Atlantic cod farming is an emerging industry being developed as an alternative to declining wild cod stocks, raising welfare questions specific to this species.
Cod aquaculture presents species-specific welfare challenges that differ from the better-studied salmon industry. Cannibalism at hatchery stage causes significant mortality and injury. Density management and appropriate grading to minimise size variation reduces cannibalism. The development of cod welfare standards is lagging behind industry growth, creating a welfare research gap that needs addressing proactively.