certification
Buy fish from operations with transparent welfare reporting
Back research into conditions preventing fin erosion in aquaculture