Welfare challenges for Atlantic cod and other wild-origin fish species transitioning to aquaculture production.
Atlantic cod aquaculture presents both welfare challenges and potential conservation benefits — reducing pressure on wild stocks while providing production. However, welfare problems in cod farming are significant. Wild-origin broodstock experience capture and handling stress. High stocking densities create the crowding stress and disease vulnerability common across finfish aquaculture. Sea lice management in cod requires interventions that create their own welfare costs. Without welfare standards developed specifically for cod aquaculture, the industry risks replicating the problems of salmon farming without the benefit of decades of welfare research. Pre-emptive welfare standards are the appropriate approach.