Aquaculture

Aquaculture Land-Based RAS Welfare

Land-based recirculating aquaculture systems offer superior welfare control but require high capital and energy investment. Their expansion is transforming salmon and trout production welfare.

Key Facts

RAS recycles 95-99% of water enabling production anywhere regardless of water access
Closed system eliminates sea lice, escapes, and chemical discharge to the environment
Precise temperature and oxygen control enables optimization for fish welfare and growth
RAS stocking densities can be higher or lower than sea cages depending on operator decisions
Carbon footprint of RAS is higher than sea cages due to energy use, creating sustainability trade-offs

Welfare Considerations

RAS welfare potential is high but realized only when operators choose welfare-positive parameters rather than using the system's capacity to increase stocking beyond welfare thresholds. The technology enables excellent welfare; certification and management ethos determine whether that potential is realized. Consumer and regulatory pressure on stocking density within RAS systems ensures welfare benefits are not undermined.

What You Can Do

Choose RAS-produced fish where available and labeled as land-based
Ask producers about stocking density parameters in their RAS systems
Support certification of RAS operations requiring welfare-appropriate stocking and monitoring
Advocate for RAS adoption as a welfare transition pathway with appropriate welfare standards