Dissolved oxygen management during salmon farming operations is a critical welfare parameter as crowding and warm water rapidly deplete available oxygen.
Oxygen depletion is one of the most significant acute welfare risks in salmon aquaculture. Fish in hypoxic water experience physiological distress and in severe cases asphyxiation. The risk is highest during crowding operations when fish density and metabolic demand peak simultaneously. Continuous monitoring and supplementation represent essential welfare infrastructure rather than optional enhancements. The salmon industry's adoption of electronic monitoring and automatic oxygen injection has improved welfare significantly but requires consistent maintenance and calibration to be effective.