Farmed Cod Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

The welfare challenges in Atlantic cod aquaculture and efforts to improve farming standards.

Key Facts

Atlantic cod farming has been trialled for decades but remains a small fraction of total cod supply
Cod are highly susceptible to stress during handling and transport, showing strong cortisol responses
Aggression and cannibalism are common in cod farming at high densities, causing injury and mortality
Cod require well-oxygenated, cool water and are highly sensitive to temperature increases
Cataracts are prevalent in farmed cod, linked to diet and light conditions in culture systems
Welfare research on cod is informing improved husbandry protocols across the sector

Welfare Considerations

Atlantic cod present significant welfare challenges in aquaculture. Their high sensitivity to handling stress, tendency toward intraspecific aggression, and susceptibility to cataract development under inappropriate lighting and feeding conditions create welfare risks that standard intensive systems do not adequately address. The relatively small scale of cod farming compared to salmon means that welfare research has lagged behind, and best practice guidelines are still developing. Consumer preference for sustainably sourced fish can encourage industry investment in welfare improvements.

What You Can Do

Choose farmed cod only from certified operations with documented welfare and health records
Support research initiatives focused on cod-specific welfare standards in aquaculture
Advocate for light management and dietary protocols proven to reduce cataract prevalence in farmed cod
Encourage aquaculture certification bodies to develop cod-specific welfare criteria
Raise awareness that cod welfare is an active area of concern in the aquaculture industry