Aquaculture Salmon Welfare Scotland Advanced

Scottish salmon aquaculture operates under developing welfare regulations - advancing standards improves welfare for millions of fish.

Key Facts

Scotland produces approximately 180,000 tonnes of Atlantic salmon annually making it a global production leader
The Scottish Government's Salmon Interactions Working Group has addressed sea lice and wild fish interactions
RSPCA Assured salmon certification covers approximately 15% of Scottish production
Sea lice burdens on farmed salmon cause welfare harm and threaten wild salmon through infestation
Mortality rates in Scottish salmon farms are published by Marine Scotland providing some welfare transparency
Welfare regulation is developing through the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act framework

Welfare Considerations

Scottish salmon welfare represents both a significant current problem and an opportunity for meaningful improvement. The scale of production means even small percentage improvements in welfare affect millions of individual fish. Stronger statutory welfare requirements, mortality rate reduction targets, and pre-slaughter welfare standards are the priority areas for regulatory development.

What You Can Do

Choose RSPCA Assured or ASC-certified Scottish salmon when purchasing
Support Scottish Government consultations on farmed fish welfare regulation
Ask retailers about the welfare standards of Scottish salmon they source
Advocate for publication of welfare outcome data by all Scottish salmon farms
Support Fish Welfare Initiative and OneKind campaigns for improved salmon welfare regulation in Scotland