Atlantic cod aquaculture is developing as wild stocks remain depleted. Welfare challenges in early life stages, cannibalism, and disease require careful management.
Atlantic cod aquaculture welfare faces species-specific challenges that have contributed to the limited commercial success of cod farming to date. Intense cannibalism in larvae requires careful size grading to prevent welfare problems. The cold-water preference of cod creates energy cost challenges in temperate aquaculture. Disease susceptibility has caused significant welfare problems in commercial trials. However, cod aquaculture also offers potential conservation benefits by reducing pressure on wild stocks if welfare challenges can be overcome. Research programmes continue to improve understanding of cod welfare needs in captive systems, with gradual improvements in survival rates and production economics.