Aquatic Animals

Environmental Enrichment for Farmed Fish

Farmed fish in enriched environments show better welfare outcomes; enrichment research is identifying practical improvements for commercial aquaculture.

Key Facts

Salmon in enriched tanks with substrate show reduced aggression and injury
Shelter structures reduce crowding-related stress in farmed fish
Flow and current variation increases activity and reduces stereotypic behavior
Color and light variation improve behavioral diversity in farmed Atlantic salmon

Welfare Considerations

Environmental enrichment for farmed fish is a relatively new area of welfare science with promising early results. Fish in enriched environments show reduced aggression, lower injury rates, more behavioral diversity, and better growth. Simple enrichments including substrate provision, shelter structures, and flow variation are cost-effective to implement. Scaling enrichment research to commercial systems is an active area of welfare science.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture enrichment research programs
Advocate for enrichment requirements in aquaculture welfare standards
Choose certified aquaculture products from operations with enrichment commitments
Follow developments in fish enrichment science as it applies to commercial systems