Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Welfare Challenges

Atlantic salmon farming is one of the world largest aquaculture industries, and growing evidence documents significant welfare problems in intensive production systems.

Key Facts

Norway produces over 1.5 million tonnes of farmed salmon annually
Farmed salmon are kept at densities far higher than they experience in the wild
Sea lice infestations are a major welfare and production problem in Atlantic salmon farms
Crowding causes chronic stress, fin damage, and aggressive interactions
Roughly 15-20% of farmed salmon die before reaching harvest weight

Welfare Considerations

Salmon are sentient vertebrates with complex behavioral needs including migration drives, territory establishment, and predator avoidance. High-density net pen farming thwarts all these needs. Sea lice treatments including chemical and mechanical methods cause additional acute stress. Emerging welfare indicators like eye-roll response and opercular beat rate allow for more objective welfare monitoring.

What You Can Do

Reduce consumption of farmed salmon or choose certified sustainable options
Support research into better welfare standards for aquaculture
Advocate for maximum stocking density regulations in salmon farming
Choose land-based recirculating aquaculture systems when available
Engage with retailers and restaurants to request higher welfare farmed seafood