Aquaculture

Salmon Aquaculture Climate Adaptation Welfare

Climate change is altering sea temperatures and ocean conditions for farmed salmon, creating new welfare challenges that require proactive adaptation strategies.

Key Facts

Sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic have risen 1-2 degrees C since 1990
Warmer waters accelerate sea lice reproduction and proliferation
Harmful algal blooms causing respiratory damage in salmon are increasing in frequency
High temperatures reduce dissolved oxygen availability causing chronic stress
Norwegian salmon mortality rates are increasing partly due to climate-related challenges

Welfare Considerations

Climate change is making salmon aquaculture welfare more challenging through multiple mechanisms simultaneously. Adaptation strategies must address thermal stress, lice, algal blooms, and oxygen simultaneously to prevent compounding welfare impacts.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture research into climate-adapted salmon strains
Advocate for emergency contingency plans for harmful algal bloom events
Choose salmon from producers demonstrating climate adaptation welfare planning
Learn about climate change impacts on aquaculture to contextualise welfare labelling