Atlantic salmon farming is one of the largest and most welfare-problematic aquaculture industries. Understanding the welfare challenges and reform pathways matters for advocates and consumers.
Salmon farming at industrial scale creates chronic welfare problems that are difficult to resolve within the net pen model. Sea lice — parasites that thrive in dense farm conditions — cause painful skin lesions and physiological stress. High stocking densities prevent normal swimming behaviour and create social competition that elevates stress. Gill disease, a major welfare and mortality problem, is linked to management conditions. Slaughter methods including live chilling cause prolonged distress. Reform pathways include lower stocking densities, mandatory stunning at slaughter, integrated pest management for lice, and closed containment systems. Consumer pressure and certification standards are beginning to drive improvement.