Aquaculture Welfare

Farmed Salmon Sea Cage Density and Welfare

How stocking density in sea cage salmon farming affects welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Norwegian regulations cap salmon stocking density at 25kg per cubic metre, but welfare impacts begin at lower densities
Higher densities increase fin damage, scale loss, aggression, and disease transmission risk
Welfare indicators including fin condition and wound scores worsen progressively with increasing density
Lower density farming requires more sea space or land-based systems, with associated cost implications

Welfare Considerations

Sea cage density is a primary determinant of salmon welfare, directly affecting their ability to perform natural behaviours, avoid aggression, and maintain physical condition. Density reductions are among the most impactful individual welfare improvements available to the industry.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture certification that sets density limits below regulatory maximum
Advocate for density reduction as a welfare standard in national aquaculture strategy
Choose salmon certified by schemes that specify maximum stocking density and welfare monitoring