Rainbow trout are the most widely farmed salmonid globally, with welfare science revealing that stocking density, water quality, and handling practices profoundly affect their physical and behavioural health.
Trout welfare has received growing scientific attention as evidence of salmonid sentience has strengthened. These fish have nociceptors, show avoidance learning, and display behaviours consistent with pain experience. Welfare improvements in trout farming include lower stocking densities, higher water turnover rates, improved stunning protocols, and monitoring systems that detect early signs of disease and stress through behavioural algorithms. Consumer-facing certification schemes now include trout-specific welfare criteria.