Atlantic salmon farmed in open-net sea cages face welfare challenges including sea lice infestations, crowding stress, and treatment-related harm. Improving sea cage welfare is a major priority for aquaculture reform.
Sea cage salmon farming creates welfare challenges that are difficult to fully resolve within the open-water production model. Sea lice are a persistent problem requiring repeated treatments, each of which carries its own welfare costs. Crowding during harvest causes severe acute stress. While the industry has made improvements in lice monitoring, treatment protocols, and mortality reduction, the fundamental constraints of open-cage systems mean welfare compromises remain significant. Closed containment systems offer better welfare potential but face economic barriers to widespread adoption.