Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Pre-harvest Crowding Alternatives

Alternatives to pre-harvest crowding of farmed salmon can reduce acute welfare harm while maintaining operational efficiency.

Key Facts

Pump-based harvesting can reduce crowding time compared to traditional seine methods
Underwater cameras allow assessment of fish density before crowding
Reduced crowding density requirements are specified in some welfare certification schemes
Oxygen supplementation during crowding reduces hypoxic stress
Short-duration crowding at appropriate density and temperature causes less welfare harm

Welfare Considerations

Pre-harvest crowding causes acute stress in salmon that can be significantly reduced through operational modifications. The cumulative welfare benefit of reducing crowding stress across millions of farm harvests is substantial. Welfare certification requiring crowding protocols and equipment standards drives improvement across the industry.

What You Can Do

Support certification schemes with pre-harvest crowding welfare standards
Advocate for harvest protocol standards in salmon welfare regulation
Choose salmon from producers that disclose and monitor their harvest welfare practices