Aquaculture Welfare

Salmon Lumpfish Welfare in Sea Cages

Lumpfish are used as biological sea lice control in salmon cages but face significant welfare challenges including fin erosion, starvation, and inability to feed effectively.

Key Facts

Lumpfish use adhesive discs to attach to surfaces and naturally inhabit shallow rocky reefs
In sea cages, lumpfish survival is often poor with mortality rates frequently exceeding 50%
Fin erosion from cage contact and inappropriate substrate is a common welfare problem
Many lumpfish fail to feed on sea lice effectively in commercial cage conditions
Welfare standards for lumpfish as cleaner fish are underdeveloped relative to salmon

Welfare Considerations

Lumpfish are sentient animals with specific welfare needs that are frequently not met in commercial sea cage conditions. Their use as biological pest control should be accompanied by welfare standards that ensure their own welfare is adequately protected.

What You Can Do

Advocate for welfare standards for cleaner fish species used in salmon farming
Support research into lumpfish behaviour and needs to inform better husbandry
Choose salmon certified to schemes that include cleaner fish welfare requirements