Atlantic cod aquaculture has faced commercial challenges but represents an important test case for welfare standards in a historically overfished species.
Atlantic cod aquaculture welfare research provides useful insights into what cod need for acceptable welfare conditions. Light management is particularly important — cod show disrupted behavior and photoperiod-dependent feeding patterns that are affected by net pen lighting. Stocking density management affects both welfare and cannibalism rates, particularly for juveniles. Cold water temperature requirements create infrastructure challenges for aquaculture in warmer regions. The commercial difficulties of cod aquaculture have actually provided welfare data, as research identified the specific conditions needed for cod welfare. The long-term welfare outcome for Atlantic cod at species level may depend more on wild stock recovery through fishing restrictions than aquaculture development.