Atlantic salmon farming is a major global industry with significant welfare challenges. Science is driving improvements in how these sentient fish are managed.
Farmed salmon welfare has become a focal point for aquaculture welfare science because of the scale of production and the growing evidence for salmonid sentience. Sea lice management represents the most widespread and chronic welfare challenge, requiring either chemical treatments with their own welfare and environmental costs or biological control through cleaner fish with separate welfare needs. Crowding during feeding, grading, and vaccination procedures causes significant acute stress. Progress is being made through welfare assessment tools, improved slaughter protocols, and reduced peak stocking densities, but much remains to be done across the global industry.