Atlantic cod farming is growing as wild stocks recover slowly, and welfare science for this cold-water species is developing alongside the industry.
Cod aquaculture welfare science is at an earlier stage of development than salmon, reflecting the smaller scale of the industry and the more recent commercial interest in farming this species. As production expands, the welfare challenges of cold-water cage farming — cannibalism, spinal deformities, disease outbreaks, and pre-slaughter handling — need research-driven solutions and regulatory frameworks to address. The long production cycle means that cod spend more time in the farming environment than many other species, making welfare quality across the entire grow-out phase particularly important. Consumers choosing farmed cod as an alternative to depleted wild stocks should also be aware that choosing certified products drives welfare improvement alongside sustainability.