Aquaculture Welfare

Salmon Welfare and Broodstock Management

Broodstock salmon used for egg and sperm collection face specific welfare challenges. Managing these fish well protects both broodstock welfare and the quality of production.

Key Facts

Broodstock fish are maintained in freshwater facilities and used for genetic selection
Stripping procedures for egg and sperm collection involve significant handling stress
Anaesthesia before stripping reduces handling stress and improves welfare
Broodstock fish are typically killed after stripping, requiring humane killing methods
Genetic selection of broodstock affects welfare traits in offspring over generations

Welfare Considerations

Broodstock welfare influences both individual fish welfare during captivity and the welfare of many thousands of offspring through genetic selection. Investment in broodstock welfare is thus a highly leveraged welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support certified salmon from operations with transparent broodstock welfare protocols
Advocate for anaesthesia as standard practice for broodstock handling procedures
Learn about broodstock management and its welfare implications
Support research into welfare-positive broodstock management approaches