Atlantic cod aquaculture is expanding as wild stocks recover, with welfare challenges from crowding, skin lesions, and fin damage requiring attention in developing industry standards.
Atlantic cod welfare science is less developed than salmon welfare research, leaving the growing industry without robust evidence-based standards. Cod experiencing skin lesions from aggression or equipment contact are in pain and at elevated disease risk. Schooling disruption from high density affects the social behavioral needs of these naturally gregarious fish. Establishing welfare standards for cod aquaculture before the industry scales significantly follows the precautionary principle and prevents the welfare failures that characterized early salmon farming.