Farmed Salmon and Closed Containment Welfare

Land-based recirculating aquaculture systems eliminate sea lice, escape, and wild fish interaction — offering better welfare potential than open net cage systems for Atlantic salmon.

Key Facts

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) can produce salmon in freshwater or saltwater inland facilities
RAS eliminates sea lice infestation — no treatments needed, eliminating treatment-related welfare harms
Fish density in well-managed RAS can be similar to or lower than net cages
Energy intensity is higher — RAS salmon have a larger carbon footprint per kilogram
Several major producers are investing in RAS expansion including Post Farm in Germany and Atlantic Sapphire

Welfare Considerations

Closed containment salmon aquaculture represents a welfare improvement over open net pens in specific respects: elimination of sea lice and the harmful treatments they require, prevention of disease transmission from wild fish, and control of environmental parameters year-round. The welfare potential of RAS depends heavily on management quality — high stocking densities or poor water quality in RAS facilities can cause welfare problems equivalent to net cage systems. The technology creates welfare opportunity; management determines whether that opportunity is realized.

What You Can Do

Choose RAS-farmed salmon when available — look for land-based or closed containment labeling
Support investment in RAS technology development and cost reduction
Advocate for welfare standards specific to RAS systems
Donate to Fish Welfare Initiative research on RAS welfare optimization
Engage with aquaculture industry bodies about closed containment welfare standards