Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) aquaculture has grown in Norway and Iceland as wild stocks recover. Understanding cod welfare helps develop humane farming practices for this historically important species.
Atlantic cod welfare in aquaculture faces challenges rooted in the species' biology. Cod are bottom-dwelling ambush predators in the wild, but in cages they must compete actively for food at the surface — a behavioral mismatch that causes chronic stress for subordinate individuals. Cannibalism of smaller individuals is a significant mortality and welfare concern in grower cages, requiring careful size-grading. Cataracts, which affect a high proportion of farmed cod, compromise visual feeding ability and are linked to nutritional deficiencies and UV light exposure. Skeletal deformities reduce quality of life and feed conversion. The industry is working to develop validated welfare indicators for cod comparable to those established for salmon. Until then, applying the precautionary principle and following best practice husbandry guidelines is essential.