Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Deformity Rate Monitoring

Skeletal deformities in farmed Atlantic salmon are common, reducing welfare and indicating problems with hatchery conditions and genetics.

Key Facts

Jaw deformities, spinal curvature, and fin abnormalities are the main types
Deformity rates can reach 10-20% in some commercial hatcheries
Early thermal stress during egg incubation increases deformity rates
Nutritional deficiencies in vitamin C and phosphorus contribute to skeletal problems
Deformed fish experience impaired feeding, swimming, and social interactions

Welfare Considerations

Skeletal deformities cause chronic pain and impaired function in affected salmon throughout their lives. High deformity rates are a welfare and economic failure. Improved hatchery practices, nutrition, and genetic selection reduce both incidence and suffering.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture certification requiring deformity rate monitoring
Advocate for hatchery welfare standards that include deformity reduction targets
Choose salmon from certified producers with transparent production records