Aquaculture

Salmon Aquaculture Welfare: Key Challenges

Farmed Atlantic salmon face multiple welfare challenges including sea lice, crowding, injury, and welfare-compromising treatment methods.

Key Facts

Norway produces 1.5 million tonnes of farmed salmon annually — the largest in the world
Crowding stress in salmon pens suppresses immune function and increases disease susceptibility
Cataracts affect up to 80% of farmed salmon, linked to nutritional deficiencies
RSPCA Assured salmon certification requires 3-5% lower stocking density and sea lice monitoring

Welfare Considerations

Salmon are migratory fish evolved for open ocean ranging. Pen confinement creates chronic crowding stress measurable in elevated cortisol. Injury rates from handling, mechanical delousing, and conspecific aggression are high. The industry is aware of welfare challenges and some producers have made significant improvements, but baseline welfare in standard intensive systems remains poor.

What You Can Do

Choose RSPCA Assured, ASC certified, or equivalent higher-welfare salmon
Ask retailers about their salmon welfare standards and supplier auditing
Reduce salmon consumption or shift to plant-based alternatives
Support research into recirculating aquaculture systems that may improve welfare outcomes