Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Acoustic Stress and Marine Operations

Noise from boat engines, feeding systems and marine operations causes acoustic stress in farmed salmon.

Key Facts

Salmon have lateral line and inner ear sensory systems that detect sound and vibration
Boat engine noise from feeding and treatment vessels causes startle responses and abnormal schooling
Propeller wash during delousing treatments causes additional physical and acoustic stress
Acoustic deterrent devices used against predators affect farmed fish behaviour and welfare
Feed barge operations can be designed to minimise underwater noise propagation

Welfare Considerations

Acoustic stressors in sea cage environments are often overlooked but measurable. Repeated startle responses to vessel noise cause physiological stress and abnormal feeding behaviour. Minimising unnecessary vessel noise, using slow-speed approaches and considering acoustic impacts in equipment design are practical welfare improvements.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture certification that includes operational acoustic welfare standards
Advocate for acoustic impact assessment in sea cage operation permitting
Choose certified salmon from operations with noise management protocols
Support research into acoustic welfare impacts in sea cage aquaculture