Aquaculture

Farmed Cod Emerging Aquaculture

Atlantic cod farming is re-emerging after earlier commercial failures, with welfare challenges including cannibalism, light sensitivity, and disease management specific to this species.

Key Facts

Cod farming was commercially attempted in Norway and Iceland in the 2000s but largely failed
New land-based RAS systems are enabling renewed cod farming with better environmental control
Juvenile cod are cannibalistic and require grading and size-separation for survival
Cod are photosensitive and require careful light management for normal development
Disease challenges including vibriosis remain significant in cod aquaculture

Welfare Considerations

Cod aquaculture welfare requires specific attention to cannibalism, light, and disease. Lessons from previous commercial failures must inform welfare-centred system design.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards development specific to cod aquaculture
Monitor welfare outcomes in emerging cod farming systems with scientific scrutiny
Raise awareness of species-specific welfare needs in new aquaculture development
Advocate for welfare assessment before commercial scaling of new farmed species