Atlantic cod are one of the world's most historically important food fish, now increasingly farmed as wild populations recover from severe overfishing.
Atlantic cod welfare concerns span both wild-catch and aquaculture contexts. Wild-caught cod brought to the surface from depth suffer decompression injuries as swim bladders expand rapidly. Trawl capture involves prolonged crowding, crushing, and slow death by asphyxiation. In aquaculture, aggression management and appropriate stocking density are the primary welfare challenges. Humane slaughter standards — including electrical or percussive stunning before bleeding — are achievable and represent significant welfare improvements over current practice in most operations. Sustainable fisheries management that prevents boom-and-bust cycles also serves welfare by reducing the desperation harvesting that drives trawl intensity.