Atlantic salmon farming is a multi-billion dollar industry with widespread welfare problems that have attracted increasing scientific and regulatory attention.
Farmed salmon experience multiple simultaneous welfare challenges: sea lice infestations causing skin damage, high stocking densities causing chronic stress, treatment procedures that are themselves stressful, and inadequate slaughter practices. Fish welfare science has advanced rapidly, demonstrating that salmon feel pain and exhibit stress responses consistent with suffering. The Norwegian government has established welfare indicators and reporting requirements, but enforcement and improvement remain works in progress.