Aquaculture Welfare

Farmed Salmon Broodstock Welfare

Broodstock salmon welfare is a neglected area of aquaculture welfare science despite the importance of broodstock to production systems.

Key Facts

Broodstock salmon are held for extended periods to provide eggs and sperm for production
Spawning is induced artificially using hormone manipulation in most production systems
Stripping eggs and milt from anesthetised or restrained fish causes acute stress
Broodstock are held at lower densities than production fish but in other respects welfare varies
Research on optimal broodstock welfare conditions is limited relative to production fish

Welfare Considerations

Broodstock salmon welfare is often overlooked because these fish are few in number relative to production cohorts. However, they are held for extended periods in conditions designed around production efficiency rather than welfare. The welfare experience of broodstock salmon - including repeated handling for spawning - merits attention proportionate to the duration of their captive lives.

What You Can Do

Advocate for broodstock welfare standards to be included in salmon aquaculture certification
Support research on optimal broodstock welfare conditions in salmon farming
Engage with aquaculture organisations to raise the profile of broodstock welfare