Aquaculture

Intensively Farmed Salmon and Welfare Standards

Atlantic salmon farming is one of the fastest-growing food sectors globally, with welfare standards that vary enormously between producers and nations.

Key Facts

Norway produces over half the world salmon supply from open-net marine cage farms
Stocking densities in farms can exceed 25 kg of fish per cubic meter of water
Crowding causes chronic stress, increased aggression, and suppressed immune function
Welfare-positive slaughter using percussive stunning is used by some but not all producers
Third-party welfare certification schemes for farmed salmon are growing but not universal

Welfare Considerations

Farmed salmon welfare varies from poor in high-density operations to significantly better in certified facilities with lower stocking, environmental enrichment, and humane slaughter. Consumer pressure and retailer commitments have driven welfare improvements in some producer markets. The key welfare indicators — mortality rates, sea lice burden, injury rates, and slaughter method — are available for audit.

What You Can Do

Choose salmon from producers with third-party aquaculture welfare certification
Ask retailers about the welfare standards of the salmon they source
Support legislation establishing minimum welfare standards for salmon aquaculture
Reduce salmon consumption to lower demand pressure on intensive production systems
Learn to interpret aquaculture certification labels and their welfare criteria