Aquaculture Site Selection and Wild Fish Welfare

The location of aquaculture sites affects both farmed fish welfare and the welfare of wild fish in surrounding waters. Evidence-based site selection protects both.

Key Facts

Sea current strength affects waste dispersal and water quality around net pen sites
High-current sites have better water quality but may expose fish to temperature extremes
Proximity to wild salmon rivers increases the risk of farmed fish interbreeding with wild populations
Fallowing (leaving sites empty between production cycles) allows ecosystem recovery
Some countries require minimum distances between farms and between farms and sensitive habitats

Welfare Considerations

Aquaculture site selection determines both the welfare conditions available to farmed fish and the environmental impacts on wild fish populations in surrounding waters. Sites with inadequate current flow accumulate organic waste that degrades water quality and welfare for farmed fish. Proximity to wild fish populations — particularly salmon rivers — creates transmission risks for sea lice and diseases. Sites that are fallowed between production cycles allow seabed recovery and pathogen reduction. The welfare-positive approach to site selection considers both farmed fish welfare requirements and the protection of wild populations whose welfare and conservation value are also significant.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory environmental impact assessment for new aquaculture site applications
Advocate for fallowing requirements between production cycles on aquaculture sites
Choose salmon from farms with transparent site management and environmental data
Engage with planning consultations for new aquaculture sites in your region
Support research into optimal site selection criteria for welfare and environmental protection