Arctic char are cold-adapted salmonids gaining importance in land-based aquaculture, with welfare needs shaped by their specialized ecology and sensitivity to environmental conditions.
Arctic char aquaculture is expanding as a relatively low-impact, high-welfare-potential alternative to more established salmon farming. Their compatibility with land-based systems removes some of the environmental contamination problems of net pen culture. However, welfare challenges remain including aggressive feeding behavior, crowding stress, and the need for precise environmental management. Recirculating system failures can cause rapid deterioration in water quality with acute mass welfare impacts. Aggression around feeding creates hierarchies in which subordinate fish receive inadequate nutrition and suffer repeated injuries. With appropriate management of feeding strategy, stocking density, and water quality, Arctic char can be raised under conditions that offer significantly better welfare than many other farmed fish species.