Atlantic cod aquaculture has expanded as wild stocks declined, but cod welfare in captivity is compromised by cannibalism, disease, and behavioral frustration in species poorly adapted to high-density farming.
Cod aquaculture exemplifies the tension between conservation rationale — reducing pressure on wild stocks — and welfare costs of intensive captive production. Farmed cod experience chronic stress from high stocking densities, repeated grading to prevent cannibalism, and disease challenges that wild fish do not face. The species behavioral ecology as an active pursuit predator is fundamentally incompatible with high-density farming. Until production systems improve significantly, farmed cod welfare remains substantially compromised.