Farm Animal Welfare

Aquaculture RAS Welfare Advanced

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) offer potential welfare benefits over sea cages but introduce new challenges requiring species-specific management.

Key Facts

RAS recycles up to 99% of water, enabling land-based fish farming with full environmental control
Salmon in RAS show lower sea lice burdens but can experience stress from water quality fluctuations
Ammonia, CO2, and oxygen levels require precise management to avoid welfare impacts
RAS allows stocking densities that, if poorly managed, can cause chronic crowding stress
RAS smolt production is increasingly common and welfare standards are being developed

Welfare Considerations

RAS provides a platform for high-welfare aquaculture if managed correctly, but its potential is not automatically realised; welfare monitoring and species-specific standards are essential.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture certification that includes RAS welfare standards
Advocate for welfare monitoring requirements in RAS facility licensing
Choose RAS-produced fish products with welfare certification where available