Aquatic Animals

Aquaculture Net Pen Welfare

Net pen aquaculture for salmon and other fish involves high densities of fish in floating cages, with welfare implications from crowding and environmental conditions.

Key Facts

Atlantic salmon farming in net pens occurs primarily in Norway, Chile, Canada, and Scotland
Stocking densities can reach 20-25 kg per cubic meter
Diseases including infectious salmon anemia can devastate net pen farms
Escaped farmed salmon interbreed with wild populations affecting genetic diversity

Welfare Considerations

Fish in net pen aquaculture experience welfare challenges from high density, disease, parasite exposure, and handling for treatments. Their welfare is largely determined by water quality, stocking density, and disease management. Improved welfare protocols and closed containment systems can significantly reduce suffering in aquaculture fish.

What You Can Do

Choose salmon certified to standards requiring lower stocking densities
Support transition from open net pen to closed containment aquaculture
Advocate for welfare standards in aquaculture certification
Reduce farmed salmon consumption or choose alternatives