Aquaculture

Wild Salmon vs Farmed Salmon Welfare

A comparison of welfare outcomes for wild-caught versus farmed Atlantic salmon reveals distinct but different welfare challenges.

Key Facts

Wild salmon face exhausting migrations and spawning stress
Farmed salmon experience crowding, sea lice, and handling stress
Wild salmon welfare concerns center on bycatch and habitat
Farmed salmon welfare issues include density and disease

Welfare Considerations

Both wild and farmed salmon face significant welfare challenges. Wild salmon endure physiologically intense lives, while farmed salmon experience chronic stressors including high densities and repetitive handling. Neither system is straightforwardly better for welfare.

What You Can Do

Support improved farmed salmon welfare standards
Advocate for habitat protection for wild salmon
Ask retailers about welfare certification for farmed fish
Reduce consumption of salmon to minimize both risks