Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Crowding Stress

High stocking densities in salmon aquaculture cause chronic stress, injury, and disease, representing a major welfare challenge for millions of fish.

Key Facts

Scottish salmon farms can hold 25-50 kg of fish per cubic metre
Crowding triggers cortisol stress responses that suppress immunity
Fin erosion and wound rates increase significantly at high densities
Norway produces over 1.4 million tonnes of farmed salmon annually
The ASC standard sets density limits but enforcement varies

Welfare Considerations

Chronic crowding stress in salmon creates a welfare burden affecting tens of millions of animals. Elevated cortisol suppresses the immune system, making fish vulnerable to sea lice and bacterial infections that require treatment. Aggressive interactions increase at high densities, causing scale loss and fin damage that can become infected.

What You Can Do

Choose certified lower-density salmon products where available
Ask retailers about the stocking standards of their salmon suppliers
Support research into welfare-positive low-density salmon farming
Advocate for mandatory density reporting in aquaculture regulation
Consider reducing salmon consumption or choosing alternatives