Aquaculture Mortality Removal and Welfare

Dead and moribund fish in aquaculture represent a welfare and biosecurity challenge. Prompt mortality removal prevents suffering and disease spread.

Key Facts

Mortality rates of 5-20% are common in intensive salmon farming over a production cycle
Moribund fish (alive but severely compromised) are often indistinguishable from dead fish
Daily mortality removal is required in most certification schemes but is poorly monitored
Automated mortality detection systems using cameras and AI can identify dead fish faster
Sea lice infestation is a leading cause of chronic welfare deterioration and mortality

Welfare Considerations

Moribund fish experience significant suffering from disease, parasites or environmental stress. Without prompt identification and humane dispatch, these individuals endure prolonged deterioration. In large sea cages, individual fish welfare monitoring is extremely challenging. Underwater cameras with AI analysis can flag abnormal swimming or posture patterns indicative of compromised welfare. Prioritising early detection and prompt action for sick individuals - even in large-scale operations - is an achievable welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture welfare certification that mandates daily mortality inspection
Choose farmed fish from producers with documented sea lice management programmes
Advocate for adoption of underwater monitoring technology on large sea cage farms
Engage with Aquaculture Stewardship Council to strengthen mortality management standards
Reduce farmed fish consumption or choose certified welfare-verified products